MASTER BY RESEARCH IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
1 Award and Title
MRes in Biotechnology
2 Length and Mode of Registration
MRes in Biotechnology: one year full-time
3 Entry Requirements
MRes: 2.1 in a relevant subject.
4 Anticipated Total Student Registrations
Target total fte registrations at steady state: 45
PhD: 32
MSc by Research: 5
MRes: 8
5 Programme Management
Director of Graduate Studies: Professor M.A. Geeves
Convenor of Masters’ Programme: Dr. G.K. Robinson
Departmental Administrator: Ms. L.M. Lough
Postgraduate Administrator: Mrs. L. Allcock
6 Proposed Start Date
These programmes are ongoing.
7 Opportunity and Need
The University must attract, develop and support researchers at all levels, must promote a
strong outward-looking research culture, and develop a supportive environment in which high
quality research is both expected and encouraged (Institutional Plan 2003-2006). The
Department of Biosciences Departmental Plan 2005 sets a target of over 50 research students
by 2008.
It is central to the University’s mission and the Department’s plan to pursue research to an
internationally recognised standard. The training of the next generation of academic and
industrial scientists remains a central goal and will contribute to the improvement of general
scientific knowledge and understanding to the populace as a whole. This is in line with local
and national policies and one reason why we continue to see government investment in
Universities.
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"In the increasingly knowledge driven global economy, science, innovation and creativity are
important drivers of productivity growth, backed up by a highly-skilled workforce and a
competitive and enterprising economy."
From The Budget 2005. Investing In Our Future. 16th March 2005
Molecular bioscience remains a core science which underpins Medicine and Biotechnology
and their associated industries. It also lies at the interface between life sciences, the molecular
and the physical sciences and mathematics. We encourage the development of joint programs
with the Departments of Physical Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics and Computing in
addition to joint studentships with Industry and other institutions.
The MRes course is intended to contribute to the delivery of the Research Councils’ scientific
objectives, as set out in the Science Budget 2003-04 to 2005-06 (The BBSRC Ten Year
vision and the BBSRC Strategic plan 2003-2008). An overriding principle which has been
considered when devising the current programme has been to ensure that the students gain
access to, and benefit from, facilities and practitioners of excellent science (BBSRC Strategic
Objective 1). The MRes was initially established during the competitive call for MRes pilot
schemes by the BBSRC in 1995. The Department was one of nine UK institutions selected
for BBSRC funding and we have continued to receive funding ever since, following several
BBSRC reviews.
We also recognise a role in contributing towards a greater appreciation and understanding of
Integrative Biology (BBSRC. Priority 1) and the two-way understanding of potential for
commercial exploitation of research activity. (Priority 4 – Bioscience for Industry).
Students completing our courses go on to further study, careers in academic medical or
industrial science, education and a range of other scientific and non scientific careers. (See
Appendix A.)
8 Aims and Objectives
The MRes programme aims to fulfil the following training requirements;
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
A taught provision to provide all students with a basic grounding in Molecular
Biology, Analytical Biotechnology and Statistics as well as an exposure to wider
issues within the Biotechnology & Public Affairs module.
The provision of a research skill set, including transferable skills, allowing the
students to enhance their competencies when seeking employment or training
opportunities (e.g. PhD) in their chosen field.
The opportunity to do an extended research project in a well-funded and wellrecognised research laboratory, or to gain experience of research in more than one
research group.
The opportunity to make and exercise an informed choice about the particular
research experience they seek.
The opportunity to sample life in a research laboratory before committing to a longer
training period (e.g. PhD) or chosen career path without first-hand experience of what
it entails on a day-to-day basis.
The provision of transparent benchmarking, monitoring and QA procedures especially
in relation to off-site project collaborations.
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(vii)
The acquisition of a value-added postgraduate qualification which is recognised by
both academia and commerce.
