The course equips students with an understanding of the principles and practices that underpin contemporary biotechnology and with the knowledge base and skills required for employment in the biotechnology industry; covers the scientific principles necessary for an advanced understanding of contemporary industrial biotechnology; develops generic practical skills in handling micro-organisms; molecular biological techniques; and data analysis; examines the fundamental role played by micro-organisms in the turnover of pollutants; the search and discovery of commercially significant natural products; and the production of novel biological compounds; explores areas of related interest such as bioethics; regulatory affairs; and the role of intellectual property in biotechnology.