MPhil Biocatalysis: The University of Manchester

Course description

Research in Biocatalysis focusses on the applied aspects of using enzymes and living cells to manufacture chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, and fragrances. The research integrates development of new enzymes and whole cell biocatalysts with development and optimisation of the manufacturing processes.  Often, this requires the translation of state-of-the-art chemical reaction systems to biological systems - for example, students use microreactors and neoteric solvents for biocatalytic processes. They also work on developing a fundamental understanding of biocatalytic processes, using computational, mechanistic and structural enzymology, whilst for whole cell biocatalysts, they use systems biology to understand cellular performance in manufacturing processes. Their research in biocatalysis is supported by BBSRC, EPSRC, DTI and industry funding.  They also benefit from support from the UK Centre of Excellence in Biocatalysis, which is a research consortium funded by 20 international companies with interests in biocatalytic manufacturing.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: 

The standard academic entry requirement will normally be at least an Upper Second UK honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering discipline or a first degree with an additional UK Masters degree (or international equivalent). The School may require a First Class honours degree or international equivalent for some research projects. This requirement would be specified at the discretion of the academic supervisor involved.

English language:

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate competency in the English language. The school generally requires applicants to hold one of the following qualifications (although other formal qualifications may be considered):

• IELTS: 7.0 (with no sub score below 6)
• TOEFL Paper Based: 600 (with a minimum TWE of 5.0)
• TOEFL Computer Based: 250 (with a minimum TWE of 5.0)
• TOEFL Internet Based: 100 (with no sub score less than 25)