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.

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.

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.

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.