Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology with English for Academic Purposes

Overview

This course is designed for students who need to improve their language and academic skills as well as their subject knowledge in biological sciences before going onto a Masters course. Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma at the required level will normally qualify students for entry to an appropriate Master's level programme in the Department of Biological Sciences.

The course aims are:

  • To develop and acquire the productive and receptive language and study skills needed for successful participation at graduate level in a British university. These include both linguistic and communicative competence skills; academic writing; reading efficiency; summarising, paraphrasing, quoting and referencing skills; avoiding plagiarism; the ability to work independently
  • To develop knowledge of key aspects biological sciences (molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, microbiology, plant biology and marine biology)
  • To enable students to understand the underlying biology of diverse biotechnological processes
  • To enable students to retrieve, critically analyse and interpret biological data using appropriate bioinformatic and statistical tools
  • To develop students’ experimental skills, such that they can perform, record, synthesise and interpret laboratory experiments safely and with attention to detail
  • To acquire the knowledge and skills (i.e. critical, analytical, research, problem-solving and study skills; argument and communication) that will not only stand students in good stead for more specialised academic careers, but will also enhance their opportunities for employment in a wide range of other careers
  • To develop in students the research skills appropriate to the study of biological sciences, and to provide the basis for them to develop the necessary levels of skill and knowledge required to progress to Masters degree level.

Course structure

English for Academic Purposes

These modules facilitate core English language and study skills development that is required for successful postgraduate study in the context of the UK generally, and at the University of Essex in particular. It aims to enhance your confidence, fluency and competence in the subject. To find out more, please follow these links:

English for Academic Purposes 1
English for Academic Purposes 2
English for Academic Purposes 3 

Department of Biological Sciences

You have the opportunity to study the following modules:

Genome Science

Microbial Diversity and Biotechnology

Bioinformatics

Plant Biotechnology

Marine Biotechnology

For further information please also visit the Department of Biological Sciences web pages.

Entry criteria

A relevant degree (minimum of lower second classification or equivalent), or three-year higher education qualification from a recognised institution. For applicants whose native language is not English, a minimum of IELTS 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in every component, or recognised equivalent, is required. Decisions on an applicant’s academic qualifications will be made in close consultation with the Department.

Application form

A PDF application form is available online. Please print this off, fill it in and send it to:

International Academy
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
Essex
CO4 3SQ UK

Please contact us for further information.

In addition, the International Academy offers Graduate Diplomas in Accounting, Art History, Applied Linguistics, Computer Science, Economics, Electronic Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, History, Management, Politics, Psychoanalytic Studies and Psychological Studies with English for Academic Purposes. These are run in conjunction with departments of Art History and Theory, History, Economics, Government, Language and Linguistics, Psychology, the Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies, the Essex Business School and the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering.  Further details can be seen by clicking on the links.

Last modified on 23 February 2012