Biotechnology

The MS Biotechnology provides students with broad training in the scientific principles and knowledge that underlay advances in biotechnology. Key components include:

Training in laboratory techniques used in research and development

Understanding of legal and intellectual property issues

Development of skills and attributes important in business and biotechnology entrepreneurship

Multi-disciplinary learning approach that encourages collaboration and effective idea expression

General Objectives for the MS Biotechnology degree

The program is designed to develop analytical, business, and managerial skills as well as sophisticated expertise in biotechnology and computational sciences for a diverse set of vocations. Qualified graduates may engage in scientific research, development, and management in biotechnology; or develop a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Graduates may also enter teaching or consulting in public and/or private organizations.

Learning Objectives for the MS Biotechnology degree 

Students who successfully complete the MS Biotechnology degree will be able to:

Work in cross-disciplinary teams to address questions of relevance to the biotechnology industry through the design and implementation of databases that integrate computational biology and empirical analyses.

Explain techniques used to make biological inferences from protein and nucleic acid sequences.

Identify biologically relevant problems in biotechnology, biomedical, and agricultural research.

Outline the state and Federal regulatory processes that govern the biotechnology industry.

Explain fundamental principles that underlie modern techniques in biotechnology.

Demonstrate proficiency in performing fundamental molecular biology techniques.

The curriculum is designed to be completed in two years and requires a team project in an academic or industrial location. With a wide range of flexibility, students are able to create a program that fits their specific needs. The MS degree is offered by the Biology program in collaboration with the Computer Science and the Business and Economics program. Backed by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, funding for the masters’ program addresses the needs of students and the industry through rigorous interdisciplinary training.

The program curriculum is 12 units of common core courses in MS Biotechnology as well as required and elective courses for the emphasis of your choice.

Course Descriptions

Course Learning Objectives

Courses Online in Biotechnology (PDF 198.7 KB)

MS Biotechnology Common Core Courses (12 units)

BINF 500 DNA & Protein Sequence Analysis (3)
BIOL 503 Biotechnology Law and Regulation (3)
BIOL 504 Molecular Cell Biology (3)
MGT 471 Project Management (3)

For Biotechnology Emphasis (22 units)

Required Courses (15 units)

BINF 514 Statistical Methods in Computational Biology (3)
BIOL 502 Techniques in Genomics & Proteomics (3)
BIOL 505 Molecular Structure (4)
BIOL 600 Team Project (4)
BIOL 601 Seminar Series in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (1)

Electives (7 units)

A minimum of two courses chosen from the following courses and/or from the required courses for the other emphases of the program:

BINF 511 Computational Genomics (3)
BIOL 490 Special Topics (1-3)
BIOL 500 Introduction to Biopharmaceutical Productions (3)
BIOL 506 Molecular Evolution (4)
BIOL 507 Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacoproteomics (3)
BIOL 508 Advanced Immunology (4)
BIOL 509 Plant Biotechnology (4)
BIOL 516 Clinical Trials and Quality Assurance (3)
BIOL 605 Biotechnology Across National Boundaries Field Trip (1)
MGT 421 Human Resource Management (3)

For Biomedical Engineering Emphasis (23 units)

Required Courses (15 units)

BME 500 Biological Systems and Biomechanics: Principles and Applications (3)
BME 501 Fundamentals of Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials (3)
BIOL 601 Seminar Series in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (1)
BIOL 604 Biotechnology across National Boundaries (2)

Choose one of the following:

BME 502 Biomedical Instrumentation and Devices: Technology and Applications (3)
OR 
PHYS 464 Medical Instrumentation (4)

Choose one of the following:

BIOL 600 Team Project (4)
OR 
BIOL 603 Biotechnology/Internship (3)

Electives (6-8 units)

The number of elective units will be dependent on required courses taken to total 23 units in the emphasis.

For Stem Cell Technology and Laboratory Management Emphasis (22-23 units)

Required Courses (19 units)

BIOL 502 Techniques in Genomics & Proteomics (3)
BIOL 510 Tissue Culture Techniques and Stem Cell Technology (3)
BIOL 512 Advanced Topics in Regenerative Medicine (1)
BIOL 513 Cell Culture Facility Management (3)
BIOL 590 Developmental Biology (3)
BIOL 602* Stem Cell Technology Internship (1.5 units X 4) (6)

*BIOL 602 course is offered quarterly at 1.5 units, which is repeatable for a total of 6 units for a yearlong project.

Electives (3-4 units)

A minimum of one course chosen from the elective courses for the Biotechnology Emphasis and/or from the required courses for the other emphases of the program.

International Graduate Admission Requirements

International (F-1) students may be accepted if they fulfill the following requirements:

Have earned a degree or diploma that CI considers to be the equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

If educated in the U.S., have attained a minimum GPA of 2.7 (A = 4.0) or more in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted. If educated in a non-U.S. university, have acceptable academic performance as determined by the Graduate Admissions Office. Certain programs have stricter requirements regarding academic preparation (please see program websites below for specific GPA requirements).

An official TOEFL score report with a minimum score of 550 paper, 213 computer, 80 iBT (Internet-Based Test) or an overall IELTS band score of 6.5 except where English is the official language of the country. Certain programs may require a higher TOEFL/IELTS score.

All Graduate programs require the GRE or GMAT. (please see program websites below for details)