Molecular & Cellular Biology (with Biotechnology)
Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary science that seeks to optimise the utilisation of microorganisms, animals, plants and their cellular components in industrial, medical and agricultural processes and in environmental management. The development of biofuels is very topical. At Glasgow, the focus is on teaching the molecular sciences and methods that underpin biotechnology.
- Biological science subjects at Glasgow are ranked third equal in the UK for student satisfaction, according to statistics gathered by Unistats in 2010.
- You can choose to study this programme as an MSci, which includes a year-long research placement.
Study abroad
There are study abroad opportunities available in years two and three.
Programme structure
Year 1
In your first year you will be given a general introduction to all aspects of modern biology and encouraged to acquire general scientific skills.
Year 2
In your second year, you will be introduced to the study of genetics, proteins and nucleic acids. You will also be able to choose from a wide range of other courses.
Years 3 and 4
If you progress to Honours (years three and four) you will study a broad spectrum of molecular topics in your third year to learn the key sciences that underpin biotechnology:
- molecular genetic methods
- genomics
- proteins
- membranes and filaments
- DNA structure and function
- gene expression
- mobile DNA
- biotechnology
- essential cell biology
- experimental strategies.
In fourth year you will learn to study and interpret primary data from current molecular biology and biotechnology research and you will choose from a range of specialised advanced courses. These include some general molecular topics such as the molecular biology of cancer, the molecular basis of disease and stem cells.
You will also study one or two advanced biotechnology topics:
- biotechnology
- plant biotechnology.
You will have the opportunity to undertake a research project under the supervision of a researcher, the results of which sometimes contribute to scientific publications.
Special feature
Molecular & Cellular Biology (with Biotechnology)can be taken as an MSci, which includes an additional placement year. This is normally spent doing research in industry or some other organisation such as a research institute. Placements are usually in the UK, but can also be taken overseas. They happen between third year and the final year of the degree.
You will gain hands-on experience of modern laboratory techniques.
Our international links
You will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad. There are currently two options available: the Erasmus Exchange Scheme and the International Exchange Programme. Under the Erasmus scheme you will study at a major European university, for three to ten months. As this exchange programme is partly funded by the European Union you will receive additional financial support from the EU, to cover additional travel and living costs.
The International Exchange Programme allows you to spend a year or semester in one of our partner institutions in the following countries: Australia, Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, USA.
Career prospects
Many of our students opt to undertake further study at postgraduate level in order to pursue careers in scientific research in academic institutions, or in laboratories of industries with a biotechnology or biomedical base. Others find employment in
- industries based in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals
- the health service, such as in hospital laboratories.
Glasgow International College
For international students entry to this programme is supported by courses from GIC.
Students may apply for transfer to the MSci mid-programme. Applications are NOT taken via UCAS.
BSc, MSci
Highers: AAAB in first sitting = unconditional offer.
Applicants who achieved between BBBB/ABB and AABB at their first sitting may receive a conditional or unconditional offer once all applications have been reviewed in March 2012. Higher in either Biology or Chemistry.
A minimum level of Chemistry studied in first year.
A-levels: ABB, preferably with two science subjects. AS Level in either Biology or Chemistry. All Biology students study a minimum level of Chemistry in first year.
IB: 32 points.
For a full list of alternative qualifications please see: Entry requirements.
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.
Scholarships
We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see: