The MSc in Biochemical engineering is a research-led course. Teaching is informed by the latest research in the field being undertaken in the School. Birmingham is one of the major centres for Biochemical Engineering and Bioprocess research in the UK. Our research is focused on a wide range of topics coverings the spectrum of bioprocessing and biochemical engineering.

Research into fermentation processes includes the analysis of bacterial and regulatory network and the optimisation of recombinant protein production. Downstream processing research focuses on the development of novel materials, engineering equipment and methods of purification of new and future biopharmaceuticals. Newer bioprocessing research fields such as tissue replacement are also covered.

Why choose Birmingham?

• Learn from world-leading academics with strong links with industry in one of the UK’s major centres for biochemical engineering and bioprocess research
• Benefit from additional industry-focused learning via guest lectures from bioindustries
• Work in the Biochemical Engineering building, which houses a pilot plant, state-of-the-art computer-controlled bioreactors, downstream processing equipment and analytical instruments
• The School has one of the largest concentrations of chemical engineering expertise in the UK and is consistently in the top five chemical engineering schools for research in the country
• This programme is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers

This course consists of 180 credits. You will take an introductory 10-credit module and four core modules amounting to 60 credits, then choose 50 credits of optional modules (subject to timetabling constraints) plus your 60-credit research project (MSc only).

Some modules advertised currently may be subject to change, either in terms of the module content as stated below, or in terms of if the module will be available for this programme (due to staff changes, timetable changes, etc).

Modules

Introductory modules*

Bioscience for engineers. 10 credits.	If you have not studied biological science during your first degree then this module is for you. Topics include: biochemistry, cell structure and characterisation, bioenergetics, fundamental molecular biology, cell signalling, histology and physiology. This module will also address the practical application of aseptic techniques and other methods for the handling, manipulation and containment of biological material. Many of the areas and concepts covered in this module will be developed further in subsequent modules.
Process engineering fundamentals. 10 credits.	This module introduces students from a non-chemical engineering background to the fundamental aspects of process engineering. The ideas and skills developed during the module are essential for anyone planning to work in the process industries. The module starts with material and energy balances and then looks at fluid flow, heat and mass transfer and reactor design. The mathematical skills required for this and subsequent modules will be developed through tutorials.
*Entry level graduates initially follow special conversion-course lectures in either process engineering or biological science topics, depending on their first degree. Students may attend both modules if they wish, but will only be examined on one.

Core modules

Bioreaction Engineering. 10 credits.	This module deals with the engineering science of bioreactor design; of the development of design tools which can be used to select and size equipment to carry out specific bioreaction tasks. Kinetic and engineering models are discussed along with mixing, flow and shear within bioreactions. Instrumentation and control strategies are also covered.
Cell Factories. 20 credits.	This module defines and explains the principles of the large scale industrial production of a range of bioactive molecules (such as protein biopharamceuticals, amino acids and biopolymers) by fermentation and cell culture. The first part of the module discusses the basis for the choice of production system (insect, animal, bacterial, yeast and fungal cell) for the bioactive molecule of choice. The second part of the module concentrates on the interaction of the organism with the process environment, and understanding and modelling the scale-up of industrial processes. The final part of the module is practical, with laboratory scale and pilot scale bacterial fermentations.
Bioseparations. 20 credits.	This two-week module introduces students to the theories and principles of general downstream processing – how products generated in fermentation or cell culture are isolated and purified. We cover the choice of recombinant protein hosts, cell disruption strategies, aggregation, fractional precipitation, centrifugation and centrifuges, conventional filtration and membrane separations. The second week addresses preparative chromatography and related/competing techniques and whole process synthesis.
Frontiers in Interdisciplinary Bioscience. 10 credits.	This module explores the application of systems and synthetic biology in the bioprocess industries. Molecular tools are explored that allow us to discover how cells are responding to processes, and how cells can be engineered to generate new products. The coursework assessment includes the design of a cell to generate a product such as the antimalarial drug Artemisinin or biologically-generated petrol.
Research project (MSc only). 60 credits.	The Centre for Biochemical Engineering is one of the major international research institutes in Europe. Our interdisciplinary summer projects fully exploit links within this and with other schools, and also with industry, offering opportunities to join teams of high calibre research staff. The project consolidates course work and intensive research experience in an exciting way, providing a route to technological publications, and rounding off the year of study in a satisfying way.

Optional themed modules – choice of 50 credits (MSc and Diploma)

Modules from different themes can be combined within timetabling constraints. All modules are offered subject to sufficient enrolled students. All module descriptions are provisional and subject to minor change. Example optional modules are listed below.

