MSc Programme in Biology-Biotechnology

The programme is organised in accordance with Ministerial Order no. 814 of 29 June 2010 on bachelor and master’s programmes (candidatus) at universities (the ministerial order of the study programmes). The programme is under the Natural Sciences Study Board.

Graduation in the programme confers the degree Master of Science (MSc) in Biology–Biotechnology. In Danish: Cand.scient. (candidatus/candidata scientiarum) i biologi-bioteknologi.

 

1. The programme’s objective and competence profile

1. 1 The programme’s objective

The objective of the programme is to offer students a coherent profession-oriented education within the field of biotechnology. On completion of the programme, students will be able to perform research at all levels and analyse and solve questions and problems within the broad field of biotechnology.

The MSc programme is primarily within the field of natural sciences, but aspects of social sciences may also be relevant. The biotechnology programme is an international degree and will be conducted in English.

 

1.2 The programme’s general profile

The aim of the programme is to give students:

• a theoretical and method-oriented knowledge of biotechnology within the fields of domestic animals and livestock, plants, micro-organisms or biochemistry
• the knowledge to analyse complex biotechnology problems of importance for the biotechnological industry, governmental agencies or educational programmes
• the ability to communicate knowledge at all levels, and a broad knowledge of the interactions between biotechnology and industry, society and the environment

1.3 The programme’s employment prospects

Graduates will find job opportunities in such fields as the biotechnological industry, governmental agencies or educational establishments. A number of graduates are expected to continue their education in a PhD programme.

 

1.4 The programme’s competence profile

During the master’s programme in Biology-Biotechnology students must obtain the knowledge, skills and competences described below. These qualifications are obtained partly through participation in core modules partly through the participation in elective courses and the preparation of a master’s thesis.

 

After completing the MSc programme in Biology-Biotechnology the graduate should be able to:

 

1.4.1 Knowledge

• Describe the biological complexities with the field of cell and organism biology and molecular biology at an advanced level including the principles of cell functions and genetic control of these processes

• Critically reflect on the theory behind methods

• Using a model systems to integrate basic knowledge about an organism to understand complex biological process

• Evaluate the usefulness of different organisms as expression hosts in research

• Comprehend integrated approaches to biological questions using genetics, physiology, biochemistry and bioinformatics to relate phenotypes to genotype as platforms for modelling organism metabolism at the molecular level

1.4.2 Skills

• Use advanced methods in molecular biology in the context of a research project.

• Use basic knowledge from other disciplines in an integrated manner when analyzing current problems in biology - biotechnology

• Set up a research plan preparation, including critical discussion of literature and problem identification, develop hypotheses and research questions, determinate data requirements and select appropriate methods

• Discuss and choose techniques in molecular biology, design of laboratory protocols and safety procedures in relation to handling and exploitation of organisms in biotechnology

• Transfer theory, hypothesis and principles through biochemical, and/or mathematical/statistical description to results, which can be statistical and experimental tested

• Read, discuss and present original articles within the field

• Communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist audience at a variety of levels, using modern and appropriate information and communication tools

1.4.3 Competences

• Transfer theories and principles from advanced state-of-the-art molecular biology to solve new questions posed by the research community, industry and the society

• Work independently and effective on an individual basis, in teams as well as in cross-disciplinary environments

• Discuss ethical problems related to the latest developments in science

• Use lifelong learning as a principle to independently evaluate and structure learning processes and assume responsibility for continuous professional development

Chapter 2. Degree programme content

 

Year 1	Block 1
	Block 2
	Block 3
	Block 4	Advanced Biotechnology and Intellectual Property Rights

 

Year 2	Block 1	Thesis (60 credits)
	Block 2
	Block 3
	Block 4

 

	Compulsory course and thesis
	Core courses (the suggested block placement of core courses above is not mandatory. The placement strictly depends on which core courses are chosen - see list below).
	Elective courses

2.1 Content

The programme is set at 120 credits, equivalent to two full years of study and must include the following elements:

• Thesis 60 credits (the thesis must include experimental/analytical work)
• Compulsory course
• Core courses 15 credits
• Elective courses 30 credits

Compulsory course, core courses and thesis must comprise at least 90 credits.

 

Compulsory course:

240077 Advanced Biotechnology and Intellectual Property Rights

 

A minimum of 15 credits must be chosen from the core courses:

210006 Statistisk Dataanalyse 2 - 7.5 credits

230001 Analytical Chemistry - 7.5 credits

230006 Enzymology and Experimental Biochemistry - 7.5 credits

230023 Bioorganisk kemi og lægemiddelkemi - 7.5 credits

230029 The Chemistry of Metal Ions in Biological Systems - 7.5 credits

240019 Genome and Cell Biology - 7.5 credits

240020 Heterologous Expression - 15 credits

240028 Molecular Plant Biochemistry and Physiology - 7.5 credits

240037 Basic Pharmacology and Toxicology - 7.5 credits

240050 Immunology - Theoretical - 7.5 credits

240051 Immunology - 15 credits

240063 Applied Microbiology - 7.5 credits

240065 From Gene to Function in Pathogenic Bacteria – 7.5 credits

240084 Plant Polysaccharides: Biology, Structure and Applications - 7.5 credits

240085 Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions - 7.5 credits

250075 From Plants to Bioenergy - 7.5 credits

270006 Exploratory Data Analysis/Chemometrics - 7.5 credits

270092 Bioactive Components and Health - 7.5 credits

270078 Advanced Chemometrics - 7.5 credits

270103 Quantitative Bio-spectroscopy - 7,5 credits

300050 Laboratory Animal Science (Category C. Three weeks course in January) - 7.5 credits

400036 Project Management - 7.5 credits

400038 Isotopteknik og helsefysik (Certifying three weeks course in August) - 5 credits

400040 Erhvervsprojekt/Project in Practice

xxxxxx Biobusiness and Innovation Program www.bbip.dk

xxxxxx Population Genetics (blok 3) 121538 available on Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen

xxxxxx Structural Bioinformatics (B) 5069050014 available on Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen

xxxxxx Linux and Python Programming 5069060004 available on Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen

 

 

Chapter 3. Admission requirements and admission

3.1 Admission requirements

The BSc Programme i Biology-Biotechnology (biologi-bioteknologi) qualifies graduates directly for admission to the MSc Programme in Biology-Biotechnology.

Students holding the following BSc degrees are admitted provided that their examination includes specified courses:

BSc in Natural Resources (naturressourcer) (all core modules)

• 15 credits within a biological system (plants, animals or microbiology)

• 15 credits within biochemistry/organic chemistry
• 7.5 credits within biotechnology methods

Bachelors from other faculties under University of Copenhagen or from other national and international universities must have equivalent qualifications and their admission will be assessed on an individual basis.

 

3.2 Admission

Students are admitted to the MSc in Biology-Biotechnology once a year (1 September).