A career in biotechnology: Course options and universities abroad

The UK is leader when it comes to offering biotechnology programmes; its universities are well-reputed for excellence in research in this field.

Biotechnology, also known as “biotech” is the study of the use of living organisms and systems for the development of products that promise to improve human life. Biotechnology is nothing but the study of the application of bioscience and has the power to treat major human illnesses along with coming up with new bio processes and products. Even common food products that we consume everyday such as cheese and bread were all the results of microorganisms’ biological processes.

The field has its application in the sectors of health care, medicine, agriculture, animal husbandry, pharmaceuticals, and many more. This industry and field of study has higher scope, sophistication, and applicability abroad.

A lucrative career option

In Scotland alone, there are now over 400 dedicated bioscience companies and this sector is growing rapidly, at around 30% per annum. Dundee is a major bioscience centre within the U.K. Studying biotechnology in the UK provides you with an opportunity to learn from experienced academic researchers.

Biotechnology as a bachelor's degree program generally takes four years of full-time study. It teaches students basic scientific methods of research, takes them through scientific techniques such as manipulating genes, the functioning of the cell and ways to exploit it. The bachelor’s in biotechnology acts as a stepping stone to further studies in medical, veterinary, or dental studies. Students looking to enrol for a master’s in biotech must at least possess two years of full-time study and for a doctorate, they must have three more years of study.

The UK is leader when it comes to offering biotechnology programmes; its universities are well-reputed for excellence in research in this field. It offers a wide range of subjects in the fields of genetics, oncology, immunology, forensic science, cell biology, molecular biology, biosciences, molecular biology, bioinformatics, regenerative medicine, and many more.

The United States is renowned as the science world’s largest research base that has government support for its ongoing biotech development and research processes. The country maintains a competitive front for the industry and its development and commercialization. Having taken of in the 1970s, it is a fast growing industry in the US with spending around $ 22 billion for R&D in the field.

Singapore, being the education hub of Asia, also offers numerous options in this field. Browse our site to have a look at MDIS’s biotechnology course listed with us from Singapore. You can also have a look at the numerous kinds of biotechnology courses offered by Monash University from Malaysia, such as programs specialising in Recombinant DNA Technology, Genetics of Development, and many more.

Australia has strengths in biotech related research in the medical, agricultural and environmental fields. Australia’s Government strongly supports the growth and development of biotechnology industry.

About the course

A course in Biotechnology generally aims to produce scientists who will be able to contribute to a range of career opportunities including academic, commercial, industrial and healthcare applications of biotechnology.

The course is made up mostly of laboratory work, computer applications and research. On a typical morning you might be analysing DNA on a gel and in the afternoon using a fomenter to produce commercial products. One day you might be learning about how microbes can clean up pollution and on another day you get to visit a company that researches new anti-cancer drugs. Students gain a wide range of laboratory-based skills and techniques, which both provide the practical basis for their studies and provide a useful portfolio of employable skills. These skills, plus associated research experience gained in the final year project, will enable you to establish yourself in medical, industrial and research laboratories.

Most programmes offered by UK universities are based around a set of core modules and a research project that provide experience in key areas of biotechnology:

Research Methods: Communication Skills

Introductory Molecular Biology

Stem Cell Biology

Tissue Engineering

Fermentation / Bioreactors

Cell Culture

Protein Engineering & Production

Enzyme Technology

Bioinformatics

Research Project

Biotechnology and Management

Environmental Biotechnology

Bioscience

Food Biotechnology

Biomedical

Pharmaceutical science

Career Opportunities

The BSc / MSc in Biotechnology provide a firm basis for pursuing a career in any aspect of science involving biotechnology. This could involve the food, pharmaceutical or environmental sectors, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, Nanobiotechnology, Use of microbes, DNA vaccines, production of new materials using new ideas, new drug-delivery systems, organ transplantation, rational drug design, nutraceuticals, plant-based drugs, enzyme engineering and technology, stem cell techniques, and tissue culture, with a wide range of industries and research institutes. The MSc degree is an acceptable qualification for applying for a PhD.

Universities in UK

Some of the leading universities in the UK which offer accredited courses in biotechnology are:

Aston University

University of East London

University of Aberdeen

University of Glasgow

Queens Mary, University of London

University of Newcastle

University of Nottingham

University of Warwick

University of Leeds

Imperial College London

University of Manchester

Lancaster University

University of Sheffield

University of Cambridge

As population booms in countries the world over, scientists look to biotechnology more than ever before, for solutions to various problems the world faces regarding fast depleting resources other related issues. Biotech taps available resources to improve life now and in the future.

Link: http://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/india/find-your-course/how-to-choose-the-right-course/study-biotechnology-abroad/