Industrial Physical Biochemistry MRes
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
- Start date: September 2021
- UK fees: £4,496 per year
- International fees: £26,500 - £31,500 per year
Research overview
Focusing upon technical knowledge and practical skills, this MRes is ideal for:
- students who have or are about to graduate who want to pursue research in industrially relevant areas of biochemistry, such as biopharma and health care, healthy foods, business and entrepreneurship
- those currently working in industry wishing to obtain a masters qualification whilst working in a company’s own laboratories
It is taught in conjunction with leading biopharma, healthcare and food companies such as AstraZeneca, Arecor, Sanofi, GSK, Upperton Laboratories and Britvic. Institutes such as the National Institute for Biological Standards and the Viking Ship Museum, Oslo also contribute.
The 4-month research project is an important feature of the course. This may involve a placement in industry or may be based at the University. You will also complete a 2-month group mini-research project. This can be done in The National Centre for Macromolecular Hydrodynamics (NCMH) or Biomaterials Laboratories at the University.
For 2021 projects are currently available in the following 5 areas:
- Biopharma and healthcare - including Covid Glycans, Antimicrobial resistance, antibody biotechnology, encapsulation and mucins
- The business of biochemistry, biopharmaceutics and biotechnology - in conjunction with the Business School
- Healthy food - food chemistry: mucoadhesives for improving low-calorie food
- Biomolecular archaeology - biopolymer consolidants for archaeological wood
- Macromolecular biotechnology - assaying the stability of glycoconjugate vaccines in the fight against microbial disease
Course content
The award of MRes requires 180 credits for completion. The course consists of:
- 60 credits of assessed taught modules
- supplemented by research tutorials and 120 credits of assessed research project work
For the first part of the research, you'll do a group mini-project in the NCMH or Biomaterials Laboratories based on characterising:
(i) an antibody related fragment
(ii) a vaccine related polysaccharide
The 4 month industrial or business-related research project then follows. This may involve an industry placement, or may be based at the University. Placements in industry will be subject to meeting academic requirements. Please bear in mind that industry placements are subject to UK Covid-19 Government guidelines.
Students submit a report or dissertation on their research and the MRes finishes with presentations followed by a viva with the external examiner.
Students starting in September will take 40 credits of compulsory modules and choose 20 credits of optional modules. Your mini-project will be between February-March and your main 4-month research project will be between April-August.
Core modules
Gain a firm understanding of the basic chemistry behind the properties of biomolecules - properties which underpin their behaviour in vivo - and their technology, and some of the techniques used to characterise their size. You will learn about biomolecular structure, properties and function relevant to industry or in a biomedical environment.
The aim of this module is to familiarise and gain experience with laboratory-based techniques employed in the biomaterial, pharma and food industries. For each technique, the physical principle will be presented alongside with key practical methods and case studies of techniques’ applications to characterise material, molecular and physical properties.
In addition the course covers a number of professional skills associated with experimental work.
The module will introduce you to the latest thinking in the areas of creativity, the creative process, knowledge management practices and the nature of entrepreneurship. Having established the vital link between creativity, entrepreneurship, innovation and value creation, the course uses directed reading, case study exercises, reflective blog writing and group-based creative problem solving to illustrate entrepreneurial creativity in practice. You will be introduced to a variety of creative problem solving techniques and learn how to apply these techniques in the context of the development, evaluation, and application of ideas and concepts with commercial potential. The course culminates in you pitching your entrepreneurial opportunity to peers and real world entrepreneurs.
This module is worth 20 credits.
There will be Research Tutorials followed by a Group mini project in the NCMH Laboratories. You will then complete a 4 month research project, either based at the University or via an industry placement.
Optional Modules
This module will provide you with an understanding of how antibody biotechnology can be applied to solve problems in an industrial and biomedical context. It will cover the following: antibody structure and function, monoclonal antibodies, IgE and its receptors, the immunoglobulin system, the structure of immunoglobulins and their complexes with antigen, solution structure and properties of antibodies, and other related topics.
You will learn how knowledge of carbohydrate, or “glycan”, based biotechnology can be applied to solve problems in an industrial and biomedical setting. This includes polysaccharides, glycoconjugates and other related macromolecular drug delivery systems, "Smart" hydrogel and encapsulation and controlled release technologies, and therapeutic polysaccharides.
Examples will include mucoadhesive systems (you will also learn about mucin glycoproteins and their importance in health and disease), glycan fibre for healthy gut, glycoconjugate vaccines (against bacteria and Covid-19), industrial processing aspects and the role of glycans in herbal medicines. Also, the use of techniques like DLS and viscometry and other patent approved technologies to monitor their molecular integrity and properties.
This module aims to provide you with the skills, knowledge and practical experience required to respond to the challenges involved in managing, commercialising and marketing technological innovation and new business development.
This module aims to give you a theoretical understanding and practical experience of launching a new entrepreneurial venture. In so doing, this capstone module enables you to comprehend the role of, and conflicts and interdependencies between, different business and management disciplines; thus, it provides you with an insight into how decision-making in each area can impact on the overall performance of the firm. The module also aims to foster reflexive practice to facilitate lifelong learning.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the
module catalogue for information on available modules.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.
| Degree | 2:1 BSc/BA (Hons) (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject, or 2:2 (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject with a Merit at masters; other qualifications may also be accepted |
| Degree | 2:1 BSc/BA (Hons) (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject, or 2:2 (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject with a Merit at masters; other qualifications may also be accepted |
| International and EU equivalents | We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world. For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages. |
| IELTS | 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element) If these grades are not met, English preparatory courses are available |
| English language requirements | As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. |
Meeting our English language requirements
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.
