6B006B - Biotechnology for Sustainability 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 6B006B | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Biotechnology for Sustainability | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biology and Chemistry | ||
| Module Leader: | Sky Redhead | ||
| Module Team: | Cerith Jones, Aaron Wall | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 5 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 33 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100345 - biological sciences | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
The main aims of the module are:
Aim 1:
To develop a systemic understanding of resource management. Students will examine the interdependencies between food production, water security, energy supply, and clean air, evaluating how biotechnological interventions in one area impact the wider Earth system.
Aim 2:
To develop mastery of the principles of regenerative biodesign, equipping students with the technical and conceptual frameworks to move beyond damage limitation and design biological solutions that actively restore biodiversity and ecosystem services for the benefit of all living organisms.
Aim 3:
To develop leadership in global biogovernance by challenging students to critically navigate the ethical, regulatory, and socio-economic complexities associated with advanced technologies (such as gene editing and synthetic biology), preparing them to advocate for solutions that respect planetary boundaries and interspecies equity.
Content Summary
This module explores biotechnology as the primary toolkit for navigating the transition to a sustainable future. Moving beyond traditional approaches to agriculture, you will examine the food, water, energy, and air nexus, analysing how biological systems can be engineered to secure vital resources while restoring environmental health. You will investigate cutting-edge solutions such as carbon sequestration, biopesticides, green fuels, cellular agriculture, water security technologies, and microbial soil restoration—designed to benefit all living organisms, not just human needs.
The module aims to shift thinking from short-term, maximum production towards a regenerative, long-term approach. You will evaluate emerging technologies through the lens of planetary boundaries, ensuring that innovation operates within the Earth’s safe environmental limits.
As a final-year module, it integrates molecular biology, ecology, and resource management to provide a strong real-world focus. You will apply multidisciplinary knowledge to complex global challenges, preparing you for careers in the rapidly expanding GreenTech and environmental governance sectors.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 56 |
| Digital Guided Learning | 11 |
| Independent Study? | 133 |
| Formative Assessment | 40 |
| Summative Assessment | 60 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Critically evaluate the role of advanced biotechnologies in the cross-sectoral management of vital biological resources (food, water, clean air and energy) to promote sustainability |
| LO2 | Consider biotechnological strategies that move beyond 'damage mitigation' toward the active regeneration of biodiversity and ecosystem services within agricultural landscapes to ensure a habitable planet for future generations. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Project Output | The Mini Project Report develops applied technical understanding through analysis of a sustainability challenge, while the Oral Pitch simulates a stakeholder-facing scenario, building communication, leadership, and strategic thinking skills. | 0 | 2000 | 60 | No | 40 |
| Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment | Individual Oral Assessment (Internally assessed, Onsite) | N/A | 15 | N/A | 40 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Project Output | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Individual Oral Assessment (Internally assessed, Onsite) | ✔ | ✔ | |