4-Term Pathway - Foundation Certificate for Science and Engineering - Transfer to Integrated Masters - Master of Biology (MBiol) (Honours) - Biotechnology and Microbiology

The University of York's integrated Masters in Biotechnology and Microbiology examines how microorganisms can be used to produce improved therapeutic drugs, and why an understanding of microbial evolution is important for controlling pathogens.

This course is ideal if students want an interdisciplinary approach to Biotechnology and Microbiology. They will have a wide range of options to tailor the course to their developing interests. 

Microorganisms are an important but often overlooked form of life. They are causative agents of many diseases, and can be harnessed to produce a wide range of useful products including antibiotics and other medicines. Microbes are also vital for providing multiple ecosystem services and are crucial for agricultural systems. They can provide the means to decontaminate polluted environments and act as important models for understanding biological processes. At York, students will learn about the practical application of biological knowledge to economically important areas, such as health, food and the environment.

The integrated Masters course introduces a four-year programme that specifically focuses on the skills needed for a career as a research scientist. During this time students work with researchers within one of the UK’s top bioscience departments to learn specialised techniques and gain experience in a cutting-edge research lab. They also undertake specialist research training and take Masters-level modules.

Adding a year in industry or a year abroad are both an option with this course too, so students can benefit from the advantages that a year away can bring. The Department of Biology will provide them with the opportunity to learn in new, spacious and modern teaching laboratories which provide excellent facilities for practicals and small group project work, alongside state-of-the-art computing facilities.