Level 9 Microbiology/ Molecular Biology modules

In this module, you will work collaboratively to develop a biotechnological process for the production of a commercially valuable compound/microorganism such as an antibiotic, an industrial enzyme or single-cell-protein for food. This will be supported by student-centred workshops and practical activities, which will provide opportunities for you to integrate your theoretical and practical knowledge of microbiology with the graduate/employability skills essential for either an industry- or research-based career.
Biotechnology is relevant in many aspects of our lives. For example, it plays a key role in developing products and technologies to combat disease, reducing our environmental footprint, helping to feed the global population and making industrial processes safer, cleaner and more efficient. Biotechnological approaches have become even more important with the increased emphasis on sustainability and the resultant interest in replacing unsustainable chemical processes and/or commodities with biologically-mediated or -derived ones. You will learn about the development, design and operation of such microbial biotechnologies and develop an understanding of the microbial growth kinetics and bioprocessing involved. We will also examine the ways in which the productivity, efficiency and yield of bioprocesses are optimised. The various stages in the development of microbially-mediated biotechnologies, from bioprospecting for useful microorganisms, to the research and development phase and industrial-scale application, will be explored. Important aspects such as entrepreneurship, regulation, ethics, sustainability, quality control and good manufacturing practice (GMP) may also be considered.

LO1: Demonstrate competence in microbiological practical skills; including appropriate experimental design, proficient performance of laboratory work, optimisation and trouble-shooting of a technique/experiment, and accurate recording of data.
LO2: Plan, execute and critically evaluate a microbial bioprocess to synthesise a bioproduct (for example, an antibiotic, enzyme or biosurfactant).
LO3: Relate microbial growth kinetics and fermentation technology to the design, optimisation and operation of bioprocesses and the nature of the biological entity/entities involved.
LO4: Identify the key stages in a bioprocess and critically reflect on relevant quality control issues.
LO5: Critically evaluate a microbial biotechnology with reference to its commercial viability (scale-up), ethical implications and regulatory considerations.