Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology
The field of Biotechnology seeks to develop new applications, products or improve the quality of existing products. The new Professional Science Masters (PSM) program in Biotechnology at the University of Northern Iowa emphasizes strengthening and enhancing molecular biology skills along with providing an understanding of the business prospective of biotechnology. The program is tailored to the vital agricultural sectors in the US and abroad and strives to bridge modern biotechnology developments with business and marketing considerations.
Overview of program
- 30 credit hour, 12 month intensive program (Fall, Spring, Summer)
- Emphasizes applications of recombinant and advanced analytical techniques
- Promotes effective report writing, team problem solving and communiation skills
- Provides training in the basics of management, finance and accounting for science professionals
- Allows for 10-12 hours of electives to customize individaul program
- Culminates in a 4-credit, supervised internship for potential employer
Degree Requirements
This P.S.M. degree prepares students for career opportunities in biotechnology-related businesses and industries. Emphasis is placed on combining molecular and genetic engineering skills with an understanding of basic business management skills and concludes with an internship experience.
Admission is restricted to students with a GPA of 3.00 or higher and a B.A. or B.S. in Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry or a related discipline. Students must have taken an Introductory General Biology sequence, Genetics and one or more courses in Molecular Biology or equivalents to be considered.
- The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) is not required for admission to the program.
- The TOEFEl exam is required for international students. Minimum scores that will be accepted are 575/232/90 (paper/computer/iBT). Please visit http://www.uni.edu/intladm/martsbiology.shtml for International Student admissions.
This major is available on the non-thesis option only. A minimum of 30 semester hours is required. A minimum of 18 semester hours of 200-level course work is required.
Successful completion of an oral comprehensive examination is required.
| Required: | 18-20 hours | |
|---|---|---|
| 840:240 | Advanced Cellular and Molecular Biology (Spring) | 3 hours |
| 840:280 | Advanced Analytical Techniques (Fall) | 3 hours |
| 820:209 | Business Management for Science Professionals (Spring) | 3 hours |
| 820:215 | Corporate/Industrial Problem Solving (Spring) | 3 hours |
| 820:289 | Seminar (Fall and Spring) | 2 hours |
| 820:295 | Internship | 4-6 hours |
| Electives: | 10-12 hours | |
| First Tier | ||
| 840:121 | Plant Biotechnology | 4 hours |
| 840:127 | Bioinformatics Applications | 3 hours |
| 840:129 | Genomics and Proteomics | 3 hours |
| 840:153 | Recombinant DNA Techniques | 4 hours |
| 860:154 | Biochemistry I | 4 hours |
| Second Tier* | ||
| 840:122 | Plant Physiology | 4 hours |
| 840:128 | Cell Biology | 4 hours |
| 840:146 | Developmental Biology of Animals | 4 hours |
| 840:150 | Immunology | 4 hours |
| 860:157 | Biostatistics | 3 hours |
| 860:155 | Biochemistry II | 2 hours | 860:156 | Biochemistry Laboratory | 2 hours |
| Total: | 30 hours | |
*Students having completed two courses in the First Tier or their equivalent, may select electives from the Second Tier.
Internships and Employment
• Industry
Recent placements include Pioneer Hi-Bred, Cambrex Corporation
• Government Agencies (Federal, State, County and City)
• Non-Profit Organizations
For further information please contact the program coordinator:
Dr. Kavita R. Dhanwada
Dept. of Biology
phone: 319-273-2454
fax: 319-273-7125
email: kavita.hanwada@uni.edu