ObjectivesThe course aims to provide students with scientific research skills and the basic business knowledge required to convert scientific discoveries into inventions and commercial products. How these translate into a business plan for start up technologies or innovative processes within biotechnology industries will also be explored. The course is a research-based MSc programme. Using the considerable interdisciplinary research strengths and business initiatives that exist within the Faculty of Life Sciences and the Manchester Science Enterprise Centre, we are able to offer a challenging and innovative programme that combines expertise in entrepreneurial business development with cutting edge research. Graduates of the course will acquire a combination of essential research and business practical skills which will equip them for career opportunities in the global biotech market.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements: Applicants will need to hold a First or Upper Second class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject. In certain circumstances, a Lower Second class honours degree supplemented with appropriate relevant work experience may be acceptable.
Academic titleBiotechnology and Enterprise MSc
Course descriptionThe course has three main components, each supplemented by an exciting range of graduate training opportunities designed to meet the needs of future employers.
-Core Entrepreneurial Skills - Tutorials, lectures and group sessions focus on shaping ideas for the marker, intellectual property & knowledge transfer and commercialisation in the life sciences. Students will prepare business plans for a virtual company and take part in a business pitch to secure funds.
-Core Scientific Skills - Students will be offered specific lecture and laboratory module options which are most relevant to their area of research.
-Research Training - Students will engage in a full-time research project of their choice that starts early into the course. The final dissertation report will be presented in a format suitable for publication in a biotechnology journal.
-Transferable Research Skills - All students will participate in the well established Graduate Training Programme which includes workshops on communication and presentation skills, statistics and careers; core facility workshops such as microarrays and proteomics and also business development seminars and visits to industry. All students will be required to register on an academic literacy programme at the start of the course which is designed specifically to help students write for a scientific audience.