Lab experiment

Biotechnology

POSTGRADUATE TAUGHT SUBJECT AREA

Find out about the course options in Biotechnology

Why Study Biotechnology?

Our Staff and students work with the听), the Welsh Government-funded research capacity building project, which is focussing on biotechnological applications of extremophilic microorganisms, their enzymes and metabolites. We also offer unique opportunities for students to conduct project work under internationally recognised supervisors who are experienced staff affiliated also with CEB. Research specialisms include

  • Metagenomic analysis of听听and further microbial habitats rich in industrially-relevant enzymes,
  • Genome and听听听and applications of听听bacteria.
  • Characterizing microbial polysaccharide (lignocellulose) decomposition in terrestrial, aquatic and managed environments and the biotechnological application of novel glycosyl hydrolase enzymes. Isolation and cultivation of novel cellulolytic bacterial strains.
  • Sources, ecology and fate of human microbial pathogens (bacterial and viral) in estuarine environments and their interactions with nutrients, suspended particulate material (flocs), sediments and shellfish.
  • Functional and genomic analysis of bacterial species associated with Acute Oak Decline.
  • Developing improved methods for quantifying the diversity and abundance microbial taxa in the environment.
  • Extremophile microbiology 鈥 focusing on the diversity and application of microbial life that thrives in extremely acidic environments.
  • Biomining 鈥 developing new 鈥済reen鈥 technologies for extracting metals from mineral ores.
  • Bioremediation of metal- and acid-contaminated environments, coupled with developing new approaches for recovering and recycling metals from wastes.

Career Opportunities in Biotechnology

The 21st听century post genomics era offers a wide range of job opportunities in the agricultural, medical, pharmaceutical, aquaculture, forensics and environmental science areas. The rapidly developing economies of China and India in particular have recognised the enormous opportunities offered by Biotechnology. Job openings in sales and marketing with companies who have a science base are also common. Some graduates will also choose to extend their knowledge base by undertaking PhD programmes in relevant areas.

Our past graduates have gone on to听careers in research (both in academia and听research institutes) as well as in commercial听environmental consultancies, DEFRA, water听authorities, scientific publishing, landscape听architects and many others.

Our Research in Biotechnology

We have a vigorous research base in a number of areas, including molecular ecology, fisheries genetics, ancient DNA, evolutionary and conservation biology, biogeochemistry, bio hydrometallurgy, plant product biochemistry and (plant) stress physiology, wetland biogeochemistry, neurophysiology of crustaceans, animal responses to stress and applied microbiology.听 Our Biology and Zoology research activity is conducted by our research groups in the following areas:听

Molecular Ecology and Evolution
Biogeochemistry and Plant Science
Animal Physiology behaviour and conservation
Microbiology parasitology and biotechnology

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