MSc Synthetic Biology & Biotechnology Handbook

On behalf of the School of Biological Sciences, I’d like to welcome you to Edinburgh and to this Taught Masters Programme.

The MSc in Synthetic Biology & Biotechnology represents an exciting and unique opportunity to train in some of the newest and leading-edge areas in Biology. Synthetic biology, now also referred to as ‘Engineering Biology’, combines biology, systems biology and engineering to develop new tools and tackle our greatest global challenges. It is a truly transformative technology striving to ‘make future generations healthier, more prosperous and live more sustainably’. Synthetic biology is applied in very diverse sectors starting by the biotechnology industry. It is powering innovation in healthcare (with ground-breaking results in gene and cell therapies), agritech (pioneering solutions to improve food security), industry (towards more sustainable manufacturing practices), environment and energy (developing new bioenergy and bioremediation processes). 

Our MSc offers training that reflects the diversity of synthetic biology and biotechnology, from experimental lab work, to modelling of biological circuits, to the social implications of designed cells. We offer flexibility in the structure of the programme, allowing you to select courses from other programmes to suit your background and areas of interest. You will see that the MSc comprises 2 taught semesters followed by a research project and dissertation due in August. This three-month research project can be carried out in a University research laboratory or can be industry-based (either in the laboratory of a company in the biotech industry or with a start-up company).The MSc programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge that are attractive to prospective employers in the rapidly expanding biotechnology industry, as well as providing thorough training for further research at PhD level and beyond.

You are encouraged to get to know and enjoy working with the other members of the programme and build up your own network of colleagues for the future. I want to emphasise that you are not in competition with one another, as there is no limit on the number of merits/distinctions available.

If you are experiencing any problems with your work during your time at Edinburgh, you should always discuss them with the Course Organiser first. You can also contact your Student Adviser or Programme Director. If you have personal or domestic difficulties, please contact your Student Adviser and they will do what they can to help. The University has a comprehensive student welfare system to which you will have access. Let me remind you that problems should be solved as soon as possible, even if they appear minor to you.

Finally, let me, on behalf of everyone associated with the programme, wish you every success and an enjoyable time here, and I look forward to meeting you.

Dr Elise Cachat 

MSc Programme Director

The Degree Programme Table (DPT) lists the compulsory and optional courses for your programme. 

Students are not allowed to take more than a total of 30 credits below level 11. 

An alternative appropriate course may be substituted with the permission of the Programme Director. 

Information relating to assessments and their deadlines are detailed in the associated course page on Learn. Note that access to our Learn Ultra Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is restricted to current students only.

Personalised Timetables 

Information on your timetable can be accessed via MyEd.  

• This includes a personalised timetable service called MyTimetable.
• Your personalised timetable also appears on Office 365 calendars, which you can view on your smartphone or other device. 

Access your timetable on MyEd

Timetable information for students

As a member of the School of Biological Sciences, you are welcome to visit the office or contact staff if you have a query.