The course consolidates the BBSRC-funded MRes Biotechnology and is a progression of the
joint Pfizer/University of Kent collaborative Masters course that has developed from it (as
highlighted in BBSRC Business January 2001). Additionally, collaborative projects have
recently been undertaken between Biosciences and Computing/Institute of Mathematics and
Statistics leading to an MSc by research and dissertation. In summary, the course will equip
the candidates with an understanding of how information in the form of DNA flows from
gene to whole organism, with particular emphasis on those species whose genomes have been
fully sequenced and excellent database resources exist. A graduate of the course will
understand and be able to critically appraise and utilise ‘-omics’ technology, especially in the
context of its application for drug discovery.
Objectives
 To understand the language and methodology of modern molecular biosciences.
 To generate, evaluate and integrate data arising from ‘-omics’ and maximise its utility to
the widest audience.
 To gain an appreciation of how the findings of modern bio-technology may (or may not)
be integrated to develop our understanding of organismal biology.
 To appreciate the business and bioscience ethos that underpin the modern pharmaceutical
industry.
9 Programme Outline
9a Outline
The course comprises the following modules:
Taught component (October – December) - this comprises assessed (in bold) and nonassessed modules and will contribute 35% of the course marks.





Induction and transferable skills (Bioscience and external).
Molecular Biology (Biosciences).
Analytical Biotechnology
Statistics
Biotechnology & Public Affairs (Bioscience and external)
(Module outlines are provided in Appendix D).
Project component – (January-September) – the projects build on our existing research
expertise and may comprise one or two laboratory experiences so long as congruence exists
between them. This allows the student to submit a cohesive dissertation which brings together
two areas of research. The projects may be undertaken within the Department of Biosciences
and / or Pfizer Global Research and Development (PGRD). The mark for this part of the
course will comprise 65% of the overall course mark*.
The students will choose a project either on application or during Term 1. Students are
encouraged to interact with their chosen research group(s) as much as possible, including as
time allows, during the taught component. Projects will reflect research specialisations of the
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Department and/or will reflect the interests of our external collaborators e.g. PGRD. In the
latter instance the research projects typically involve the development, evaluation or
application of modern molecular methods to the drug discovery process. Typical projects
have included:
The application of proteome analysis techniques in studies of the effect of hypoxia on
human skeletal muscle cells;
Expression and pharmacological comparison of the canine potassium ion channel cERG
to its human homologue,
hERG; The use of NMR for drug discovery.
A fuller description of these projects and others may be found at our web site
http://www.kent.ac.uk/bio/study/Postgraduate/Master/Default.htm. As with all postgraduate
students, a postgraduate monitoring committee (PMC) will be appointed to monitor the
student’s welfare and progress throughout their time at the University of Kent. They MUST
fully participate in the Graduate Development Programme which ensures that students
achieve a broad training as identified by the ‘Joint Statement of the Research
Councils’/AHRB’s Skills Training requirements for Research Students’ (pp. i-iii of Graduate
Development Folder – Appendix H).
* It should be noted that, although marks and mark schemes are used internally, the
qualification is a research degree and, like a PhD, only pass or fail are awarded by the
University of Kent.
9b Details of other courses students may benefit from e.g.: Health & Safety, IT, writing
skills, English language, library skills etc
The Development folder provides a full list of all courses provided by the Department.
In addition, the University provides a range of general support courses for students and staff
on basic skills such as keyboard skills, software packages, statistics, writing & language
skills, health and safety, and first aid which the students can choose to access in consultation
with their supervisor and PMC. This is in addition to the normal expectation that supervisors
will edit and correct regular written work by students and will discuss writing skills during
report reviews and the final thesis compilation.
9c Progression Milestones
Students are briefed on the calendar and guidance notes contained within the Graduate
Development Folder (p. 60 of Appendix H) as part of the Induction Course. All students must
attend and attain the following:
(i) Completion of the taught programme as outlined in Appendix D. Students attend lectures
and practicals in the Autumn term and, where specified, undertake examinations in the final
week.
(ii) Credits – 10 Class A and 10 Class B credits within their period of registration as outlined
in the Graduate Development Folder (p38).
