Biology with Biotechnology MBiol

About This Course

This is an extended undergraduate programme which allows you to graduate either with BSc (Hons) at the end of the third year or with an MBiol at the end of the fourth year. If at the end of Year 2 a sufficient standard is achieved, then progression onto the Masters year will be permitted following completion of Year 3. The fourth year offers a unique opportunity to conduct an extended research project either in the laboratory or in the field.

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 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.