Master of Science in Applied Biotechnology

at University of Westminster - Cavendish Campus United Kingdom

On this course, you'll examine how nutrients and eating patterns impact health and well-being, and the role of diet in both health and disease.

Public and media interest in what we eat has never been greater. Emerging as one of the most popular sciences, Human Nutrition integrates knowledge from diverse areas of science to present a unified view of this dynamic discipline and its applications.

We have well-equipped labs in all bioscience disciplines, including a suite of biochemical test facilities for nutritional analysis, whole-body metabolism and determination of body composition.

A lively research culture informs our teaching, and is re?ected in our curricula specialising in both Global Public Health Nutrition and Sport and Exercise Nutrition. Our current research includes, but not limited to, local/global food security issues encountered by families, lifestyle interventions for metabolic health related diseases, and the ability to change nutritional behaviour through the use of technology.

In Years 2 and 3, students on the degree can choose to follow a theme focusing on Human Nutrition or on Human Nutrition with Exercise Science, which focuses on the role that exercise and nutrition play in all aspects of human health and disease.

The course presents you with an understanding of the molecular and physiological basis of the relationship between nutrition and human health and performance. You will study modules which cover the relevant aspects of human nutrition, physiology, public health nutrition, diet in health and disease, biochemistry, psychology, health and exercise practices.

Top reasons to study with us

• Make the most of outstanding facilities – we have well-equipped labs in all bioscience disciplines, including a suite of biochemical test facilities for nutritional analysis, whole-body metabolism and determination of body composition
• Boost your career – this course is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN) and graduates from this course are eligible to join the Register as an Associate Nutritionist
• Learn from expert speakers - expert speakers deliver research seminars and ‘academic conversations’, introducing students on the course to cutting-edge research and scientific developments

Our Data Science and Analytics BSc will give you the combination of analytical, technical and presentation skills to convert data into valuable insights.

In a constantly changing global environment, the massive use of social networks and the Internet of Things are generating a huge and fast-growing amount of data. Data processing is carried out through increasingly complex and sophisticated computer capabilities and algorithmic models, and involves advanced storage technologies such as cloud computing. 

As a result, there is currently a great need for professionals who can process, understand and present this data in an appropriate and effective way. These skills are much needed by businesses, which collect data from customers, partners and from the market in which they operate to support evidence-based decision making. Governments rely on data to improve their policies and deliver better services as well.

Studying our course, you'll develop knowledge of the fundamental principles and technologies that underpin the disciplines of maths, statistics and computing with an emphasis on the skills and theories required in data science and analytics. You'll learn how to apply cutting-edge maths, statistics and computer science techniques and tools to collect, store, prepare, analyse and visualise data, while analysing and understanding organisations’ operations, environment and related issues. 

Top reasons to study with us

• Master key data science skills – You’ll learn how to make sense of data using various machine learning algorithms and statistical techniques, and how to use top programming languages such as R and Python for a career in Data Science and Analytics
• Boost your employability – You’ll have the opportunity to experience work-based learning including working for a year in industry, gaining skills that’ll give you an edge in the graduate market
• Use state-of-the-art computing facilities – You’ll have access to 34 specialist labs, various Operating Systems (Windows 10, Unix, Linux and Mac OSX), Microsoft development software for free, and VR hardware available in our labs to develop with
• Develop in-demand skills – Data analysis is a growing industry, with governments and businesses in need of professionals who can analyse data to support key decision-making
• Learn the fundamentals – You'll graduate with knowledge of the fundamental principles and technologies that underpin maths, statistics and computing

This innovative Master's degree aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge and strategic approach to develop and analyse social change campaigns and activism, with a particular focus on the role of communications and the media. This is the only postgraduate programme of its kind, and has a flexible delivery to suit both full-time and part-time students.

The course builds on our close links with leading campaigners and communicators in London's vibrant social change sector. An advisory panel, with representatives from Amnesty UK, Friends of the Earth, Save the Children, WaterAid, SumOfUs, Advocacy Hub, Campaign Bootcamp, FairSay and The National Council of Voluntary Organisations among others, will ensure we always reflect the skill sets in demand and deliver an exciting learning experience. A limited number of work placements and internships will be available.

Our established programme in Biotechnology, which has been extensively updated, includes a wide range of modern molecular biology techniques and how biotechnology can be used by today's society. You will complement your theoretical studies with hands on experience of fully controlled fermenters that are up to pilot-plant scale, and are linked to modern monitoring and control systems.

You will study a range of subjects in considerable depth, including bioactive compounds, industrial bioprocesses, microbial physiology and fermentation technology, microbial production of novel metabolites, monitoring and control of fermentation, topics in biotechnology, and types of bioreactors.

This course allows you to plan your own taught programme to match your interests and experience by selecting modules from a diverse range of option modules from a diverse range offered by the biosciences masters course in the School of Life Sciences, with the advice of the Course Leader. For example, you could combine modules on microbiology and molecular biology or those on haematology and clinical chemistry.

