About This Course
Biotechnology is all about applying biological processes to improve quality of life and the health of our planet. This is done through the innovative use of cellular and molecular processes to develop beneficial technologies and products.
Historically, biotechnology has had a significant impact upon human life, with the earliest biotechnologists harnessing the fermentative capabilities of microorganisms to produce food products such as bread, cheese, beer and wine. In today’s world, modern biotechnology offers breakthrough products and technologies to combat disease, reduce our impact on the environment, feed the hungry, reduce our energy demands, provide cleaner energy, and produce safer, cleaner and more efficient industrial processes. This degree will empower you, our next generation scientist to address global issues to heal, fuel and feed the world.
You will receive training that covers evolutionary, ecological, environmental, molecular and cellular aspects of biology, and there is opportunity to follow applied aspects of biology as well as learn about fundamental processes and mechanisms. Our teaching is underpinned by internationally recognised research. Our academic staff are experts in biotechnology research, from a number of biological disciplines covering medical and environmental microbiology, plant biology, biodiversity and genetics, and cell and genome biology. We also provide a diversity of practical, laboratory and field biology experience, enabling you to acquire transferable skills (data analysis, group work, writing and presentational skills, IT skills). We make extensive use of our local environment; we have an exceptional range of local terrestrial and aquatic habitats on our doorstep and use these for field courses and practical classes. We have our own botanical gardens with various habitats for biological studies. We are also part of the Environment Centre Wales, which is a partnership venture between Bangor University and the Natural Environment Research Council’s Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH).
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- TV presenter Steve Backshall is now part of our teaching team.
- Our facilities include two well-equipped microbiology research laboratories including the multi-million-pound Centre for Environmental Biotechnology; a botanical garden; our own natural history museum containing a comprehensive collection of invertebrate and vertebrate material; and extensive marine and freshwater aquaria.
- Our location provides a range of soil types, climate and topography, numerous diverse habitats, all within easy reach for field-based studies.
Course Content
You will be required to take 120 credits each year made up of lectures, practicals and interactive exercises, as well as field courses and tutorials in years 1 and 2. The final year includes a dissertation project, supervised by a staff member. Modules become more specialised as the degree progresses, and the number of compulsory modules varies between years. Assessment is by a mixture of formal examination and continuous assessment. Welsh medium modules are also available.
The number of credits is given in brackets after the name of each module. Some modules will include lectures, practicals and interactive exercises. Biotechnology degrees combine a wide range of optional modules (similar to those available to biologists) with specialist biotechnology content, particularly in year 3.
Facilities
General University Facilities
Library and Archive Services
Our four libraries provide a range of attractive study environments including collaborative work areas, meeting rooms and silent study spaces.
We have an extensive collection of books and journals and many of the journals are available online in full-text format.
We house one of the largest university-based archives not only in Wales, but also the UK. Allied to the Archives is the Special Collections of rare printed books.
Learning Resources
There is a range of learning resources available, supported by experienced staff, to help you in your studies.
The University’s IT Services provides computing, media and reprographics facilities and services including:
- Over 1,150 computers for students, with some PC rooms open 24 hours a day
- Blackboard, a commercial Virtual Learning Environment, that makes learning materials available on-line.
Careers
As a graduate of this degree you will possess a wealth of skills and knowledge that will be relevant to many employment sectors including hospital laboratories, research organisations, multidisciplinary consultancies, industrial companies, research charities, government departments and agencies, educational establishments, research councils and the private sector.
EXPLORE MORE IN BIOLOGY
Our degree courses are taught by world-leading experts and award-winning lecturers. Throughout all our courses, we make extensive use of the exceptional range of local terrestrial and aquatic habitats during field courses and practical classes.
Additional Course Options
This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.
The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Skills and Employability Services.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto this pathway at the appropriate time. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.
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