Master of Science - Molecular Biotechnology with Advanced Research

University of Hertfordshire

Intended for graduates of the biological and biosciences, this course provides specialist knowledge of molecular biology and biotechnology. This exciting and fast-moving area of bioscience is having an enormous impact on biotechnology. Analysis and manipulation of genes and genomes have provided the foundation for the development of new diagnostic methods, biological drugs and improved enzymes and proteins. New vaccines, synthetic antibodies and improved crops have also benefitted from advances in molecular biotechnology.

Students will gain a thorough understanding of molecular biology, genetics, cell biology and protein science. Students are taught advanced techniques in recombinant DNA technology, protein analysis, genomics and bioinformatics. They’ll study the latest plant and animal genome sequencing projects, gene-editing technology, next-generation DNA sequencing, high throughput analysis and bioinformatic data analysis. Students will gain a critical understanding of applied molecular technologies for improvements in plant and animal systems. They’ll research progressive areas such as metabolic engineering and surface display systems.

This course has a strong practical basis giving students training in research methods and experience of laboratory and bioinformatics techniques. These include gene knockout methods and next-generation sequencing analysis. There are excellent facilities for biomolecular analysis, including cell culture, DNA and protein manipulation. Plus, students will have access to the latest equipment for PCR, qPCR and 2D protein gel analysis systems for use in laboratory experiments and project work.