MRes Biotechnology and Biodesign

Our Biotechnology and Biodesign MRes provides a foundation into how design and engineering approaches are used in the creation of new biotechnological processes and products.

About this course

Advances in biotechnology, computing, and laboratory automation are being coupled with design thinking approaches to engineer biological systems that may produce more sustainable products than traditional manufacturing. Examples include:

the production of synthetic meat substitutes
dairy-free milk
adaptive building materials
petroleum-replacement products
designer antimicrobial compounds
smart drug delivery systems

Our Biotechnology and Biodesign MRes:

provides a foundation in design thinking approaches
covers recent developments in applied biotechnology
provides an opportunity to develop and refine your laboratory skills
provides the opportunity to develop your own research project.

What you'll learn

Throughout the course, you will gain an advanced understanding of:

scientific concepts and practices that underpin industrial biotechnology
principles of design thinking and project design
scientific concepts of the role of recombinant DNA technology in both fundamental research and applied technology
the role of microorganisms in the search and discovery of commercially significant natural products
the role of biotechnology in agriculture and commercial enterprise
control and modelling concepts and their application in bioprocessing systems
statistical concepts and theory and their application in process engineering
advanced practical skills in molecular biological techniques, handling microorganisms and data analysis.

Your development

You will cover the foundational principles of design thinking in the context of biodesign. You will also develop skills in:

handling microorganisms and plants
molecular biology techniques
data analysis
preparation of research proposals and product pitches
laboratory automation

During the MRes, you will be based within the Centre for Biological Systems Engineering and the Plant and Microbial Biology research group. You’ll participate in research group meetings and the seminar programme within the School. The group has a large cohort of PhD students, allowing you to experience a research-intensive study environment.