(iii) Completion of a literature review by student and MRes Postgraduate Report form 1 by
supervisor in consultation with the student. This must clearly explain the hypothesis /
hypotheses under investigation in the 9-month laboratory project.
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(iv) Meeting with Masters Postgraduate Monitoring Committee (PMC) within 1 month of
completing (ii). The Masters PMC comprises Dr Gary Robinson (Chair), Prof. Mike Geeves
(Director of Postgraduate Studies) & Prof Mick Tuite (Director of Research). If the student is
undertaking their study at a collaborating company / institution an additional representative of
that company / institution may also be present. The Masters PMC meets with all students
registered for MRes Biotechnology on the same day to allow the experience of the cohort to
be assessed. Generic and specific feedback from the PMC is given to all students within 1
week. If required, an additional PMC may be organised within 1 month if specific issues have
been highlighted / satisfactory progress is not being made. It should be noted that students
can request a meeting with their PMC at any time.
(v) Production of poster for Postgraduate Symposium in June. This will be coincident with
the completion of MRes Postgraduate report form 2 and may be the basis for a final PMC
meeting.
(vi) Production and submission of MRes thesis in August.
9d Assessment Methods
Although the MRes Biotechnology is a research degree, it does contain a taught component
which accounts for 35% of the course marks. Students are assessed on these modules (BI801
– Molecular Biology, BI821- Analytical Biotechnology & BI 822-Statistics for
Biotechnology) by both continuous assessment and examination, as outlined in Annex D.
Students must obtain a minimum of 40% to progress to the project component but all
progression is at the discretion of the PMC.
After submission of their MRes dissertation, all students undergo an internal viva voce
examination by a member of Biosciences academic staff. This is usually more extensive
(approximately 1 hour minimum) and precedes the external examination outlined below. The
report is made available to the external examiner before they undertake their own viva voce
examination as outlined below. The external examiner may ask to see any of the internal
examiners.
In line with the ethos of the Masters PMCs, all MRes students are examined by the same
External Examiner (currently Prof. J. Green, University of Sheffield) on the same day(s). The
external examiner is appointed annually using the forms shown in Annex F. Each of the
students presents a short (15 minutes) talk to the External Examiner in an open symposium.
Thereafter, each student undergoes a viva voce examination of 30-45 minutes in the presence
of the External Examiner and the Course Tutor (Dr Gary Robinson).
10 Approved Supervisors
Currently all research active members of the Department have been approved as supervisors
of postgraduate study by the Faculty Research & Enterprise board. A full list of approved
supervisors is attached as Appendix B.
11 Research Environment
The Department of Biosciences provides a structure for promoting research excellence,
fostering collaboration and enhancing provision of research training. The Department was
graded with a high 4A (93% submission) in the last RAE and the University and
Departmental Plan aims to improve this in the next RAE. The Department has 25 academic
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staff, 2 independently-funded research fellows and 29 research staff. There are 8 technicians
and one administrator who are employed wholly on research projects. There are 5 Facility
Managers, one administrator and 6 secretarial staff who spend part of their time on researchrelated matters. The Department’s external research income for this financial year is £1.7m
and this is supplemented by £320k of HEFCE QR Funding. New external grants have
amounted to between £1.5m and £2.7m p.a. over the last three years. Approximately 38% of
this comes from charities, 36% from research councils, 20% from the EU and 6% from
industry and other types of sponsor.
Within the Department, research is focused on four major areas: Cancer Research, Cell and
Developmental Biology, Infectious Diseases and Protein Science. These topics are not
treated in separate departments but as integrated research themes within the Department. The
members of each group meet regularly at research planning group meetings. This provides an
attractive environment for the student since it transcends the traditional compartmentalisation
of scientific approaches and techniques. All students would be aligned with one (or
occasionally more) of these groups and attend the regular research seminars/discussion
groups of their respective research planning group.
The Department has a rigid safety policy. There is a Departmental safety co-ordinator and
committee (including student representation) as well as specific staff assigned to monitor
genetic manipulation, the handling of radioisotopes and the use of lasers. Each student and
project is assessed for potential hazards and records kept and updated for each of the
procedures used within the Department.