Visa restrictions
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.
We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.
If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us.
Applying
For details and how to apply please contact Prof. Steve Harding. MRes students in all these areas can apply to continue on for a PhD.
Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.
How to applyFees
| Home / UK | £4,496 per year |
| International | You will pay either £26,500 or £31,500 per year, depending on the nature of your project. We will assess the appropriate fee amount on receipt of your project proposal, and confirm it in your offer letter. Please contact the school for advice on the fee applicable to your area of research at biosciences-research@nottingham.ac.uk. |
Additional information for international students
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).
Additional costs
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
As a student on this course, we do not anticipate any extra significant costs, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books and journals you’ll need through our libraries.
If you do an industrial placement, you may need to consider the travel and living costs associated with this.
Funding
There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.
Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.
Postgraduate fundingSupport
The school believes that formal training and guidance are critical components of the postgraduate experience and have developed specific and generic training which are available for all postgraduates.
Project-related training is provided by the supervisors (including the industrial supervisor) and other staff within the school. You will have frequent contact with your supervisor, often on a weekly or even daily basis, and there is a formal requirement for at least 10 recorded meetings per year.
Teaching is typically delivered by professors, associate and assistant professors. Some practical laboratory sessions and research projects may be supported by postdoctoral research fellows.
Researcher training and development
The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.
Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.
Student support
You will have access to a range of support services, including:
- academic and disability support
- childcare services
- counselling service
- faith support
- financial support
- mental health and wellbeing support
- visa and immigration advice
- welfare support
Students' Union
Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer.
There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:
- international students
- black and minority ethnic students
- students who identify as women
- students with disabilities
- LGBT+ students
SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.
Where you will learn
Sutton Bonington Campus
Sutton Bonington Campus combines world-leading laboratories with a countryside location, just a few miles from the city of Nottingham. The campus is home to over 2,500 biosciences and veterinary medicine students.
You will have access to student services, a library, sports centre and places to eat. Specialist facilities include the super lab, food processing pilot plant, glasshouses and University farm.
You can travel to University Park Campus in around 25 minutes on our free hopper bus.
Where you will learn
Biomolecular Technology
The National Centre for Macromolecular Hydrodynamics is based within the School of Biosciences.
Specialist facilities include:
- Analytical Ultracentrifugation
- Dynamic Light Scattering and SEC-MALS
- Viscosity and Rheology
- Protein and carbohydrate biochemistry
- Surface Plasmon Resonance
- Atomic Force Microscopy
- Fluorescence
- NMR facilities with links to X-ray and neutron methods and other facilities at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories, Harwell and the Institut Laue Langevin at Grenoble
Where you will learn
Sutton Bonington Campus
Sutton Bonington Campus combines world-leading laboratories with a countryside location, just a few miles from the city of Nottingham. The campus is home to over 2,500 biosciences and veterinary medicine students.
You will have access to student services, a library, sports centre and places to eat. Specialist facilities include the super lab, food processing pilot plant, glasshouses and University farm.
You can travel to University Park Campus in around 25 minutes on our free hopper bus.
Where you will learn
Biomolecular Technology
The National Centre for Macromolecular Hydrodynamics is based within the School of Biosciences.
Specialist facilities include:
- Analytical Ultracentrifugation
- Dynamic Light Scattering and SEC-MALS
- Viscosity and Rheology
- Protein and carbohydrate biochemistry
- Surface Plasmon Resonance
- Atomic Force Microscopy
- Fluorescence
- NMR facilities with links to X-ray and neutron methods and other facilities at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories, Harwell and the Institut Laue Langevin at Grenoble
Where you will learn
Sutton Bonington Campus
Sutton Bonington Campus combines world-leading laboratories with a countryside location, just a few miles from the city of Nottingham. The campus is home to over 2,500 biosciences and veterinary medicine students.
You will have access to student services, a library, sports centre and places to eat. Specialist facilities include the super lab, food processing pilot plant, glasshouses and University farm.
You can travel to University Park Campus in around 25 minutes on our free hopper bus.
I’m Course Director of the MRes in Biomolecular Technology and with colleagues at the NCMH, School of Biosciences, and the Business School, we’ve put together a course providing teaching and research training relevant to the needs of modern biopharma, food and healthcare. My own expertise is in developing FDA approved technologies for biomolecular characterisation. I have a long-standing collaboration with GSK Vaccines helping them develop vaccines against H. influenzae and N. meningitides, and am former Chair of the RSC Biotechnology Group. An outstanding feature of this course is the industrially linked project. Having done one myself, I know how rewarding these can be. ”
Steve Harding, Professor of Applied Biochemistry
Research Excellence Framework
The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
- The school is ranked the number 2 research environment in the UK for agriculture, veterinary and food science
- Our research environment was awarded 100% for agriculture, veterinary and food science
- 97% of our work in the Schools of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine and Science was judged to be of international quality
- 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
- 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
- 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**
*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.
This content was last updated on 03 June 2021. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.