Pharmaceutical Technology

Plant design and manufacturing principles for pharmaceutical production. 10 credits.	This module provides students with an understanding of the engineering and operational issues involved in the manufacture of new chemical and biological products for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Topics include the design and layout of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, principles of quality assurance (QA), good manufacturing practice (GMP), quality control (QC) and validation. Cleaning (CIP), sterilisation methods, aseptic processing and containment are also discussed. Part of the module is delivered by external speakers from industry.
From bench to market: the development of pharmaceutical drug products. 10 credits.	From the latest technologies used in drug discovery through to post market surveillance activities – this module looks at the stages involved in the multimillion pound process of drug product development. You will learn about drug discovery in the post genomic era, preclinical studies, clinical trials, pre-formulation and formulation activities, manufacturing considerations and regulatory procedures.
Design and development of drug delivery systems. 10 credits.	Drugs are rarely administered to patients solely as chemical or biological substances – instead, they are first formulated into dosage forms or drug delivery systems. This module examines a range of available methods and technologies for the delivery of chemical and macromolecular drugs (peptides, proteins and nucleic acids) and concentrates on the scientific and engineering principles underpinning their design.

Food Engineering Theme

Food structure for performance. 20 credits.
Food plant and process. 20 credits.
Pest management and cleaning systems. 10 credits.	Pest management and cleaning systems are basic requisites in all types of food businesses to ensure safe production of food, whether small or large. This module will provide the knowledge and understanding to control the hazards associated with pests and fouling. Lectures will take place on the biology and ecology of common food pests, cleaning materials and methods and the importance of hygienic design. There will be a range of problem solving workshops to apply this new knowledge and evaluate pest management and cleaning systems. This module is essential for anyone who wishes to work in hygiene management sector of the food industry.
Chemical contamination of food and water. 10 credits.	You will learn about the importance and effects of the major classes of chemical contamination in food and drinking water. Additionally, you will be made aware of a) sources of contaminants, b) methods of treatment of food and water and c) the importance of contaminants in food relative to other uptake pathways. Legally accepted chemical additives will also be considered in this module.
Sustainability in the food industry. 10 credits.	Sustainability and the need to address environmental issues is a significant driver in the food industry. It has a major impact on the production and therefore the safety of food. This module provides an overview of the main issues facing the industry, including the economic, legislative and political contexts which influence the options available to the industry.
Principles of nutrition. 10 credits.

Business Studies Theme

Effective project management. 10 credits.	This module introduces project management and covers economic project appraisal, resource management, safety awareness, project planning and critical path analysis. There are exercises on critical path analysis, time management and team working.
Business methods, economics and strategy. 10 credits.	The module is divided into three sections: 1) human relations; 2) economics; and 3) strategic analysis. Examples of topics discussed include: theory of the firm; managing change and conflict in the workplace; communication and methods of communication analysis; economic models; and strategic decision making.
Marketing and total quality management. 10 credits	The module provides a comprehensive introduction to the concepts of consumer behaviour, marketing and market planning and research and concepts of total quality management in engineering companies.

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

• Dr Tim Overton

Tuition fees for UK/EU students 2019/20

MSc:  Full-time £9,540. Part-time £4,770
Postgraduate Diploma:  Full-time £6,360. Part-time £4,770
For further information please view the fees and funding page. 

Tuition fees for International students 2019/20

MSc: Full time £21,690
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £14,460
For further information please view the fees for international students page.

Learn more about fees and funding.

Scholarships and studentships

We offer a range of postgraduate scholarships for taught programmes and research opportunities to ensure the very best talent is nurtured and supported at postgraduate level.

Additional scholarships can be found in the funding database.

Contact the department for further information.

You will normally need a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject (eg, Chemical Engineering, Biosciences, Food Science, Environmental Science, Engineering or Chemistry with sufficient Mathematics). Learn more about entry requirements.   

International students

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries – learn more about international entry requirements. Standard English language requirements apply.

International students requiring visas

Monday 01 July 2019 is the application deadline for international students who require a visa to study in the United Kingdom. We are not able to consider applications for 2019 made after this date; a new application should be made for 2020. Applications will reopen for 2020 in October 2019. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full, early applications are encouraged.

UK/EU (non-Tier 4) students

The application deadline is Friday 20 September 2019. Applications will reopen for 2020 on Monday 30 September 2019.

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Our Chemical Engineering programmes are accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers.