MSc Programme in Biology - Biotechnology

Graduation in the programme confers the degree Master of Science in Biology – Biotechnology. In Danish: Cand.scient. (candidatus/candidata scientarium) i Biologi - Bioteknologi.

 

1. The programme’s objective and competence profile

1. 1 The programme’s objective

 

The objective of the programme is to offer students a coherent profession-oriented education within the field of biotechnology. On completion of the programme, students will be able to perform research at all levels and analyse and solve questions and problems within the broad field of biotechnology.

 

The MSc programme is primarily within the field of natural sciences, but aspects of social sciences may also be relevant. The biotechnology programme is an international degree and will be conducted in English.

 

1.2 The programme’s general profile

 

The aim of the programme is to give students:

• a theoretical and method-oriented knowledge of biotechnology within the fields of domestic animals and livestock, plants, micro-organisms or biochemistry
• the knowledge to analyse complex biotechnology problems of importance for the biotechnological industry, governmental agencies or educational programmes
• the ability to communicate knowledge at all levels, and a broad knowledge of the interactions between biotechnology and industry, society and the environment.

1.3 The programme’s employment prospects

 

Graduates will find job opportunities in such fields as the biotechnological industry, governmental agencies or educational establishments. A number of graduates are expected to continue their education in a PhD programme.

 

1.4 The programme’s competence profile

 

During the master’s programme in Biology - Biotechnology students must obtain the knowledge, skills and competences described below. These qualifications are obtained partly through participation in core modules partly through the participation in elective courses and the preparation of a master’s thesis.

 

After completing the MSc programme in Biology-Biotechnology the graduate should be able to:

 

1.4.1 Knowledge

• Describe the biological complexities with the field of cell and organism biology and molecular biology at an advanced level including the principles of cell functions and genetic control of these processes
• Critically reflect on the theory behind methods
• Using a model systems to integrate basic knowledge about an organism to understand complex biological process
• Evaluate the usefulness of different organisms as expression hosts in research
• Comprehend integrated approaches to biological questions using genetics, physiology, biochemistry and bioinformatics to relate phenotypes to genotype as platforms for modelling organism metabolism at the molecular level.

 

1.4.2 Skills

• Use advanced methods in molecular biology in the context of a research project.
• Use basic knowledge from other disciplines in an integrated manner when analyzing current problems in biology - biotechnology
• Set up a research plan preparation, including critical discussion of literature and problem identification, develop hypotheses and research questions, determinate data requirements and select appropriate methods
• Discuss and choose techniques in molecular biology, design of laboratory protocols and safety procedures in relation to handling and exploitation of organisms in biotechnology
• Transfer theory, hypothesis and principles through biochemical, and/or mathematical/statistical description to results, which can be statistical and experimental tested
• Read, discuss and present original articles within the field
• Communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist audience at a variety of levels, using modern and appropriate information and communication tools

1.4.3 Competences

• Transfer theories and principles from advanced state-of-the-art molecular biology to solve new questions posed by the research community, industry and the society
• Work independently and effective on an individual basis, in teams as well as in cross-disciplinary environments
• Discuss ethical problems related to the latest developments in science
• Use lifelong learning as a principle to independently evaluate and structure learning processes and assume responsibility for continuous professional development

 

Chapter 2. Degree programme content

 

Year 1	Block 1
	Block 2
	Block 3
	Block 4

Year 2	Block 1	Thesis (60 point)
	Block 2
	Block 3
	Block 4

 

	Core courses and thesis*
	Elective courses

 *Core courses (see 2.1) and thesis must comprise at least 90 credits.

 

2.1 Content

 

The programme is set at 120 credits, equivalent to two full years of study and must include the following elements:

• Thesis 60 credits (the thesis must include experimental work)
• Core courses 30 credits
• Elective courses 30 credits

A minimum of 30 credits must also be chosen from the core courses:

    210007     Biolinux: Bioinformatics and Linux - 7.5 credits

    230001     Analytical Chemistry - 7.5 credits

    230004     Biological chemistry - 15 credits*

    230006     Enzymology and Experimental Biochemistry - 7.5 credits

    240002     Animal Biotechnology 7.5 credits*

    240006     Bioinformatics 2 - 7.5 credits

    240019     Genome and Cell Biology - 7.5 credits

    240020     Heterologous Expression - 15 credits

    240023     Microbial biotechnology - 15 credits*

    240028     Molecular Plant Biochemistry and Physiology - 7.5 credits

    240029     Molecular Plant Breeding - 15 credits

    240030     Nanobiotechnology - 7.5 credits

    240036     Pathogen and Pest Interactions with Plants: The Molecular Biology -

                    7.5 credits

    240037     Basic Pharmacology and Toxicology - 7.5 credits

    240038     Plant Biotechnology - 15 credits*

    240050     Immunology - Theoretical - 7.5 credits

    240051     Immunology - 15 credits

    240063     Applied Microbiology - 7.5 credits

    240065     From Gene to Function in Pathogenic Bacteria – 7.5 credits

    250075     From Plants to Bioenergy – 7.5 credits

    270070     Kostindtag og ernæringsfysiologi - 7.5 credits

    290064     Innovation, Strategy and Leadership – 7.5 credits

    290066     Technology Assessment – 7.5 credits

    400034     Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights in Biotechnology – 7.5 credits*

    400038     Isotopteknik og helsefysik – certificerende kursus – 5 credits

    400036     Project Management – 7.5 credits

* In 2008/09 the courses will be replaced by the course 240077 Advanced Biotechnology and Intellectual Property Rights 

 

Thesis (60 credits), and core courses (min. 30 credits) comprise the core subjects in the programme (min. 90 credits). Optional courses, which can be chosen within the different fields of natural science, comprise 30 credits.

 

The programme may include trainee service.

 

Chapter 3. Admission requirements and admission

3.1 Admission requirements

 

Students holding a BSc in Biotechnology from Faculty of Life Sciences are admitted without further prerequisites. Students holding other BSc degrees in natural sciences are admitted on the basis of individual evaluation of the academic content of their BSc. Students must have a background within the three areas: biology, biochemistry/organic chemistry and biotechnology methods. Applicants must therefore have competences at bachelor level equivalent to:

• 15 credits within a biological system (plants, animals or microbiology)
• 15 credits within biochemistry/organic chemistry
• 7.5 credits within biotechnology methods

3.2 Admission

 

Enrolment in the degree programme is once a year with studies commencing on 1 September.