Master of Science - Biotechnology and Bioinformatics

The Master of Science in Biotechnology & Bioinformatics is a professional degree program designed to meet the needs of biotechnology industry and related public and private agencies and organizations. The program combines rigorous scientific training in interdisciplinary areas in biotechnology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering and stem cell technology with course work and experience in business management and regulatory affairs. The program includes a set of core courses with three emphases to choose from: biotechnology, biomedical engineering and stem cell technology and laboratory management, and several elective courses. Biotechnology is centered in the laboratory and employs sophisticated molecular biology techniques for applications in human and animal health, agriculture, environment, and specialty biochemical manufacturing. In this century, the major driving force for biotechnology will be the strategic use of the data derived from large-scale genome sequencing projects. Biomedical engineering is an interdisciplinary field, fusing molecular and cellular life sciences with contents in engineering analysis, design, and synthesis approaches, business management, bioethics, law and regulation, and globalization of biotechnology. It introduces the principles and applications of bioinformatics, biomechanics, biorobotics, biomaterials, nanotechnology, genetics, cellular, tissue and organ engineering, biomedical instrumentation and devices, biosensors, and medical imaging in biological systems. Stem cell technology and laboratory management introduces the current knowledge and highly specialized technical skills in the stem cell field and trains technical and managerial personnel in stem cell research and development. The program's approach also includes team projects drawn from biotechnology industries to focus on real-world problems and applications of biological sciences, internships and to inculcate interpersonal as well as problem-solving skills using multiple perspectives. Graduates from this program will develop analytical, managerial and interpersonal skills along with sophisticated expertise in biotechnology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering or stem cell technology. They will be ready to make immediate contributions to scientific research and development, management in biotechnological, biomedical, biomedical engineering, and pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology law and regulations, governmental or environmental agencies, research institutes, consulting firms, research and clinical laboratories, private and public health organizations, or education.