Biotechnology is the application of biology to improve the quality of human life. It is a technology based on the unique properties of biological molecules, cells and organisms and provides new ways of diagnosing disease, producing antibiotics and other chemicals, reducing industrial contamination of the environment and improving food safety. This degree is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable. Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses. Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation. Many Biotechnology graduates follow their undergraduate degree with PhD research in a wide range of research laboratories, both in the UK and overseas. Others move directly into positions in hospital research, diagnostic laboratories and research institutes.