ObjectivesYou will learn how to make a real difference by creating a healthier and safer environment You gain a qualification from a first class University with an excellent reputation amongst employers Your qualification will be internationally recognised enabling you to work all over the world Teaching is provided by world-class experts in the field and you can benefit from their know-how and experience You will gain many other skills to make you more employable such as report writing, data analysis and the ability to make presentations There is the flexibility to choose whether you study for an MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate or even a single Unit as a stand alone professional development training course
Entry requirementsThe course is for you if you want to make a positive difference to the environment by learning how biotechnology can be used to design cleaner manufacturing processes and to solve pollution problems. It is ideal for new graduates just embarking on their career, or scientists and engineers who have been working for a few years and wish to develop their career in this direction.
Biotechnology can offer both conventional and exciting novel solutions to environmental pollution problems as well as alternative cleaner manufacturing technologies. The course aims to meet a demand for engineers, technologists and scientists with knowledge of both environmental technology and biotechnology.
The course focuses on industrial processes, incorporating design and monitoring of waste treatment processes. As well as learning environmental technology fundamentals, with special focus on biological treatment processes, you look at environmental management and legislation. You learn about biochemistry and biochemical engineering - how to grow cells on an industrial scale and how to extract the useful components from cells. Biological water treatment processes form a key component of the course and many of our graduates pursue careers in the wastewater industry.
Module details
The course can be studied full-time or part-time.
-The amount of effort required by a student is measured in credits. An MSc requires the completion of 180 credits, a Diploma 120 credits and the Certificate 60 credits.
-The MSc course has two segments, the taught part followed by a research project. You study six 15 credit Units and the 30 credit Unit on Research Training Techniques and Methodology. Following the successful completion of the taught part you go on to complete the 60 credit dissertation project (total 180 credits).
-The Postgraduate Diploma requires successful completion of six 15 credit Units plus the 30 credit Unit on Research Training Techniques and Methodology (total 120 credits).
-The Postgraduate Certificate requires successful completion of four 15 credit Units (total 60 credits).
-Many of the individual Units are available to study as a shorter training course - a great way to learn new skills and enhance your professional development.
Career opportunities
Environmental Biotechnology specialists are sought after by the chemical and biochemical manufacturing industries, specialist wastewater treatment companies, environmental consultancies and Environmental Regulatory bodies such as the Environment Agency. Graduates can also go on to carry out research in areas such as biotreatment of wastes.
New, more environmentally benign, manufacturing processes are often based on biotechnology. Learning how to design cleaner processes and design treatment processes that reduce the impact of industry on the environment could enable you, in your future career, to make a real difference to creating a healthier environment for everyone. Bioprocesses are increasing in popularity as they are generally cheaper than chemical and physical waste treatment processes