Overview
Course In Depth
Modules
Entry Criteria
Careers and Employability
Finance
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Related Courses
Overview
UCAS Code: | B217 |
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Course Length: | 3 Years Full-Time, 6 Years Part-Time |
Start Dates: | September 2022, September 2023 |
Subjects: | Biology and Biosciences |
Location: | Edge Hill University |
Example Offers: | BBC-BBB (A Level) or DMM (BTEC) View full entry criteria |
Biotechnology is the application of biological knowledge and techniques to address some of society’s biggest problems, including disease (development of synthetic human insulin and gene therapy, for example) and mass food production (from production of genetically modified foods to the manufacture of beer and milk products). Primarily based upon an understanding of genetics, microbiology and associated laboratory techniques, its applications spread well beyond these disciplines, incorporating medicine, agriculture, food science, pollution control and environmental management. Biotechnology is thus one of the most rapidly developing areas of science, and a degree in this subject will equip you for a wide range of industrial employment opportunities, as well as providing a basis for any biology-related post.
This degree is also available as a 4-year programme with an integrated foundation year.
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In Depth
What will I study?
Year 1 is a common year across our Biology and Biosciences degrees. You will receive a firm foundation in cell biology and genetics, with optional modules introducing you to the basics of chemistry for biologists, the fundamentals of ecology, the evolutionary origins of biodiversity, and the structure and function of human anatomy and physiology. You will also be introduced to the research process through residential fieldwork in Cyprus.
Year 2 develops your practical biotechnology skills with extensive laboratory experience. This will provide you with a fuller understanding of areas that are central to biotechnology, such as molecular genetics and biochemistry.
With the underpinning theory and practical skills now in place, Year 3 allows you to explore fully the applications of the discipline. This includes the detailed study of an area such as genetic engineering, medical applications, agriculture and pollution control. A significant part of the year involves a research project into product development or product impact.
How will I study?
The programme has a strong practical base. Learning involves lectures, practical work, tutorials and fieldwork. The department has a wide range of practical facilities and we are keen to develop student skills in the areas of microscopy, microbiology and DNA technologies. The degree also involves a period of residential fieldwork in Cyprus.
How will I be assessed?
Modules are assessed by a mixture of coursework and examination tailored to suit the subject area of each module. An extremely wide range of coursework is employed which may include practical portfolios, project reports, website development, product development, plus individual and group oral presentations.
Who will be teaching me?
Edge Hill University has over 30 years’ experience in delivering field biology degrees and has a wealth of experienced tutors, technical staff and field and laboratory equipment to support the study of biotechnology. The Biology department is friendly and approachable and of a size that enables us to know our students personally.
Our experienced and knowledgeable staff take pride in the quality of their teaching. Their research activity means they keep up-to-date with current developments in their areas of interest and pass this knowledge onto their students.
An extensive network of relationships has been established with relevant environmental organisations and other universities in the UK and overseas, ensuring a rich, diverse and rewarding student experience. Visiting speakers assist in the delivery of the programme, often presenting unique or novel aspects of particular subjects.
Facilities
Our Biosciences building incorporates impressive, modern laboratories, offering exciting and highly relevant practical experience in some of the best equipped facilities in the country. Resources include fluorescence and scanning electron microscopes, DNA extraction and analysis equipment, and climate controlled insectaries.
A number of the best nature reserves in the country are in close proximity to the campus. You will be taught within a short travelling distance of impressive field sites such as one of the finest saltmarsh and dune systems in Europe, restored mires of international importance, hay meadows and limestone woodlands. The University also has extensive grounds including meadows which serve as a useful area for demonstrating sampling techniques.
Timetables
Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Modules
Expand AllYear 1
Compulsory modules:
SCI1107Biology in Practice (20 credits)
SCI1116Genetics and Evolution (20 credits)
SCI1117Introduction to Cell Biology (20 credits)
You will select three of the following optional modules:
SCI1118Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits)
SCI1113Biodiversity (20 credits)
SCI1115Chemistry for Biologists (20 credits)
SCI1112Ecology (20 credits)
You have the option to learn a language and study Arabic, French, German, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish as an integral part of this degree. A single Language module can be studied in Year 1 instead of one of the optional modules above.
TLC1010Language 1 (20 credits)
Year 2
Compulsory modules:
SCI2334Biochemistry and Metabolism (20 credits)
SCI2335Introduction to Biotechnology (20 credits)
SCI2319Laboratory Masterclass (20 credits)
SCI2332Molecular Genetics (20 credits)
SCI2308Research Methods in Biology (20 credits)
You will select one of the following optional modules:
SCI2333Biogeography (20 credits)
SCI2330Field Botany (20 credits)
SCI2343Human Genetics (20 credits)
SCI2344Immunology and Infectious Diseases (20 credits)
SCI2317Invertebrate Ecology (20 credits)
SCI2324Nutrition (20 credits)
SCI2337Plant Diversity (20 credits)
SCI2338Plant Form and Physiology (20 credits)
SCI2900Study Abroad Placement (40 credits)
SCI2341Up-Canopy Biology (20 credits)
If you studied a Language module in Year 1, or if you can demonstrate equivalent knowledge, you may wish to study a further Language module in Year 2. This would form an integral part of your degree in place of one of the optional 20-credit modules above.
