Compulsory modules typically include: Biological diversity and phylogeny; gene technology; genetically modified organisms: food and agriculture; microbial and molecular pharming; bioinformatics as a comparative and integrative science; bioremediation; bioinformatics; optional modules may include: modelling and control in bioprocess systems; social impact of biotechnology; integrated pest management and biological control; principles of plant disease management; quantitative techniques, experimental design and data analysis; fundamentals of cell and molecular biology; commercialisation of technology; plus research project leading to a thesis.