Two undergraduate students behind a desk with a microscope on it in the STEM lab on Sutton Bonington Campus

Biotechnology BSc

Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, UK

Course overview

What is biotechnology?

Biotechnology is a subject that combines biological science and technology to develop innovative products by changing the genetic make-up of biological cells. Biotechnology impacts on the quality of our lives and the world we live in.

Biotechnologists tackle global issues in healthcare, energy, environment, food, and agriculture to:

  • develop new life-saving medicines
  • feed growing populations by generating plants with better nutritional value
  • reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing cleaner biofuels

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

An Introduction to Biotechnology

Mandatory

Year 1

Foundation Science for Bioscientists

Mandatory

Year 1

Essential Study Skills

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Plant Science

Mandatory

Year 1

The Physiology of Microbes

Mandatory

Year 1

Introductory Physiology

Mandatory

Year 1

Plant Science Research Tutorials

Mandatory

Year 1

An Introduction to Genetics and Biochemistry

Mandatory

Year 2

Fundamentals of immunology

Mandatory

Year 2

Molecular Biology of the Cell

Mandatory

Year 2

Molecular Pharming and Biotechnology

Mandatory

Year 2

Professional Skills for Biotechnologists

Mandatory

Year 2

Research Skills for Biotechnologists

Mandatory

Year 2

Epigenetics and Developmental Biotechnology

Mandatory

Year 2

Analysis of Bacterial Gene Expression

Optional

Year 2

Bacterial Biological Diversity

Optional

Year 2

Virology

Optional

Year 2

Reproductive Physiology

Optional

Year 2

Applied Animal Science

Optional

Year 2

Structure, Function and Analysis of Genes

Optional

Year 2

Fundamental and Applied Yeast Physiology

Optional

Year 2

Bacterial Genes and Development

Optional

Year 2

Microbial Biotechnology

Optional

Year 2

Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction

Optional

Year 2

Principles of Animal Nutrition

Optional

Year 2

Structure, Function and Analysis of Proteins

Mandatory

Year 3

Undergraduate Research Project

Optional

Year 3

RNA Biology and CRISPR Technology in Cell Function and Disease

Optional

Year 3

Yeast and Fermentation Technology

Optional

Year 3

Biotechnology in Animal Physiology

Optional

Year 3

Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society

Optional

Year 3

Omics: At the Forefront of Biotechnology

Optional

Year 3

Computer Modelling in Science: Applications

Optional

Year 3

Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology

Optional

Year 3

Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants

Optional

Year 3

Sex, Flowers and Biotechnology

Optional

Year 3

Current Issues in Crop Science

Optional

Year 3

Microbial Fermentation

Optional

Year 3

Plant Cell Signalling

Optional

Year 3

Plant Disease Control

Optional

Year 3

Virology and Cellular Microbiology

Optional

Year 3

Environmental Biotechnology

Optional

Year 3

Molecular Nutrition

Optional

Year 3

Molecular Evolution: Constructing the Tree of Life

Optional

Year 3

Plant Pathology

Optional

Year 3

Technology Entrepreneurship in Practice

Optional

Year 3

Current Topics in Development and Genetics

Information Icon

About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Wednesday 8 January 2025. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Undergraduate students attending a Maths seminar in a Coates Building seminar room, University Park. november 5th 2021.

"I chose Nottingham due to the excellent reputation this university has, both academically and for student life. I chose biotechnology as it is such a diverse field, and the course at Nottingham allows you to very specifically tailor your studies towards the field you are interested in the most. "

Course data

88%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for courses in Engineering and technology at University of Nottingham, the

For more official course information visit Discover Uni

See course data

link opens in new tab
Open Day June 2022