LONDON’S GLOBAL UNIVERSITY
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
MSc /
2015/16 ENTRY
www.ucl.ac.uk/graduate/biochemeng
Biochemical Engineering MSc /
This MSc analyses how advances in the life
sciences can effectively be translated into real
outcomes of benefit to all. Close links with the
research activities of the Advanced Centre for
Biochemical Engineering ensure that lecture and
case study examples are built around the latest
biological discoveries and bioprocessing
technologies.
Degree structure Mode: Full-time: 1 year;
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme
offers three different pathways (for graduate scientists, engineers, or
biochemical engineers) and consists of core taught modules (120 credits)
and a research or design project (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months) is offered.
CORE MODULES FOR GRADUATE SCIENTISTS
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Degree summary Students develop an advanced knowledge of core biochemical
engineering principles and applications, design techniques for the
creation of products and process plants to meet a defined need,
commercial and economic aspects, health, safety, sustainability,
environmental and other professional issues, management and business
practices, and techniques applicable to research and advanced
scholarship. Three distinct pathways are offered designed for graduate
scientists, engineers, or biochemical engineers.
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UCL Biochemical Engineering is the largest of its kind in the UK. Our
graduate programmes are internationally recognised and draw on
advances in life sciences and the core discipline of biochemical
engineering.
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We maintain close teaching and research links with other highly-rated
UCL departments and with experts from other departments
throughout the UK and overseas, and are also involved in
exceptionally close collaborations with industry.
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The content of the MSc programmes is closely linked to the
department’s post-experience MBI® Training Programme. Scientists
and engineers already working in the bioindustry participate in the
MBI® programme to update their knowledge on particular aspects of
biochemical engineering, or to work towards a Master’s qualification.
Delegates from nearly 200 companies have benefited from such
training and sit alongside the full-time Master’s students for a number
of the programme elements while over 50 leading industrialists
contribute to the teaching activities. Industrialists engaged upon
MBI® training activities come from all over the world providing unique
networking opportunities.
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials,
and individual and group activities. Invited lectures delivered by
industrialists provide a professional and social context. Assessment is
through unseen written examinations, coursework, individual and group
project reports, individual and group oral presentations, and the research
or design project.
Bioprocess Synthesis and Process Mapping; Heat and Mass Transfer in Bioprocesses;
Fluid Flow and Mixing in Bioprocesses; Advanced Bioreactor Engineering; Integrated
Downstream Processing; Commercialisation of Bioprocess Research; Mammalian Cell
Culture and Stem Cell Processing; Bioprocess Validation and Quality Control
CORE MODULES FOR GRADUATE ENGINEERS
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Cellular Functioning from Genome to Proteome; Metabolic Processes and Regulation;
Structural Biology and Functional Protein Engineering; Advanced Bioreactor Engineering;
Integrated Downstream Processing; Commercialisation of Bioprocess Research;
Mammalian Cell Culture and Stem Cell Processing; Bioprocess Validation and Quality
Control
Core Modules for graduate biochemical engineers
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Industrial Synthetic Biology; Sustainable Bioprocesses and Biorefineries; Cell Therapy
Biology; Bioprocessing and Clinical Translation; Bioprocess Systems Engineering;
Bioprocess Microfluidics; Vaccine Bioprocess Development; Bioprocess Validation and
Quality Control
DESIGN OR RESEARCH PROJECT
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All MSc students submit a 10,000-word dissertation in either Bioprocess Design (science
graduate pathway) or Bioprocess Research (engineering and biochemical engineering
graduate pathway).
Your career The first destinations of those who graduate from the Master's
programme in Biochemical Engineering reflect the highly relevant nature
of the training delivered. UCL biochemical engineers are in demand, due
to their breadth of expertise, numerical ability and problem solving skills.
Approximately three-quarters of candidates elect to take up employment
in the relevant biotechnology industries while the remainder follow
careers in the management, financial or engineering design sectors.
Approximately half of those who choose the bioindustry sector will
undertake PhD or EngD programmes in biochemical engineering either at
UCL or other universities before commencing their industrial careers.
Recent career destinations* include:
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Research Associate, Novartis, UK (2011)
Production Process Technologist, Abbott, UK (2011)
Scientist, Merck Animal Health, UK (2011)
Research and Development Associate, Medimmune UK (2010)
Biochemical Analyst, Jacobs Engineering UK (2009)
Employability
The department places great emphasis on its ability to assist its
graduates in taking up exciting careers in the sector. UCL alumni,
together with the department’s links with industrial groups, provide an
excellent source of leads for graduates. Over 1,000 students have
graduated from UCL with graduate qualifications in biochemical
engineering at Master’s or doctoral levels. Many have gone on to
distinguished and senior positions in the international bioindustry. Others
have followed independent academic careers in universities around the
world. A few examples of our latest graduates are given here.
* data taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2010–2012 graduating cohorts six
months after graduation and, where necessary, departmental records.
Entry requirements Normal entry requirements are at least a second-class Bachelor's degree
from a UK university or the equivalent from an approved overseas
institution. Candidates offering recent industrial experience are also
encouraged to apply. As with any engineering discipline numeracy skills
are important for the quantitative description of biological and physical
phenomena. Evidence of numerical ability is requested as either an A
level in Mathematics (or in exceptional cases, in Physics) or some
mathematics studied at university. The department provides mathematics
tutoring for Master's students throughout the year adjusted to a
candidate's ability.
FEES AND FUNDING
// UK & EU (2015/16) entry: £10,765 (FT)
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Overseas (2015/16) entry: £22,350 (FT)
Full details of funding opportunities can be found on the UCL
Scholarships website: www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships
APPLICATION DATE
All applicants: 31 July 2015
CONTACT
English language proficiency level
Dr Daniel Bracewell
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you
will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English
proficiency.
Website:
www.ucl.ac.uk/biochemeng/students/msc
Email:
biochemeng@ucl.ac.uk
The level of English language proficiency for this programme is:
Standard.
Telephone:
+44 (0)20 7679 9580
Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and
test providers is provided at:
www.ucl.ac.uk/graduate/english-requirements
Your application The deadline for all applicants is 31 July 2015.
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for
places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas
applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
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why you want to study Biochemical Engineering at graduate level
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how will the MSc help you in your future career aspirations
why you want to study Biochemical Engineering at UCL
what particularly attracts you to this programme
how your academic, professional and personal background meets the
demands of a challenging programme. We are particularly interested
in any individual or group research project that you have undertaken.
Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement
is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this
programme match what the programme will deliver.
Details on how to apply are available on the website at:
www.ucl.ac.uk/graduate/apply
PDF Updated: June 09, 2015
Information correct at time of going to press. See website (www.ucl.ac.uk/graduate/biochemeng) for latest information