Some of the academics in the Department have funded collaborations in the UK, Europe and
beyond and students are encouraged to become involved in these wider collaborations.
The Department has a strong track record of productive links with the pharmaceutical,
agrochemical and biotechnology sectors both in the UK and world-wide. The Department has
a full-time Business Development Officer and an academic seconded 2 days per week funded
through HEIF charged with fostering industrial links. These links have – and continue to be –
established through fully-funded research projects and studentships, contract research,
consultancies provision of short courses (e.g. most recently for Pfizer, Zeneca and the NHS),
CASE studentships and undergraduate placements (as part of our Year in Industry option).
The appointment of Professor Paul Davis (Insense Ltd.) as a Visiting Professor in Applied
Immunology, Dr. Graham Darby (ex-GSK) as Visiting Professor in Virology and Dr Mark
Treherne (Senexis Ltd.) Honorary Senior Lecturer further illustrates our commitment to
promoting academic-industrial interactions (see Appendix G for full list). We currently have
research projects and studentships funded by Pfizer, British United Turkeys Ltd. and PIG
Improvement Company and we have undertaken short-term research contracts for Abbott
Labs, Knoll, Excyte and Channel Diagnostics. We also have strong collaborative links with
the regional NHS and students benefit from joint research programmes established with NHS
partners. Three members of staff (Drs. Blower, Jones and Mühlschlegel) have joint contracts
with the NHS but organise their research programmes with the Department of Biosciences.
We fully subscribe to the ethos that first-class, internationally-competitive research requires
state-of-the-art technical support, coupled with the necessary research infrastructure. We
have established four major research support facilities, each with a permanent Facility
Manager: Biomolecular Analysis; Microscopy and Image Analysis; Animal Cell Culture and
Protein NMR. Each facility is self-contained, aims to be largely self-supporting and
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accessible to all research students and staff, for whom training is provided by the Facility
Manager. Two of the Facilities have been established via major grant support from the
Wellcome Trust: Protein Analysis (1993) and a 600 MHz NMR Facility (1996). Each of
these facilities underwent a £2m refurbishment and upgrade under SRIF investment in 2004
and continue to be improved and extended in response to new staff appointments and funding
initiatives, for example, a 'Fast Reaction Laboratory' (Jan 1999, Geeves), a
'Video/Fluorescence Microscopy Suite' (June 2000, Gullick) and an ‘electrophysiology rig’
(June 2000 Allen, Bloor, Phelan) have recently been established with internal (HEFCE) and
external (Wellcome Trust) support. The new facilities are of the highest international
standard and contain unique features, which allow us to promote them as a regional and
national resource. The Fast Reaction Laboratory hosted an EMBO-workshop on ‘Fast
Kinetics’ in July 2000, 2002 and 2004. The Department, with University support and part
HEFCE funding, has undertaken a £1.5 million refurbishment and modernisation programme
for its research laboratories since 1998 and the current programme is due to be complete in
late 2005 at which time all the research laboratories will have been completely refurbished.
We have continued to upgrade our intranet, which maintains over 100 terminals and have
appointed a permanent IT manager. The establishment of a dedicated ‘Study Room’ in 1998,
with IT facilities, has provided our postgraduate students with dedicated support facilities in
addition to those provided in the research laboratory. There is also a ‘Bioinformatics Suite’
with Silicon Graphics, and LINUX UNIX workstations for dataprocessing analysis, structure
determination and 3D-structure viewing.
12 Student Support and Guidance
Students are provided with a copy of the STMS Faculty Handbook “Information for New
Postgraduate Students” (Appendix E) and the University booklet covering regulations,
Student’s Union Code of Practice and the Student Charter when registering. In addition,
students are issued with the Department’s Graduate Development Folder for Research
Students during the Graduate Induction programme hosted by the Department (Appendix G).
