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UCL Department of Biochemical Engineering

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Biochemical Engineering and Bioprocess Leadership EngD

The EngD programme provides unique opportunities to explore novel science and engineering in a manufacturing and business context relevant to future careers in the international bioindustry.

Key information

Application information

To apply for the EngD in Biochemical Engineering and Bioprocess Leadership, please complete your application on UCL graduate prospectus. Please make sure that apart from the basic requirements, you provide your up-to-date CV and a short cover letter with your broad area of research interest (Industrial Biotechnology / Biopharmaceuticals / Cell and Gene Therapies).
Projects are confirmed throughout the year (the majority of them in Spring/Summer) and we will contact shortlisted candidates afterwards.

Apply via the UCL graduate prospectus

Programme information 

This 4-year EngD programme is a research degree, equivalent to a PhD, with an additional training element designed to develop sector-specific skills and prepare graduates for leadership positions within the bioindustry sector. All projects are industry collaborative with a significant proportion of the researcher’s time being spent with the sponsoring company.

Please note, all choices are subject to space on modules, timetabling constraints and the approval of the relevant Module Tutor and the Programme Director.

Year 1

Compulsory/ core modules

  • BENG0055 MRes Research Project*
  • BENG0097 Research Skills (Synthetic Biology or Modelling and Simulation streams)
  • BENG0044 Transferable Skills in Bioprocess Research and Development (including Responsible Research and Innovation)
  • BENG0077 Design of Experiments for Bioprocess Optimisation
  • BENG0054 Biomolecular and Cellular Analysis
  • BENG0057 Pilot Plant Unit Operations

* This major research project element provides the basis for year one assessment and progression. The research project is closely related to the cutting-edge research carried out in the department and is performed in collaboration with the industrial sponsor.

Optional modules

Students will choose one 7.5 credit optional module from our MBI Training Programme.

Year 2-4

Compulsory/core modules

  • BENG0056 Pilot Plant Project (Year 2)
  • BENG0036 Biotechnology Business Planning (Year 3)

Optional modules

In years two to four researchers take a wide variety of optional modules (45 credits total) to suit their interests and support their doctoral research project. These address advanced knowledge of the discipline as well as transferable skills and many are taken together with industrial delegates as part of the department’s MBI Training Programme.

Dissertation/ report

A thesis of a maximum of 100,000 words forms the final part of the EngD training.

Research areas

The EngD Centre research ranges from fundamental studies through to their translation and impact on clinical and commercial practice. Research is structured across five main areas:

  • High throughput bioprocess design: the creation of single-use, automation and microfluidic technologies to give fundamental insights into bioprocess design and scale-up
  • Industrial biotechnology: biocatalysis for the sustainable synthesis of chemicals and pharmaceuticals from renewable resources
  • Macromolecular medicines: the manufacture of advanced biopharmaceutical therapies including antibodies, genes and recombinant vaccines
  • Regenerative medicine: the translation of stem cell science into novel cell and tissue-based therapies
  • Synthetic biology: the rational engineering of biological systems to deliver new safe, efficient and sustainable bioprocess options.

Teaching staff

Programme director

Professor Gary Lye

Lecturers and Teaching Fellows

Details of specific lecturers and teaching fellows can be found on module pages.

Timetable

To illustrate how the course will be taught, you can find live timetable information at timetable.ucl.ac.uk - simply click on 'Degree programme' and enter the desired course title.

Location

All Biochemical Engineering students are based in Bloomsbury, London. Visit our About section to find out more.