MRes Biomolecular Technology

Focusing upon technical knowledge and practical skills, this MRes is ideal for:

The effective roll out of vaccines against Covid is the result of effective macromolecular design monitored by accurate measurement.

This programme is taught in conjunction with leading biopharma/healthcare and food companies such as:

Projects are currently available in the following areas:

The 120 credit research dissertation is a main feature of the course. You will also undertake a group mini project which can be done in the National Centre for Macromolecular Hydrodynamics/Biomaterials Laboratories.

The award of MRes requires 180 credits for completion. The course consists of:

The group mini-project (Autumn semester) will be based on characterising:

(i) an antibody related fragment

or

(ii) a vaccine related polysaccharide

The 120 credit research dissertation (Spring semester and Summer period) can be in one of the following general areas:

It can be done in conjunction wholly or partly with industry, and it can involve an industrial placement. Placements in industry will be subject to meeting academic requirements. The project will be initiated in consultation with an industrial supervisor and the project officer before the start of the spring semester, so you can find the necessary background information about the project and company.

This module can also be done by distance learning and research in an approved laboratory.

The dissertation is done in two parts:

You will also give a presentation of your research dissertation followed by a viva voce examination. To obtain the MRes, you are required to pass the taught modules and the research dissertation module.

The majority of modules can also be studied remotely, meaning you can complete the MRes alongside other work commitments. The student scoring the top overall module score wins the Beckman-Coulter Prize. Students scoring a mark of 70% or above will receive the Wyatt-Technology UK Prize.

Students starting in October will take 50 credits of compulsory modules and choose 10 credits of optional modules. The 120 credits of research will take place in the Spring semester and Summer period.

Gain a firm understanding of the basic chemistry behind the properties of biomolecules - properties which underpin their behaviour in vivo - and their technology, and some of the techniques used to characterise their size. You will learn about biomolecular structure, properties and function relevant to industry or in a biomedical environment.

The aim of this module is to familiarise and gain experience with laboratory-based techniques employed in the biomaterial, pharma and food industries. For each technique, the physical principle will be presented alongside with key practical methods and case studies of techniques’ applications to characterise material, molecular and physical properties.

In addition the course covers a number of professional skills associated with experimental work.

This module will provide practical experience in basic laboratory techniques including microbiological methods (media preparation, sterile technique, growth measurement etc), basic biochemical methods (buffer preparation and centrifugation) and molecular biological techniques (preparation and analysis of DNA). Practical work will be supported by lectures to provide an understanding of the basis of the techniques, the limitations of the methods and the appropriate methods of analysis.

You will learn how knowledge of carbohydrate, or “glycan”, based biotechnology can be applied to solve problems in an industrial and biomedical setting. This includes polysaccharides, glycoconjugates and other related macromolecular drug delivery systems, "Smart" hydrogel and encapsulation and controlled release technologies, and therapeutic polysaccharides.

Examples will include mucoadhesive systems (you will also learn about mucin glycoproteins and their importance in health and disease), glycan fibre for healthy gut, glycoconjugate vaccines (against bacteria and Covid-19), industrial processing aspects and the role of glycans in herbal medicines. Also, the use of techniques like DLS and viscometry and other patent approved technologies to monitor their molecular integrity and properties.

This module will provide you with an understanding of how antibody biotechnology can be applied to solve problems in an industrial and biomedical context. It will cover the following: antibody structure and function, monoclonal antibodies, IgE and its receptors, the immunoglobulin system, the structure of immunoglobulins and their complexes with antigen, solution structure and properties of antibodies, and other related topics.

The research module can be in one of the following general areas:

It can be done in conjunction wholly or partly with industry, and it can involve an industrial placement. The placement/project will be initiated in consultation with an industrial supervisor and the placement/project officer before the start of the Spring semester, so you can find the necessary background information about the project and company.

This module can also be done by distance learning and research in an approved laboratory.

The dissertation is done in two parts:

You will also have research tutorials, and give a presentation of your research followed by a viva voce examination.

Choose 10 credits from:

This module aims to provide you with the skills, knowledge and practical experience required to respond to the challenges involved in managing, commercialising and marketing technological innovation and new business development.

This module is designed to provide a forum to overview and discuss current developments in genetics. You will contribute in workshops covering aspects of modern genetics, human genetics, evolution and population genetics with case studies. You will also receive training in key skills in bioinformatics.

The school believes that formal training and guidance are critical components of the postgraduate experience and have developed specific and generic training which are available for all postgraduates.

Project-related training is provided by the supervisors (including the industrial supervisor) and other staff within the school. You will have frequent contact with your supervisor, often on a weekly or even daily basis, and there is a formal requirement for at least 10 recorded meetings per year.

Teaching is typically delivered by professors, associate and assistant professors. Some practical laboratory sessions and research projects may be supported by postdoctoral research fellows.