All Masters’ students have the same tutor (Dr Gary Robinson) and are able to sign up to
attend a weekly surgery if they wish to discuss anything course related. When undertaking
their research projects, students will largely be tutored / mentored by their chosen research
supervisor.
In addition the Department has both a Welfare Officer (Dr P. Klappa) and a Disability Officer
(Dr R. Williamson). They have primary responsibility for undergraduate students but are
available for advice and as a source of information on other services in the university and
beyond. The University itself provides a range of generic support such as a Counselling
Service, Accommodation Office, Medical Centre and Welfare Office.
13 Departmental Quality Assurance and Enhancement
Staff
All supervisors of postgraduates have to be vetted by the Research Programme Approval
Sub-Committee who can then recommend approval by the STMS Faculty Research and
Enterprise Board and the University’s Board for Research & Enterprise (see Appendix F).
Students are kept informed of relevant information via specific email lists (biology-
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pgm@kent.ac.uk). They also receive an on-line version of the monthly Departmental
Newsletter.
New academic staff are expected to complete the Universities Postgraduate Certificate in
Higher Education during their first two years of appointment and completion of the course is
normally a condition for completion of probation. The course includes modules on “Running
a Research Group” and “Supervising Research Students” in addition to courses on Applying
for Funding and Publication Strategies.
As part of the PGCHE, the new member of staff will have a tutor to provide advice and
support. They will also have a Departmental mentor as part of the probation process to
provide additional support.
Newly appointed staff would normally co-supervise their first research students and they will
act as one member of one PMC for students they are not supervising. This provides them
with experience in the process of supervising without having full responsibility and allows
them to fulfil the requirements to become approved supervisors. The PMC provides a source
of advice and support to the supervisor.
Established staff have access to a continuing series of Staff Development courses which
cover such issues as interviewing skills, changes in Research Council policies etc.
Each member of staff undergoes an annual confidential appraisal by a senior member of the
Department (or Dean in the case of Head of Department). This provides an opportunity, in
addition to other things, to discuss issues relating to student supervision. In addition, all
academic staff meet with the Head of Department and Director of Research on an annual
basis to discuss research activities, needs and future plans, including postgraduate student
expectations.
Students
The Department has a Postgraduate Staff-Student Liaison Committee which meets
formally in the autumn and spring to consider issues of general interest to Postgraduate
Students and to provide a forum for exchange of information between staff and students. The
committee is chaired by the Director of Graduate Studies and comprises the Convenor of
Masters’ programmes, one representative from each Masters’ programme and one
representative from each year of the PhD programme. The Committee meets one week before
the Research Committee in the autumn and spring terms and reports to the Research &
Enterprise Committee. Additional meetings can be arranged on request.
In addition to representation on the Staff-Student Liaison Committee there is one PG student
representative on the Departmental Research and Enterprise Committee, the Faculty Research
and Enterprise Committee and the Department’s Health and Safety Committee.
These committees provide a forum in which students participate in and influence the
decision-making process in the Department and the University. In addition, participation in
these committees is viewed as an important and integral part of the student’s training and
credits in professional & transferable skills are awarded in recognition of the time involved.
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There is a Departmental ‘Bio-Soc’ which involves both undergraduate and (predominantly)
postgraduate members. This society organises social events throughout the year in which
both staff & students participate. The postgraduate students also have access to the
Departmental ‘T-room’ which provides an informal arena for meeting and discussion with
contemporaries.
External Examiner
In addition to individual reports, the external examiner is also requested to comment on the
process and procedures which have operated in the registration year. Comments relating to
the taught courses and examination procedures are annually made and responses formulated.
All processes and procedures are officially ratified through the Departmental Research &
Enterprise Committee in the first instance. See Appendix F.
14 Departmental Resource Implications
Students are provided with access to computers and appropriate research facilities to
complete the planned programme of study and research.
15 Professional Accreditation
There are no formal needs for Professional Accreditation. However, students are encouraged
to join learned societies and several members of staff act as advisors for particular societies
(see pp.12-13, Graduate Development Folder – Appendix H).
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