TLC2000Language 2 (20 credits)
Year 3
Compulsory modules:
SCI3327Advanced Tissue Applications (20 credits)
SCI3328Applications of Biotechnology (20 credits)
SCI3354Biotechnology Research Project (40 credits)
SCI3015Genomics and Bioinformatics (20 credits)
You will select one of the following optional modules:
SCI3357Animal Wildlife and Conservation (20 credits)
SCI3014Applications of Genetics (20 credits)
SCI3309Biodiversity and Conservation (20 credits)
SCI3311Ecological Genetics (20 credits)
SCI3325Ecological Interactions (20 credits)
SCI3324Epidemiology (20 credits)
SCI3329Field Botany (20 credits)
SCI3338Field to Fork (20 credits)
SCI3318Invertebrate Ecology (20 credits)
SCI3359Medical Microbiology (20 credits)
SCI3321Pharmacology (20 credits)
SCI3336Plants and People (20 credits)
SCI3356Visualising Science (20 credits)
If you studied Language modules in Years 1 and 2, or if you can demonstrate equivalent knowledge, you may wish to study a further Language module in Year 3. This would form an integral part of your degree in place of one of the optional modules above.
TLC3000Language 3 (20 credits)
Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements.
Entry Criteria
Entry Requirements
Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points, preferably to include Biology or a related subject, such as Chemistry or Physics, plus GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
Other subjects will be considered if you have demonstrable interest or experience in biotechnology.
Example Offers
Some examples of how you can achieve 112-120 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.
- A Level: BBC-BBB;
- BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
- T Level: Overall grade of Merit;
- International Baccalaureate (IB): We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points. Subject-specific requirements at Higher Level (HL) Grade 5 may apply;
- Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may be accepted.
If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.
EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.
International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.
English Language Requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band or one band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?
STEM Foundation Year
With effect from September 2022 entry, if you would like to study this degree but do not meet the subject-specific entry requirements, you may wish to apply to study the programme as a 4-year course with integrated foundation year. The foundation year will equip you with key transferable skills and subject knowledge. Upon successful completion of the integrated foundation year, you will be able to progress onto Year 1 of this degree.
Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education
If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.
Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.
Career Prospects
What are my career prospects?
The knowledge, skills and personal attributes you gain will enable you to compete successfully for biological and wider graduate employment or to engage with lifelong learning, research and enquiry.
You may wish to work in the biotechnology sector where you could find yourself based in a laboratory, using genetic techniques to improve different products or models of study in areas of biotechnology (medical, plant and microbial).
Other career paths in biotechnology include areas such as agriculture, the food industry, the pharmaceutical industry, genetic engineering, and environmental management.
Alternatively, you may wish to embark on a career in teaching (further training required) or pursue postgraduate study.
How can I enhance my employability?
It is useful to consider, even before you apply, how you will spend your time while studying and make the most of your university experience.
Optional, additional activities may be available on this degree which could help to prepare you for a stimulating and rewarding career. These include:
- Sandwich Years – you may have the opportunity to apply to complete a sandwich year placement, usually as the third year of a four year degree, and gain highly relevant work experience;
- Studying Abroad – you may have the opportunity to apply to spend time studying or working abroad, usually as the third year of a four year degree, enabling you to immerse yourself in a different culture;
- Learning a Language – you may be able to select language modules, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, as an integral part of your degree (for which you will gain academic credits). Alternatively, it may be possible to participate in Language Steps classes as additional study.
Please note, the availability of these additional activities cannot be guaranteed for all students. Depending on availability and the number of students wanting to participate, there may be a competitive application process for sandwich year placements or studying abroad opportunities or you may be required to secure a relevant placement yourself.
Finance
Tuition Fees
If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a full-time basis in academic year 2022/23, the tuition fee will be £9,250 a year. Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme on a full-time basis in academic year 2022/23 are £15,000 a year.
If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a part-time basis in academic year 2022/23, the tuition fee will be £77 per credit. This is equivalent to £1,540 per 20 credit module. 360 credits are required to complete an undergraduate degree.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
Financial Support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this undergraduate degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the programme may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining this programme in academic year 2022/23, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2022/23 guide for your intended mode of study.
- Money Matters 2022/23 Full-Time: www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2022
- Money Matters 2022/23 Part-Time: www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2022pt
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals should ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please see www.edgehill.ac.uk/eufinance for further details.
Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.
Scholarships
Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time undergraduate students.
These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.
To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.
Apply
How to Apply
If you wish to study full-time, apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com. Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.
If you wish to study part-time, apply directly to Edge Hill University at www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply-part-time.
Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
Visit Us
If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.
Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about our full range of events for prospective students, including campus tours and virtual activities, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.
Request a Prospectus
If you would like to explore our full range of degrees before you apply, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:
- Course Enquiries
- Tel: 01695 657000
- Email: [email protected]
International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email[email protected] with any queries about overseas study.
Course Changes
Expand All This tab outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years. Future material changes will be added here as amends are made to course information.19th May 2022 - New Modules Added
17th January 2022 - Withdrawal of Modules
12th March 2021 - New Modules Added
22nd June 2020 - Change of Modules
Covid-19 - Biotechnology Essential Information
Biotechnology Course Statement
Some module elements that would usually take place in the autumn semester have been moved to the second semester. Residential fieldwork, including the Year 1 trip to Cyprus, may not be possible, depending on government guidance at the time.Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2020
In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, answers your questions and explains how teaching will work when you join us at Edge Hill University in September.
Campus Facilities at Edge Hill University in 2020
In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, explains how we’re preparing the campus for your arrival in September and the facilities that will be available.