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Teesside University2

Science AT TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY

9645 Science A5 brochure.indd 1 21/12/2016 10:23

Introduction

Biopharmaceutical manufacturing, biodegradable materials, clean energy, cloning, gene therapy, bioinformatics, nanotechnology and the investigation and detection of crime all make front-page news.

ContentsScience at Teesside University 3

Graduate profile - Ronja Bergmann, 4

BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

Student profile - Megan Todd 5

BSc (Hons) Chemistry

Staff profile - Tim Thompson, 6

Professor in applied biological anthropology

Research 7

Student profile - Samuel Cadd, MSc Forensic Science 8

Graduate profile - Maria Prapa, 9

BSc (Hons) Food Nutrition and Health Science

Enterprise case study - Success for company which 10

grows ‘soap’ from bacteria

Student profile - Lexy Sarginson, 11

BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences

On-campus facilities 12

Networking case study - Hub to help develop 14

North East food industry

Staff profile - Melanie Brown, principal lecturer 15

New scientific discoveries ensure that these are rapidly evolving subject areas. The growing importance of biotechnology, energy and the environment means that qualified professionals and managers, with the knowledge and skills to drive change and developments, will be in high demand for many years ahead.

We are also an established centre in the UK for postgraduate education in forensic and crime scene science. Our forensic teaching staff have close links with the Home Office Centre for Applied Science

and Technology, police forces including Cleveland Police and Durham Constabulary, the College of Policing and many forensic science providers – all enhance your learning and contribute to our excellence in forensic research.

This brochure provides only a small sample of what we offer. Whatever your requirements, Teesside University is here to help you achieve your objectives.


Undergraduate programmes relevant to scienceBiological sciences

Biomedical science

Chemistry

Computer and digital forensics

Crime scene science

Environmental science

Food and nutrition

Food science and engineering

Forensic and investigative sciences

Forensic biology

Forensic science

Human biology

Postgraduate programmes relevant to scienceCrime intelligence and data analytics

Energy and environmental management

Food processing engineering

Food science and biotechnology

Forensic science

Project management

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Teesside’s School of Science & Engineering is a vibrant academic environment with a broad range of courses spanning many subjects in science and engineering, and it attracts students from across the UK and the world.

We offer unique and distinctive styles of courses with one aim in mind – to develop the next generation of problem solvers, innovators and leaders that employers and society need. Our aim is to provide you with an excellent university student experience and, at the same time, equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence that will launch you on your chosen career path.

Our programmes are supported and complemented by an impressive range of research, innovation and enterprise activities, with the quality reflected in that 80% of our submission to the last research assessment exercise was judged as being of international quality. Additionally, programmes are designed to enhance our graduates’ readiness for employment. We work with some of the leading employers in the science-related sectors.

Undergraduate and postgraduate level subjects

Degree and postgraduate level subjects

The School of Science & Engineering offers degrees accredited by the following professional bodies across a number of its programmes.



Student profileRonja Bergmann BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

Ronja, who is originally from Germany, now lives in Australia where she works as a forensic chemist for the forensic science service provider ChemCentre.

While at Teesside University, Ronja achieved a first-class degree and received the Professor Leni Oglesby prize for achievement. She was also awarded the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences’ most meritorious undergraduate student award, Rob Cumming Memorial Prize for her final-year research project and the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences-accredited University Student Award: best undergraduate research project.

‘I really enjoyed the degree at Teesside University as it was so multidisciplinary. It gave me an in-depth understanding of the key natural sciences, while also offering a good insight into policing and quality management – all essential

components of the job as a forensic scientist. The practical classes in the laboratory, crime scene house and replica courtroom offered hands-on experience in realistic scenarios, allowing me to develop the practical skills required for a career in forensics. Throughout my studies I obtained great support from my lecturers who were always very approachable and engaging. Their broad industrial background provided useful inside knowledge.

‘In addition, I had the opportunity to conduct a one-year placement between my first and second year when I worked in three different Australian forensic science institutions. This enabled me to gain experience in a variety of different forensic areas, including fingerprint technology, entomology, physical evidence and toxicology.’

‘I really enjoyed the degree at Teesside as it was so multidisciplinary.’


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Student profileMegan Todd BSc (Hons) Chemistry

Teesside University student Megan Todd was shortlisted for the Royal Society of Chemistry Science Industry Technician of the Year award, which recognises the outstanding contribution made by an individual in a technical role in industry.

