Short Course: Synthetic Biology
About
This module will introduce students to the new and rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field of synthetic biology which aims to reprogram cellular and/or molecular systems at the genetic level for novel biological outputs. Such products are of great potential commercially in the fields of medicine, agriculture and manufacturing.
There is an increasing need to equip scientists with the knowledge and skills to pursue synthetic biology research in academic and industry settings. On this course, students will cover foundational concepts and the core engineering principles of standardization, modularity and abstraction for rapid prototyping of designs for biotechnological innovation. They will also have the opportunity to conduct a computational project for the design of a genetic circuit.
You should have a very strong background in molecular biology and genetic engineering if wishing to undertake this course and ideally have completed Maths to A level standard. Prior knowledge in these areas is assumed.
This course will help upskill individuals with a solid background in molecular biology and genetic engineering for synthetic biology research. It will be especially helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in the biotechnology industry.
Term dates
Course Start Date: Monday 9 March 2026
This course requires on-campus attendance, at our Coleraine campus, during Semester 2, attendance will be for 3 hours each week.
*Please note, dates and timetabling may be subject to change.
Attendance
This course is delivered over a 6 week period, with students required to attend 3 hours per week.
Location
This course is taught on the Coleraine campus.
Teaching and Assessment
This course is 100% coursework and consists of:
1. An open book test (60%) which will assess higher orders of thinking related to the course content (application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation).
2. A computational practical skills assessment (40%) where the student has to design a genetic circuit for the detection of viral nucleic acid.
Academic Profile
You will be taught by senior academic staff with expertise in molecular microbiology and computational biology. All staff are Fellows of the Higher Educational Academy and research active with a strong research portfolio.
Further Information
Module
This is a 15 credit module short course - see the about section for details of content.
Entry requirements
Second class honours degree or better in Biology/ Biomedical Sciences/ Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Microbiology from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or an equivalent standard (minimum 50%).
Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).
In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are 18 or over at the point of enrolment;
- have a right to work and undertake training in the UK at the point of application and for the duration of the course and must not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status. Proof of this will be required to progress your application. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements including competency in English (as evidenced by GCSE Grade C in English or alternative). For English competency, a degree taught in UK or Ireland covers this requirement. If your degree is from outside the UK or Ireland, please see our list of acceptable qualifications or tests.
- are available to register in person at the campus as required.
Apply now - limited places available
There are a limited number of places for this course. Offers will be extended to those applicants who meet the entry requirements following successful completion of the application process, and have provided evidence of such, on a first come, first served basis. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all offers are extended. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all places are filled. Applications cannot be considered once a course has started.
Please note you can only be funded by DfE for a maximum of two courses at any one time across all institutions who offer courses as part of SkillUp. You will only be permitted to study one course at Ulster in each academic year or a maximum of two microcredentials up to 45 credits per semester.
When creating your application you will need to have the following documents saved electronically as they need to be uploaded as part of the application process:
- Passport
- Evidence of having right to work and undertake training in the UK*
- Degree Certificate
- English Competency (If you have a degree from UK/ROI, you don't need to provide anything else)
* Holders of UK or Irish passports automatically have this right. if you hold a passport from another nation, please provide evidence of UK immigration permissions to include a ShareCode and/or BRP.
To select the correct course, in the field called Please select the subject area, select Life & Health Sciences from the drop down box. Then select Synthetic Biology from the next drop down box.
