A wide range of different disciplines combine to provide the foundation for modern biotechnology including molecular & cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, statistics, computer science & bioinformatics; all of these elements are included in the M.Sc. Biotechnology /Biotechnology with Business programme.
The M.Sc. Biotechnology with Business aims to provide both an in depth knowledge of the ‘science’ behind Biotechnology but also an insight into the ‘business’ of Biotechnology, focusing on the areas of innovation and enterprise. Students with a degree in an appropriate bioscience subject but who do not see themselves as ‘bench’ scientists can now focus on scientific business skills, including research funding (grant application) and business funding (business plan) writing, underpinned by appropriate business and bioscience modules.

Biotechnology can broadly be defined as using living organisms or the products of living organisms for human benefit, to benefit human surroundings or to solve a problem. In its widest sense, biotechnology has been around for thousands of years; as a technology, fermentation to make bread, cheese and alcoholic beverages has been widely carried out and humans have used selective breading of plants and livestock as a means of improving production. It is however with the advent of gene cloning and genetic engineering technologies that Biotechnology has moved to the forefront of 21st century biology.
The Programme takes a multidisciplinary scientific approach to the field of Biotechnology reflecting the diverse nature of the discipline. The Programme emphasises the importance of research and development in the subject areas and exposes students to the latest advances in both the theory and practise of Biotechnology by placing emphasis on transferrable practical laboratory skills underpinned by theoretical knowledge.
The innovative collaboration between Dept. of Biological & Biomedical Sciences and Caledonian Business School leading to M.Sc. Biotechnology with Business provides an additional opportunity in the marketplace. Many of the global players in the Biotechnology industry today commenced as small spin-out companies and there is still scope for innovation in particular from the academic sector.
The programme structure’s flexibility allows the final choice of degree at the end of Semester A.

The University operates a modularised programme structure. The taught modules of the Programme will take place during semester A and B and the research project or business plan dissertation during semester C.

Each module will be assessed individually by a combination of course work and formal examination.

There is a current market demand for trained and qualified graduates worldwide in biotechnology. Employment opportunities include biotechnology, health and medicine enterprises, biohealth industry, food technology industry or research in university, industry and government agencies. Opportunities for graduates of Biotechnology with Business offer entrepreneurial, industrial or other forms of commercial business careers.