Megan, a part-time BSc (Hons) Chemistry student, is studying while working as a junior experimental scientist and technician for DuPont Teijin Films at the Wilton Centre near Redcar. ‘I completed an apprenticeship and my employer allows me to go to Teesside University one day each week.

‘I was really pleased to be nominated for this national award, especially as I was one of only four people shortlisted. It is also lovely to be recognised for the hard work and enthusiasm I put into my job and studies. I’m sure the nomination is due to my work at the company and extra contribution in promoting the apprenticeship scheme.’

She was nominated for the award after meeting Nelly Harvey of the Royal Society of Chemistry when the TTE Young Scientist programme was gaining Registered Scientist status. The programme incorporates the first two years of the part-time degree.

‘I was at a meeting with Nelly to represent the student point of view and spoke to her for around an hour. It’s lovely to think that I made such an impression that she suggested my nomination for the award.’

Teesside University chemistry degree courses have recently been accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The Society’s committee for accreditation and validation also praised the analytical chemistry provision, laboratory infrastructure and equipment.

‘Teesside University is in a great location, close to so much industry and it’s good to be able to study and follow my chosen career in

the region where I live. When I graduate I will have five years of work experience. It’s been fantastic to be able to learn while I earn, putting what I’m taught immediately into practice at work.’

Recognising chemistry student Megan’s outstanding work



In 2014, Tim was awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy for excellence in teaching and support for learning in higher education. ‘The award is given for demonstrating that you are transforming the learning experience of students so, for me personally, it’s a wonderful recognition of the effort I’ve made to make my teaching interesting and innovative.’

Tim has published over 50 papers in peer-reviewed journals and books, and is a renowned expert on heat-induced apatite and crystallinity changes in bone. He has recently published The Archaeology of Cremation: Burned Human Remains in Funerary Studies. Prior to that he was co-author of Human Identity and Identification with Dr Rebecca Gowland

(Durham University) and senior editor for Forensic Human Identification.

Tim is also interested in the role of forensic anthropology and anthropologists in the world at large, the resolution of commingled graves, and new ways of recording and visualising forensic evidence. He was recently appointed editor-in-chief of the journal, Science & Justice, is a Fellow of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and Royal Anthropological Institute, and is a practising forensic anthropologist who has worked at home and abroad in a variety of forensic contexts.

Staff profileTim Thompson Professor in applied biological anthropology

Before coming to Teesside University, Tim studied for his PhD at the University of Sheffield’s Faculty of Medicine and was a lecturer in forensic anthropology at the University of Dundee.


Research

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We undertake collaborative research at a range of levels – from short undergraduate and postgraduate student projects and multidisciplinary project clinics, to longer-term knowledge transfer partnerships and industry-funded scholarships.

Our fields of science include crime scene science, forensic science, food sciences in addition to biological, environmental and chemical sciences. Our well-equipped labs also support chemical and biotechnology research, food engineering, environmental science, and we cover emerging industrial activities, including biofuel synthesis.

Many of our staff are undertaking important applied research in a range of scientific disciplines. Our staff routinely publish their work in high-profile international journals and books. Unlike other universities, our staff focus on addressing real-world problems and challenges in our chosen fields. Often solutions are achieved through innovative multidisciplinary research – a philosophy which extends through our teaching too. We also have a thriving community of talented PhD students who often work with our undergraduate and postgraduate students in their projects.

In the forensic and crime scene sciences we have staff investigating new ways of detecting and visualising different forensic evidence types. This ranges from new ways of non-contact scanning to the recovery of evidence from graves through to the enhancement of finger marks left at crime scenes. We have worked with a number of police constabularies and forensic providers with this research, and our work on the detection and ageing of blood stains by hyperspectral imaging has been discussed in Parliament. Some of our staff undertake research on microbial communities and here they are trying to find new ways of improving contaminated ecosystems. Teesside staff are also working on new ways of improving health and diet by studying the use of probiotics and improving the production of food types. Some of this latter work involved a large project with Sainsbury’s.

Most of our researchers work with industry in some way, and we have close links with many biotechnology, forensic and digital companies. Some of our staff have gone a step further and taken their research into industry themselves by creating and running their own companies. These include the biotech company TeeGene Biotech Ltd, the measurement and analysis company Anasyst, and the digital visualisation company Anthronomics Ltd.

Find out more: tees.ac.uk/research



Student profileSamuel Cadd MSc Forensic Science and PhD in Forensic Science

‘As part of my course I spent three months carrying out research. I investigated two different formulations of a fingerprint enhancement reagent and carried out an in-depth comparison of the effectiveness of both on several thousand fingerprints. The work was a great success and has since been published.’

‘When I graduated from my master’s degree I began research for my PhD in forensic science, also at Teesside University. As part of this I have worked as a part-time lecturer in chemistry and forensic science at undergraduate and postgraduate level. My work as a lecturer gave me a great insight into the teaching side of my previous course. I came to

understand the amount of preparation that goes into every lecture and practical session to provide high-quality teaching. I have really enjoyed my lecturing role – I’m keen to educate and inform a new cohort of students who are just as motivated and enthusiastic about the subject as I am.’

‘I would thoroughly recommend Teesside University and the MSc Forensic Science course. The teaching on my course was excellent and the number of visiting speakers and experts was impressive. I had access to fantastic resources and equipment, including the crime scene house and the vehicle lab, where I spent time learning hands-on practical techniques.’

I chose Teesside University because of the excellent resources and facilities, real-world experience and enthusiasm of the lecturers, high-quality teaching and the University’s links with other institutions and research organisations.


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Graduate profile Maria Prapa Technical manager for the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group BSc (Hons) Food Nutrition and Health Science*

‘After graduating, I worked as a food technologist for meat, fish and dairy at a London warehouse and distribution company. I liaised with European suppliers on a daily basis and started gaining auditing experience. I mainly dealt with manufacturers and food service customers. In 2012, I became a food technologist for the grocery department where I looked after suppliers worldwide, visiting and auditing them as required by the business. I dealt directly with Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. In March 2013, I was offered an incredible chance to join Jamie Oliver’s food team.

‘I chose to study at Teesside University because it has a very good reputation in Greece, where I’m from, and the UK. My degree course was very well organised – I always knew who to talk to if I needed any further assistance. My tutors

were very friendly and willing to help at any time. I met many great people from different backgrounds who I am still in contact with. The library is brilliant for studying, working on assignments and meetings – I spent a lot of my time there. I definitely recommend Teesside University and my course for a great student life and a brilliant professional career so far.

‘I didn’t struggle during my first job as my studies provided me with all the necessary background information. After finishing my course I did a short placement as a food design and technology teaching assistant at a college in Middlesbrough, which enhanced my confidence and professionalism.’

* The programme is now BSc (Hons) Food and Nutrition

‘My role means making sure that all food served under the Jamie Oliver brand complies with the company’s ethos and standards. I conduct and follow up site audits, mostly in the UK, and challenge the suppliers when necessary. I assess product specifications and help with quality control both internally and externally. My job is a mix of office work, travelling and liaising with different people on daily basis – it makes it interesting and fun.



Unlike, traditional surfactants which are made using synthetic materials, biosurfactants can be manufactured in a laboratory and are fully biodegradable and have minimal impact upon the environment, making them much more economical and efficient.

TeeGene Biotech’s unique way of processing the biosurfactants means the company is able to scale production to meet the demands of industry ranging from cosmetics to biopharmaceuticals. Other uses include oil recovery, reducing pollution and food processing.

Dr Pattanathu Rahman, founding director of TeeGene Biotech, is a senior lecturer in process engineering and biotechnology at Teesside University with 20 years of research experience on novel biotechnological

approach in bioproduct development, and a recipient of a Society for Applied Technology Award of Excellence in Microbial Biotechnology.

‘The levels of purity needed for biosurfactants in the industries in which they’re used is extremely high. Because of this, they can be very expensive. However, the methods we have of producing them, make it much more economical and cost efficient. It’s a very exciting technology with tremendous potential for applications in a range of industries.’

TeeGene Biotech, a Teesside University spinout venture, has developed unique strains of bacteria which produce biosurfactants – these act like soap and help to emulsify different liquids.

Enterprise case study:

Success for company which grows ‘soap’ from bacteria


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Student profileLexy Sarginson BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences – placement year

‘I have enjoyed the lab time and how helpful the tutors are. The modules cover a wide range. The ones I have enjoyed the most have been Genetics and Molecular Biology, Biodiversity and Evolution and Human Metabolism. I have particularly enjoyed these subjects, as this is where my interests lie. The services offered throughout University have been extremely helpful, in particular the careers section. I have also taken advantage of the Boost scheme, completing two completely different summer placements, which have given me fantastic experience. Teesside is good at getting you ready for a successful career within your specific field, and this has been a key focus throughout my whole

experience. I have also been surrounded by friends, who I have enjoyed spending time with and who have been an excellent support network.

