Course Catalogue

Business in the Biosciences 4Y option BIOL4298

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Biodiversity One Health Vet Med
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

A degree in the Biosciences provides graduates with skills and knowledge relevant to their discipline, but this acquired knowledge and skill set can be applied to contexts outside of an academic university setting. During this course, students will gain experience in Business, Enterprise, and Event Management, related to multiple areas within different bioscience industries. This will be achieved through discussions and active practical sessions centred on all aspects of running an effective business in the biosciences, including project management, event delivery and understanding relevant regulatory frameworks. This course is open to students across all degree groups in Life Sciences.

 

Timetable

All day Monday to Friday in teaching weeks 0 and 1 

 

This course can be taken as an alternative to the 10-week option course on Fridays in Semester 1.

Requirements of Entry

Normally, only available to final-year MVLS Life Sciences students. As manual enrolment is required, students must apply in advance for a place on this course. Please contact Anna.McGregor@glasgow.ac.uk or Laura.McCaughey@glasgow.ac.uk before 1st August to register your interest.

Visiting students may be allowed to enrol, at the discretion of the MVLS Life Sciences Chief Adviser and the Course Coordinator.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The course will be assessed by an in-course assessment consisting of 4 components: a business plan (20%), a sales presentation (20%), reflections on event management and intensive period (40%) and a report on Intellectual Property (20%).

Course Aims

This course aims to develop an understanding of the factors involved in commercialising bioscience knowledge and research. During the course, students will: 

■ Develop an appreciation of how creativity and innovation can influence the development of sound business proposals

■ Develop key transferable skills and graduate attributes, particularly those related to teamwork, communication skills and creativity

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Create a business plan detailing the commercialisation of a new bioscience product or service;

■ Discuss ethical issues relating to the bioscience industry;

■ Illustrate the importance of protecting Intellectual Property;

■ Design, execute and evaluate an event that is relevant to business in the biosciences;

■ Give clear, well-constructed individual and group oral presentations.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions