Programme summary for BSc (Hons) Medical Biotechnology
About the programme
With the advent of molecular biology and molecular genetics biotechnology has entered an exciting new phase, producing new products and processes that have a positive influence on society. Medical biotechnology is a set of biological techniques, in particular recombinant DNA techniques, developed through basic research and now applied to research and product development in medicine. This is one of the many bioscience programmes run by the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience.
Programme structure
Students follow a 4-year sandwich degree programme or a 3-year full-time programme. The programme can also be taken in part-time mode with a minimum completion time of 4.5 years.
At Level 1 essential biochemistry and microbiology for Medical Biotechnology is introduced in modules on Cellular Biology, Cellular Processes and Microbiology. Skills for Biosciences provides general background and study skills. The other recommended modules are Human Health and Disease and Human Physiology.
At Level 2 six modules are essential: Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, Physiological Function and Dysfunction, Medical Microbiology and Practical and Employability Skills.
The third year of study can be spent away from the University in an agreed work placement. The 4-year Sandwich programme offers a year working in a laboratory and may be in a hospital, research institution or in a medical, industrial or food company. Though most placements are in the London area, some are available nationwide and sometimes abroad.
Successful completion of your work experience will appear on your degree transcript. You also have the opportunity to take a work-based learning module which can contribute to your final degree classification.
At Level 3 we cover specialist areas of molecular biology and genetic engineering in greater depth. In semester A, students study the first Medical Biotechnology module which aims to build on the student’s knowledge and understanding of recombinant DNA technology, and molecular analysis of disease. The other taught module in this semester opens up the new field of Bioinformatics and Genomics and includes the latest developments in genomics and proteomics. A double module Individual Research Project, spanning both semesters, is also begun at the beginning of semester A and completed during semester B. This is usually a small piece of laboratory-based research work carried out under the direction of a member of the academic staff and written up in the form of a scientific paper. In semester B students take two further taught modules. One of these, Medical Biotechnology 2 introduces protein engineering in medicine and also other applications of biotechnology such as DNA profiling and vaccine production. The second semester B module, Applied Immunology, investigates clinical problems associated with the immune system and the production of recombinant antibodies.
Career opportunities
The qualification opens many opportunities within and outside medical biotechnology such as, for example: laboratory-based work in hospitals, research institutes, industrial and pharmaceutical laboratories; research and development consultancy; higher degrees in biotechnology (MSc, PhD); further study in other disciplines, eg, MSc/MBA; nursing, physiotherapy, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy; or teacher training (eg, enrol on PGCE programmes at UEL).
Support
The School of Health and Bioscience provides immediate contact with University support systems.
In your first year, you are allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree). You will see your Tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general.
Module leaders and Degree programme leaders also give support on academic matters, and advice about other specialist help available through the University.
The School also has a Help Desk to provide administrative assistance and advise how to get the right help.
Internet homepages are used by many staff to support their teaching and your learning.
Lecture and practical files, quizzes, mark summaries and much more is now available for several modules via UELPlus links.
Throughout the programme you will find a number of scheduled support activities devoted to specific aspects e.g. how to write your project report, or more general aspects such as careers.
Support for students on a University level includes:
- Libraries and Learning Resource Centres
- Childcare for students with children aged 21/2 years to 5 years.
- Careers advice and information
- Counselling and Advice for practical problems
- Health Centre with a nurse regularly on duty.
- Language tuition
- Dyslexia support
- Accommodation
Admission
- 240 UCAS tariff points or equivalent
We also accept Access to Science, Advanced GNVQ in Science at merit grade, and BTEC National Diploma in Science with a minimum of 6 modules at merit grade or higher. All students should also have a minimum of grade C at GCSE, or equivalent, in English language, mathematics and double science.
Applicants with overseas or alternative qualifications are considered on an individual basis. For mature students, AEL credit may be given for relevant work experience. Direct entry to level two of the programme is available for students with Higher National Certificate or Diploma in an appropriate area, or for those who have successfully completed study equivalent to level one at another University. Direct entry to level three is only available to students who have successfully completed levels one and two of a programme with very similar content at another University.
If you want to study Medical Biotechnology but have not achieved the right entry qualifications, why not start with our extended degree programme.
Key facts
You can start many programmes in either September or February and applications are simple to make. Click below to:
Apply online Medical Biotechnology (BSc (Hons))