‘I am currently working at Hart Innovations, where I am involved in several research and development projects relating to point-of-care blood coagulation monitoring. The opportunity of having a year in industry has provided me with the experience of working within a team in a working scientific environment, allowing me to apply the techniques I have learned so far. Doing a year in industry is allowing me to experience areas which I may wish to pursue that I would perhaps not have thought about.’

‘A career in biology has motivated me since secondary school. I appreciated that earning a degree would be one of the best ways to further a career within science, so I knew I wanted to study this subject. Teesside is my local university and was therefore one of the first I looked up. The course offered at Teesside seemed perfect for me, as it covered a wide range of subjects with a good proportion of study time within the labs. After the induction day, my family and I felt that Teesside was completely focused on my best interests and getting the best out of me as a student.

Science



Our state-of-the-art facilities offer a first-class learning environment for students.We have just completed a multimillion-pound project to expand, upgrade and refurbish its science and engineering laboratories. The project, completed in 2015, provides a host of new technical facilities and equipment which you can benefit from throughout your studies.

On-campus facilities

Crime scene and forensic labsOur crime scene and forensic degrees are supported by extensive crime scene house laboratories, a digital evidence lab and a substantial multivehicle examination lab. Further science labs are equipped with a full range of optical microscopes, analytical chemistry equipment and DNA profiling facilities. In addition, we have a replica courtroom at the University where you can present evidence in a realistic environment to further enhance your learning opportunities.


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Science labsYou have access to specialised facilities which include molecular biology, microbiology, food technology, hydroponics, anatomy and physiology, and analytical chemistry laboratories. We have also developed a specialised tissue culture laboratory, a facility to research the ability of micro-organisms to clean polluted environments and a state-of-the-art clean room facility for nanotechnology to support our teaching in this area.



IFST is the independent qualifying body for food professionals in Europe. Its membership is drawn from all over the world from backgrounds including industry, universities, government, research and development and food law enforcement.

IFST’s activities focus on disseminating knowledge relating to food science and technology and promoting its application. Another important element of its work is to promote and uphold standards amongst food professionals.

The hub is helping to develop activities across the region, such as organising local networking or short technical meetings and briefings, and providing support for local schools, colleges and universities. It is also facilitating technical factory and laboratory visits, and collaborating with other local food science based organisations.

Jon Poole, chief executive of IFST, said, ‘It’s very important that we engage with our members across the UK. The hub provides a centre where members can engage and share knowledge. Being based at Teesside gives us the perfect opportunity to bring together people from across the area.’

Nigel Atkinson, course leader BSc (Hons) Food and Nutrition, said, ‘This hub is a recognition of the growth of food courses at Teesside University. We have a strong focus on employability at the University and building networks across the region is an important way for students to develop their professional ambitions. The hub will not purely be for those involved in the food industry, we’ll also be looking wider to increase community engagement.’

The North Eastern Hub of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) is building on the expertise of academics at Teesside University to foster local networking, and engage and support local schools and universities.

Networking case study:

Hub to help develop North East food industry


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Melanie graduated from the University of Bradford with a BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences and has an MA Education. She worked for 18 years as a forensic biologist with the Forensic Science Service undertaking examinations in numerous major crime cases, including sexual offences and murders. As a reporting officer specialising in DNA profiling, she had responsibility for interpreting, reporting and presenting DNA evidence to the courts.

Melanie was also team leader for the analytical team within the DNA unit and worked in the business development team where she led a number of pioneering crime reduction initiatives in the North East. Working in partnership with police forces and the Home Office Police Standards Unit, she designed, developed, implemented and managed projects aimed

at improving processes and streamlining supply chains to maximise forensic evidence in investigating and detecting crime.

Melanie was also involved in training for scenes of crime officers and police officers of all ranks. It was this love for teaching, and her innate desire to work with people, that led her to a new career with Teesside University in 2007.

‘My passion for forensic science runs deep and I feel privileged to be able to share my experience with those just embarking on their new careers. As programme leader my responsibility first and foremost is my students, and I will do whatever I can to ensure their time at Teesside is happy and successful.’

Staff profileMelanie Brown Principal lecturer

Melanie teaches across all years of undergraduate study and also at master’s level. She is programme leader for BSc (Hons) Forensic Science and BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology. She is a member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.


Teesside UniversityMiddlesbrough Tees Valley T: 01642 342933 TS1 3BX UK tees.ac.uk C

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