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A multidisciplinary programme at the interface of biology and engineering providing graduates with the skills necessary to design, develop and oversee the next generation of industrial bioprocesses.
Biochemical engineers apply the principles of biology, chemistry and engineering in order to design processes that make use of living cells (or their components). They operate as the link that transforms the latest life science discoveries into modern industrial processes. Their primary role is to design, implement and oversee every step of the transfer from the lab to commercial scale production.
To find out core information about this degree, such as entry requirements, programme length and cost, visit the UCL prospectus site.
Course Structure
On this 1-year MSc programme you will learn how to link knowledge of biological science with fundamental engineering principles. This could be to design new routes of manufacture, create novel transformative technologies or develop clinical processes. Through problem-based learning and practical workshops you will develop advanced engineering skills (such as bioprocess design, bioreactor engineering, downstream processing), train on state-of-the-art life science techniques (such as molecular biology, vaccine development, microfluidics) and gain essential business and regulatory knowledge (such as management, quality control, commercialisation).
The MSc Biochemical Engineering offers two distinct routes tailored either for graduate scientists or for graduate engineers and graduate Biochemical Engineers. The degree structure for both routes consists of a combination of core and optional taught modules (120 credits) and a dissertation on either Bioprocess Design or Bioprocess Research (60 credits). The MSc Biochemical Engineering is internationally accredited by the IChemE, enabling students to works towards obtaining Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
- MSc Biochemical Engineering (for Scientists)
Suitable for graduates in applied/molecular biology, biotechnology, microbiology, (bio-)chemistry and life sciences, this MSc route ‘for Scientists’ focusses on core engineering principles and bioprocess unit operations with a final bioprocess design project.
The philosophy of the MSc Biochemical Engineering (for Scientists) is to equip high-quality numerate science graduates of relevant disciplines (such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Chemistry) with the engineering knowledge necessary to pursue a wide range of careers within the process industries and beyond.
Core modules (TERM 1)
- Fluid Flow and Mixing in Bioprocesses (BENG0005)
- Bioprocess Synthesis and Process Mapping (BENG0033)
- Integrated Downstream Processing (BENG0034)
- Advanced Bioreactor Engineering (BENG0090)
Core modules (TERM 2)
- Heat and Mass Transfer in Bioprocesses (BENG0015)
- Bioprocess Validation and Quality Control (BENG0041)
- Biochemical Engineering Laboratory (BENG0096)
Optional modules (TERM 2 - Choose One)
- Commercialisation of Research Ideas (BENG0008)
- Sustainable Industrial Bioprocesses and Biorefineries (BENG0037)
- Advanced Safety and Loss Prevention (CENG0020)
Dissertation Element
- MSc Biochemical Engineering (for Engineers)
Suitable for graduates in chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and civil engineering, this MSc route ‘for Engineers’ focusses on fundamental biosciences and advanced bioprocess design with a final bioprocess research project.
The philosophy of the MSc Biochemical Engineering (for Engineers) is to teach high-quality engineering graduates the skills needed to address the rapidly developing life sciences and the challenges of turning them into real outcomes especially within the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
CORE MODULES (TERM 1)
- Integrated Downstream Processing (BENG0034)
- Fundamental Biosciences (BENG0043)
- Advanced Bioreactor Engineering (BENG0090)
Optional modules (TERM 1- CHOOSE ONE)
- Vaccine Bioprocess Development (BENG0028)
- Industrial Synthetic Biology (BENG0040)
- Bio-microfluidics and Microsystems Engineering (BENG0042)
Core modules (TERM 2)
- Sustainable Industrial Bioprocesses and Biorefineries (BENG0037)
- Bioprocess Systems Engineering (BENG0038)
- Biochemical Engineering Laboratory (BENG0096)
Optional modules (TERM 2- CHOOSE ONE)
- Commercialisation of Research Ideas (BENG0008)
- Bioprocess Validation and Quality Control (BENG0041)
- Energy Systems and Sustainability (CENG0026)
Dissertation Element
- MSc Biochemical Engineering (Advanced Biochemical Engineering stream)
Suitable for graduates in biochemical engineering and bioprocess engineering, the Advanced Biochemical Engineering stream focusses on further studies in biochemical engineering and cutting edge scientific developments in the field with a final bioprocess research project.
The philosophy of the MSc Biochemical Engineering (Advanced Biochemical Engineering stream) is to provide graduates with further insight into the challenges of processing delicate biological materials and to enable them to relate their advanced engineering skills with the regulatory, environmental, social and commercial demands of the bioprocess industries, particularly in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors.
CORE MODULES (TERM 1)
- Vaccine Bioprocess Development (BENG0028)
- Industrial Synthetic Biology (BENG0040)
- Bio-microfluidics and Microsystems Engineering (BENG0042)
Optional modules (TERM 1- CHOOSE ONE)
- Environmental Systems (CEGE0015)
- Process Dynamics and Control (CENG0017)
- Water and Wastewater Treatment (CEGE0022)
Core modules (TERM 2)
- Sustainable Industrial Bioprocesses and Biorefineries (BENG0037)
- Bioprocess Systems Engineering (BENG0038)
- Biochemical Engineering Laboratory (BENG0096)
Optional modules (TERM 2- CHOOSE ONE)
- Commercialisation of Research Ideas (BENG0008)
- Bioprocess Validation and Quality Control (BENG0041)
- Energy Systems and Sustainability (CENG0026)
Dissertation Element