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. Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing areas of human knowledge and biotechnologists can be found working in many areas of biology. Its importance has grown as techniques for its study become more sophisticated, with applications in genetic engineering and molecular bioengineering as well as in physiological and medical areas. For instance, the production of antibiotics by the large scale fermentation of micro-organisms in the pharmaceutical industry has revolutionised healthcare; antibiotics remain one of the UK's main exports. With the advent of molecular biology and molecular genetics in recent years, biotechnology has entered a new and exciting phase of endeavour. It has produced new products and processes that have had positive influences on our lives and will continue to do so.

• The programme at UEL aims to provide students with a broad overview of the field with a focus on applied aspects.
• Emphasis is placed on the ways in which knowledge of biotechnology may be applied for medical purposes.
• This programme offers extensive laboratory training through all years of the programme
• There is a common first year with other bioscience degrees at UEL, leaving you an option to transfer to similar degree programmes at the end of the first year.

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.

Learning is encouraged through participation in a wide variety of activities including lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory-based practicals, external visits, distance learning, web-based learning etc. Each module has 5 to 6 hours contact per week, and may need up to 10 hours further individual study per week on each module.

Success at university depends on developing your ability to study independently using library resources, Computer-assisted learning (CAL), handouts and web-based study activities. The first year has a Skills module in each semester. These help you make the major shift to independent learning needed at university, compared to schools and FE colleges, and also help to develop those transferable skills so important in working life.

Students are assessed in practical work and theory. In most modules 50% of the module mark is derived from coursework during the semester (this can take a variety of forms including laboratory work, data analysis, essays, oral presentations etc.) and 50% from unseen written theory examination at the end of the semester. Some modules also include laboratory practical exams.

Level 1 (Year 1) modules introduce you to the standards and types of assessment used at university. Some have theory exams staged at intervals through the semester. Although they do not contribute to your final Honours grade, you are expected to achieve at least 40% in all Level 1 modules.

Your final Honours grade uses marks from Level 2 and Level 3 modules only. Your Level 1 modules prepare you to do your best in these later years.

If a module is not passed at the first opportunity, marks from later opportunities are capped.

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.

Your experience can be written up to pass a Work Experience module that 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.

Recent examples of placements include: National Blood Transfusion Centre, Colindale, London; Department of Biochemistry, Charing Cross Hospital, London; Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece.

• Project work is an essential component of an Honours degree programme and one that most students enjoy. Small projects and group work exercises feature throughout the programme.
• Your final year includes an individual research project, which can be one module or two modules long.
• Project work encourages students to show initiative in their individual work under supervision in a laboratory, using appropriate techniques to generate and interpret new data.
• Most projects continue developing lines of research within the School in areas such as proteomics, genomics, glycoproteins, biochemical toxicology, chemotherapy, medicinal plant extrac ts. Library based research projects may also be undertaken.

• Extensive personal support throughout the programme.
• Sound practical as well as academic training.
• The sandwich year working in a laboratory will add value to your job prospects at the end of the programme.
• Effective careers advice and support available.

• Finding out more about how the world works.
• Developing your knowledge of medical and industrial oriented areas of Medical Biotechnology.
• Studying practical methods relevant to Medical Biotechnology.
• Understanding how current knowledge in Medical Biotechnology depends on study at many levels: molecules, cells, and whole organisms.
• Improving your scientific skills of logical argument and analysis.

• Reading or hearing about research and/ or medicine (do you already enjoy TV documentaries like Horizon or Equinox, radio science programmes, New Scientist articles?).
• The challenge of increasing not just your knowledge of facts, but also your understanding of how science contributes to the search for new solutions to problems.
• Doing scientific procedures and experiments in laboratories and IT labs with precision.
• Working in laboratories using standard and novel techniques to solve problems.
• Being able to study quietly and individually away from formal staff-led sessions.

• The chance of reviewing your degree programme at the end of the first year and possibly changing to Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a more general Biosciences degree.
• The option of a year's work experience in a laboratory away from the University.
• To be able to spend up to one third of your final year on your own individual research project at the university (usually developing laboratory skills, but IT, survey or library projects also negotiable).

The qualification opens many opportunities within and outside Medical Biotechnology. Destinations of recent graduates include:

• Laboratory based work in hospitals, research institutes, industrial and pharmaceutical laboratories.
• Research and Development Consultant.
• Higher degrees in Biotechnology (MSc, PhD).
• Further study in other disciplines, e.g. MSc (e.g. IT; Business), MBA, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy.
• Training as a teacher. (e.g. enrol on PGCE programmes at UEL)

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

• A School of Biosciences with staff and facilities to match to the wide interests and backgrounds of students.
• Sports facilities at the Atherton Centre, which is just a few minutes walk away.
• Multiplex cinema, theatre, supermarkets, high street shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs a few minutes walk away in Stratford - a major site of new development in East London.
• Central London only 20 minutes away by underground and extensive transport links with all parts of London.