Biotechnology courses: where can you study? What are the options?

If you don’t know where to study biotechnology or even what types of biotechnology courses exist, in this article you will find some tips that can help you make a wise decision.

Where to study biotechnology: types of courses

Undoubtedly, the biotechnology field is one of the most promising today. In fact, the wide variety of practical applications of biotechnology have turned experts in this field into professionals that are in high demand by all kinds of industries.

Thus, both in the field of medicine as well as the agriculture, fishing or food sectors, developments in biotechnology are fostering a series of radical transformations that are barely taking their first steps.

If you want to be part of this biotechnological revolution and, of course, carve out a promising professional career for yourself, proper training is the most important thing. To do this, you can find an ever-growing variety of courses for all levels.

Therefore, the first step before you think about biotechnology courses is to decide the most interesting type of course for you. Among others, we can highlight the following:

• Biotechnology university degrees.
• Master’s Degrees and Postgraduates in Biotechnology, with a wide variety of denominations.
• Biotechnology doctorate options
• Other specialization courses in the biotechnological field.

Over the next paragraphs we’ll explore the characteristics of bachelor’s and master’s degrees within this sector further.

What should I know before studying a degree in Biotechnology

There are multiple options that are described using this term (or similar ones) at the university degree level, both in public and private centers. As a general rule, degrees in Biotechnology cover four academic years, with a total of 240 ECTS credits.

As you may already know, in order to access undergraduate studies, you must meet one of the following academic requirements:

• A Baccalaureate degree, as well as passing the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA), or the equivalent tests in your country
• You may also join a degree in Biotechnology after passing the specific entry exams for people over 25 or 45 years of age that want to start a university degree, or through a related Certificate of Higher Education (HNC)

Regarding the degree’s study plan, it will vary in each university, although most of the subjects will be very similar. Some of the most common include:

• Cell biology
• Molecular biology
• Animal biology
• Plant biology
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Organic chemistry
• Laboratory science
• Bioinformatics
• Math

In addition to these degrees, there are also certain universities that offer double degrees. One of the most innovative is the double degree in Biotechnology and Informatics, although there are other very attractive combinations, such as Biotechnology and Pharmacy or those that incorporate the Business Management and Administration part.

Masters and postgraduate degrees in biotechnology: the best option to become a specialist

Master’s degrees, university expert courses and other postgraduate courses in biotechnology are a great option for you to expand your studies or to specialize in a specific aspect of this field of knowledge.

Similarly to degrees, there is also an enormous variety of options here, both when it comes to centers and types of masters and courses. Some of the most common denominations include:

• Master in Biotechnology
• Master in Molecular Biotechnology
• Master in Biomolecules and Cell Dynamics
• Master in Medical and/or Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
• Master in Bioengineering or Biological Engineering
• Master in Agrobiotechnology

Given the great variety of postgraduate studies that exist in the field of biotechnology, the study plans are also very different.

Regarding the duration, the most common option is a Master’s degree that covers a single academic year and 60 ECTS credits, although other options also last two years.

Considering the access requirements, most will require you to have a degree related to biotechnology, although this is not always necessary. We recommend that you check directly with each center about the access requirements. In the case of our Master’s in Biotechnology, you can have more information about these requirements in this link.

What study options are there in biotechnology courses?

In general, it’s possible to study biotechnology in face-to-face programs, or remotely (online). However, there are some mixed options which combine certain face-to-face sessions with online teaching.

In any case, when it comes to university degrees, there aren’t many online options. The vast majority of universities continue to offer face-to-face models only.

However, this is very different for master’s, postgraduate and other specialization courses. In these cases, there’s an abundant offer of online and face-to-face training, as well as models that combine mixed teaching.

The advantages of this type of online masters in biotechnology are the following:

• They allow you to study from any location, without the need to travel. You will only need a device connected to the internet (computer, tablet or even smartphone).
• You are not obliged to conform to schedules for classes. You can access training 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• You can always study at your own pace, without having to adapt to that of other students. This will allow you to go as fast or as slow as you want or need. Hence the great efficiency of this type of training.

How to choose a center for biotechnology courses?

Some of the issues to take into account when choosing where to study biotechnology courses include:

• Look for an educational institution with experience in the field of training and a suitable teaching team for this particular course or master.
• Make sure their study plan is interesting and up to date. In a field as dynamic as biotechnology, it is essential that the programs incorporate new scientific advances and, at the same time, to respond to the needs of the current labor market.
• Enroll in a center that offers a model that suits you best. If you want to enroll in a master’s degree in biotechnology online, limit your search to those centers that have the adequate resources to teach it.
• It would be very convenient if the center offered you the possibility of taking part in an internship program in biotechnology. This will allow you to acquire a first work experience that can be very valuable in order to get your first job or to improve your professional career.

In short, although it is not always easy to decide where to study biotechnology courses or how to study biotechnology, take our advice into account and you will certainly not go wrong. Without a doubt, this is a very dynamic and promising field in which you will be able to develop a truly satisfying professional career.