BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING

MSc/PGDip
2 School of Chemical Engineering
The foundation for your career Biochemical Engineering
or continued research in bioprocessing MSc/PGDip
Biochemical engineering concerns the use of biological organisms
or processes by manufacturing industries to generate the products FACT FILE
of the future, from novel therapeutics such as monoclonal Start date: September
antibodies for treating cancer, vaccines and hormones, to new Duration: MSc: 1 year full-time,
2 years part-time
environmentally friendly biofuels. It is also essential in many other
PGDip: 8 months full-time
fields, such as the safe manufacture of food and drink and the Entry requirements: 2:1 Honours degree
removal of toxic compounds from the environment. in a relevant subject (eg, Chemical
Engineering, Biosciences, Food Science,
Environmental Science, Engineering or
This is a highly multidisciplinary subject which of bioprocessing or industrial biotechnology. Chemistry with sufficient mathematics)
integrates engineering and bioscience knowledge. Our optional modules also allow you to expand
This programme will provide you with the skills you your horizons to include specific product areas,
need to start an exciting career in the bioprocess such as pharmaceuticals, and other essential Course content
industries, or continue research in the area career skills, such as business skills. This course consists of 180 credits. You will
take an introductory 10-credit module and
four core modules amounting to 60 credits,
then choose 50 credits of optional modules
plus your 60-credit research project (MSc only).
WHY CHOOSE BIRMINGHAM?
Introductory modules (MSc and PGDip)
n Learn from world-leading academics with strong links with industry in one n Bioscience for engineers* 10 credits, or
of the UKs major centres for biochemical engineering and bioprocess research n Process engineering fundamentals*
n Benefit from additional industry-focused learning via guest lectures from bioindustries 10 credits
n Work in the Biochemical Engineering building, which houses a pilot plant, state-of-the-art *These modules will be timetabled to allow
computer-controlled bioreactors, downstream processing equipment and analytical instruments students to attend both if required. However,
n The School has one of the largest concentrations of chemical engineering expertise in the UK only one will be formally assessed as agreed
and is consistently in the top five chemical engineering schools for research in the country with the course director.
n This programme is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers
Core modules
n Bioreaction engineering 10 credits
n Cell factories 20 credits
n Bioseparations 20 credits
n Frontiers in interdisciplinary
bioscience 10 credits
n Modern genome-based 10 credits
n Research project 60 credits (MSc only)
Optional themed modules
Choice of 50 credits (MSc and PGDip).
Pharmaceutical Technology
n Design and development of drug delivery
systems 10 credits
n From bench to market: the development of
pharmaceutical drug products 10 credits
n Plant design and manufacturing principles
for pharmaceutical production 10 credits
n Biodesign project 20 credits
Food Engineering and Safety
n Food structure for performance 20 credits
n Food plant and process 20 credits
n Food chain security 10 credits
n Pest management and cleaning systems
10 credits
n Chemical contamination of food and water
10 credits
n Sustainability in the food industry 10 credits
n Principles of nutrition 10 credits
Business Studies
n Marketing and total quality management
10 credits
n Business methods, economics and strategy
10 credits
n Effective project management 10 credits
n Biodesign project credits 20 credits
More about the course
In the autumn and spring semesters,
the programme comprises lecture and problem-
based modues assessed by a mixture of
examinations and coursework. The programme
commences with introductory modules. These are
designed to build a strong interdisciplinary
knowledge base. The fundamentals of process
engineering are introduced to graduates with
first degrees in non-chemical engineering
subjects. Chemical engineering graduates are
instructed in bioscience topics.
Building on this strong foundation, subsequent
core modules cover fermentation and cell
culture technologies, downstream processing
(bioseparation), bioreaction engineering,
bioprocess design and monitoring and modern
high-throughput genomic methodologies.
Students also spend a week in a newly-
refurbished pilot plant, using state-of-the-art
fermentation, downstream processing and
analytical facilities.
A wide range of optional modules is available
for you to gain specific knowledge relating
to food and/or pharmaceutical product
development. Safety, regulatory and quality
issues applicable across the relevant industries
are also considered. You may also choose
to study business and management modules.
School of Chemical Engineering 3
Students can choose to undertake a 20-credit
biodesign project, which involves the design of
an integrated biomanufacturing process for a
biopharmaceutical drug. The student has the
freedom to pick and choose modules from each
theme if they wish providing timetabling allows this.
In the summer semester (June to September),
each student on the MSc programme will then
undertake an individual project in a research
area of their choice within one of the Schools
internationally recognized research groups.
Research expertise and scholarships
The MSc in Biochemical engineering is a
research-led course. Teaching is informed by the
latest research in the field being undertaken in the
School. Birmingham is one of the major centres
for Biochemical Engineering and Bioprocess
research in the UK. Our research is focused on
a wide range of topics coverings the spectrum
of bioprocessing and biochemical engineering.
Research into fermentation processes includes
the analysis of bacterial and regulatory network
and the optimisation of recombinant protein
production. Downstream processing research
focuses on the development of novel materials,
engineering equipment and methods of
purification of new and future biopharmaceuticals.
Newer bioprocessing research fields such
as tissue replacement are also covered.
Biochemical Engineering
MSc/PGDip continued
World-class teaching and learning
Postgraduate study at the University of
Birmingham is a chance to learn from world
leaders in their fields. This guarantees you
a first-class learning experience, leading to
a qualification that is respected the world
over and making you an attractive prospect
in a very competitive job market.
The lecture courses are supplemented with
tutorials, seminars and experimental work,
and visits and talks by speakers from industry.
The MSc is a 12-month full-time advanced
course, comprising lectures, laboratory work,
short experimental projects and a research
project. The course can also be taken on
a part-time basis over two of three years.
The Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) lasts
for 8 months and does not include the research
project. Modules are also available individually to
fulfil continuing professional development needs.
Edgbaston, Birmingham,
B15 2TT, United Kingdom
www.birmingham.ac.uk
Enhance your professional prospects
There is a great demand for biochemical LEARN MORE
engineers in industry worldwide. This programme
gives you a professional basis for a career in For full module information and an online
bioprocessing, biotechnology or biochemical application form, please visit our dedicated
engineering in a variety of sectors. web pages, or contact our programme staff
with your questions.
Our Careers Network offers a range of events
and support services designed to help you Tel: +44 (0)121 414 5329
maximise your employability: from networking Email: msc-admis-chem-eng@bham.ac.uk
opportunities and career coaching workshops, www.birmingham.ac.uk/
to our effective-careers-strategy toolkit and biochemical-engineering
one-to-one guidance. We also offer subject-
specific careers consultants and advisers
for each college and a dedicated careers
website for international students.
13872 University of Birmingham 2016. Printed on a recycled grade paper containing 100% post-consumer waste.
This leaflet was written several months in advance of the start of the
academic year. It is intended to provide prospective students with a general
picture of the programmes and courses offered by the School. Please note
that not all programmes or all courses are offered every year. Also, because
our research is constantly exploring new areas and directions of study some
courses may be dropped and new ones offered in their place.
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