Master Of Science In Applied Biology in University of Malta, Malta

Master Of Science In Applied Biology in University of Malta

This programme of study is also offered on a part-time basis. Please consult the Registrar’s website for more information pertaining to courses offered by the University.

Applied biology is concerned with applying theoretical and practical knowledge in the biological sciences to real life situations. The importance of the subject is being felt now more than ever before, in view of the complex situations and problems faced by our planet and the human population, and which require urgent measures that involve applying biological knowledge to practice. 

Throughout the programme of studies, the student will be trained on appreciating tools, techniques and procedures used to identify and address knowledge gaps, undertake assessments and investigations, analyse data, interpret findings, and make recommendations for necessary actions, using applied biology, within industry and sectors that deal with biotechnology, food production, genetics, and assessment and maintenance of natural living resources, amongst others. Within this context, emphasis will be placed on the importance of adopting the latest concepts in applied biology to achieve advancement in techniques and procedures used. The student will be made aware of the importance of linkage between him/her as biologist and professionals in industrial and governmental/non-governmental specialist service providers.

Learning outcomes

The overall learning outcomes are:

Subject knowledge and understanding
On completing the programme of studies, students will hold knowledge and understanding of key concepts relating to:

- applied techniques and procedures used in biochemistry and molecular biology;
- techniques and procedures used in bioinformatics;
- techniques and procedures used in biotechnology, including ones used in industry and the food production sectors;
- tools and procedures used in assessing, monitoring and maintaining natural living resources;
- tools, techniques and procedures used in collecting, processing and interpreting biological and environmental data;
- Concepts and procedures used to assess the influence of climate change on natural living resources, and to mitigate the resultant adverse effects; 
- concepts and procedures underlying international conventions, EU directives, and national legislation concerning the protection, conservation and maintenance of natural resources and the environment;
- principles and procedures used for sustainable exploitation of ecosystem goods and services;
- principles, tools and procedures used in habitat restoration and enhancement;
- applied biology techniques and procedures used in research and development, and in pure scientific research.

Intellectual development
The proposed programme is aimed at equipping the student with the intellectual capability necessary to identify techniques and procedures within applied biology, and to help him/her adopt these in practical situations (including a laboratory or field setting), including in:

- industrial processes, including ones concerning biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology and food production;
- research and development within industry; 
- analytical procedures and investigations undertaken in governmental and private laboratories; 
- assessment of natural living resources;
- formulating management plans and implementing procedures to safeguard biological resources;
- proposing and implementing procedures to ensure the sustainable exploitation of ecosystem goods and services, and to assess and mitigate potential adverse effects of climate change on natural living resources;
- pure scientific research within biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology and environmental biology;

Key transferable skills
On completing the programme of studies, students will be able to:

- apply practical and theoretical knowledge to techniques and procedures within applied biology to identify data gaps, undertake assessments and investigations;
- be capable of advising planners, managers and policy makers on actions that are necessary to analyse data, interpret and appraise findings, and make recommendations for necessary actions;
- undertake research, using applied biology techniques and procedures, assess processes and problems in real-case scenarios, provide explanations and potential solutions;
- plan and execute biological research studies to address specific questions and problems, and interpret the findings from such studies;
- apply knowledge of biology to develop and design biotechnological processes, techniques and installations;
- apply knowledge of biology to assess biological resources, and develop and implement management and conservation measures for same;- apply knowledge of biology to assess biodiversity, and to develop and implement management and conservation measures for same;
- apply techniques, procedures and tools used in the study of environmental biology.

Course intended for

The programme targets the candidate who wants to further his/her knowledge in biology at postgraduate level and/or take up a career in an area that requires knowledge of applied biology.

Career opportunites and access to further studies

This programme of studies is designed to impart the necessary knowledge and skills to enable eventual holders of the degree to take up investigative, managerial, consultative and executive positions in industry, and with governmental/non-governmental specialist service providers and scientific research institutions that utilise knowledge of applied biology. 

On completion of the programme of studies, the candidate will possess the necessary knowledge and skills to enable him/her continue with academic development at PhD level, or to take up other specialised postgraduate programmes of training in specific areas of applied biology. 

It is envisaged that holders of this degree will be capable of contributing to: industry, private environmental consultancies, governmental departments and authorities that deal with aspects of the environment, and scientific research and academic institutions.