Alternatively, you can combine basic science with study of the communication or commercialisation of science. We also offer the opportunity to consider the increasing role of automation in diagnostic laboratories. Those studying part time are free to develop their module choices as they progress.

Whatever the combination, you will be able to expand your understanding of human diseases, their investigation and therapy, and develop your competence in the design and execution of a laboratory-based project.

Computers are central to all aspects of our daily lives; as industries ranging from communications to banking have come to rely on them, the need for improved computer security has never been greater. This course focusses on two aspects of Cyber Security: analysis and assessment of risk plus how to minimise it, and, how to extract and use digital information from a wide range of systems and devices. The course is structured so that all students cover the same introductory material, but then choose to specialise in either Cyber Security or Digital Forensics.

Our Biochemistry BSc will give you the skills and knowledge to establish yourself in a range of careers related to biochemistry, including the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology industries.

Biochemistry is a pivotal degree discipline and a fundamental part of all the biological sciences. It is the study of living systems at the molecular level, and biochemists study the ways in which cells and organisms are formed. This involves examining the structure and function of molecules found in living systems, as well as experimental investigations of the properties of biological systems ranging in complexity from cell extracts to whole organisms, and elucidating the roles of specific genes in the cells in which they are expressed.

The foundation of our course is our thriving research in diverse areas of biochemistry, including biotechnology, cancer biology, membrane transport, molecular diagnostics and therapeutics, plant biochemistry, and protein structure.

In this degree, you'll gain a sound foundation in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and analytical biochemical techniques. Your laboratory and research skills will be developed throughout your degree, culminating in your final-year project in which you'll undertake original research of your own.

The Psychology MSc is a conversion course accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), designed for graduates who wish to pursue a career in psychology but who need to acquire the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS.

You don't need to have studied psychology to be eligible for this course, however, you should note that it's an intensive course and requires hard work and independent full-time study outside of the contact hours.

We welcome applications from graduates with upper second class degrees who've either completed a degree in another subject or who have insufficient psychology in their degree to be eligible for GBC.

You'll take modules at Master's level in core areas of psychology, as specified by the BPS. You'll also take one option module in psychology from a selection available within the department. We offer a work experience in psychology module as an option if you would like to gain valuable experience in the workplace.

Our course curriculum covers the core areas of psychology stipulated by the BPS for GBC (biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences, social psychology, conceptual and historical issues in psychology, research methods, empirical project). In all of our modules there is a strong emphasis on critical evaluation of theory and practice.

This course is designed to give you the opportunity to study and analyse the theoretical and practical basis of medical microbiology and many of the specialist areas within it. You will gain greater insight into the importance and role of medical microbiology, with an emphasis on cutting edge areas such as molecular diagnostics and genomics, emerging pathogens and antibiotic resistance.

You will study a range of core and option modules that will allow you to tailor studies to your own requirements. You will expand your knowledge of the basic science and analytical techniques relating to medical microbiology and gain an up-to-date understanding of the application of medical microbiology in bioscience/pharmaceutical research, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic medicine. There will be an emphasis in the course on development of critical analysis skills in assessment of scientific literature and laboratory data. In addition you will have the opportunity to design and execute your own research project. The course team is supported by visiting lecturers who are practising scientists in the field, which helps to ensure that taught material is current and relevant.

Our Computer Games Development course combines technology and creativity in a multidisciplinary way.

The games industry is an expanding and challenging sector with continually evolving ideas and cutting-edge technologies. It requires practitioners to exercise more flexibility in software specifications and functionality, through adapting their approaches to design and management while keeping abreast of broad changes to technology.

This course covers all major technical aspects of the games development process, from design to production. It aims to prepare you for a career in software development with a particular emphasis on computer games. The course provides you with a solid understanding of game technologies, including programming, applied maths, computer graphics and game engines. You'll develop a broad range of knowledge and skills including mobile and web application development, 3D modelling and animation, and human-computer interaction. To enhance student employability, the course offers a number of talks from the creative industry and will support your participation in prestige game competitions and digital fairs, as well as industrial placements and internships.

The primary language you'll learn is C++, but you'll also have the opportunity to engage with other languages and software, such as C#, Python (Machine Learning, Algorithms), JavaScript and Swift for Android and iOS development. For character development we use Adobe Maya, Photoshop, 3DS Max and 3D Coat. The course focuses on using Unreal Engine 4 and Blueprints technology, but students will have the opportunity to engage with any of the commercial engines across the course.

Top reasons to study with us

• Valuable industry insights – our strong links to the sector ensure the course is taught with the games development industry in mind. Our teaching staff includes academics with experience in the games industry, alongside industry advisors who support the course on all work-based learning projects and competitions
• Work experience before graduation – as part of the course, you'll have the option to work for a year in the industry, gaining valuable work experience and boosting your employability
• Successful alumni – our alumni have found positions in companies including Microsoft, Sega, and Marmalade