During this course, students will evaluate the technology transfer of bioscience research and the commercialisation of research ideas. Working in small groups, they will design and evaluate a market research strategy and business plan for a small company planning to commercialise a recent bioscience discovery.

Three week full time course: introductory lectures, group work and private study, progress seminars, final oral presentation

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Students are assessed individually with a report on a specific area of commercial bioscience (50%).

Each group of students will prepare a group oral presentation (15%) and a business plan (35%). A group mark will be awarded for the oral presentation and business plan. An element (25%) of the business plan group mark will be subject to peer assessment for contribution of individuals to group work.

This course aims to provide students with an opportunity to assess the nature of businesses based on bioscience knowledge and research, their opportunities for innovation, and constraints related to regulatory requirements, intellectual property and ethical issues and the market. Students will study a range of biotechnology industry topics in depth, including the fundamental concepts of business structures, business plans and models related to the biotechnology industry. In addition, they will evaluate the ethical, legal, professional, and social issues raised by biotechnology.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

i) critically analyse and evaluate the fundamental concepts of business structures, business plans and models related to the biotechnology industry;

ii) design and critically evaluate a market research strategy for a small company planning to commercialise a recent bioscience discovery;

iii) draft a business plan for a small company involved in the commercialisation of a recent bioscience discovery, including appropriate SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities & threats) and PEEST (political, environmental, economic, societal, technical) analysis;

iv) evaluate and analyse data relating to the biotechnology industry and present research findings in the form of written reports;

v) summarise and present clear, well-constructed oral presentations and written reports on areas of the biotechnology industry and specific biotechnology companies.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.