Molecular Biotechnology Program Curriculum
The non-thesis Master of Science in Molecular Biotechnology program includes core courses and practica. If completed on a full-time basis, it takes 2 years to complete the 41 credit hour program. The program is not well suited to part-time study, particularly the practicum component. However, it is possible to extend the course of study over more than 2 years by delaying the recommended schedule of courses.
The curriculum is divided between core courses and practicum. The majority of the core courses are completed during the first year of enrollment with the three practica completed during the second year in the program.
Core Courses. The core curriculum includes biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, molecular biology, research ethics, biotechnology issues, scientific writing, and radiation safety, and provides a solid foundation in the field. Practical skills are built through lecture and laboratory coursework in the theory and application of a broad range of nucleic acid- and protein-based molecular biotechnologies.
Practicum. After completing the core curriculum, students gain experience by performing three semester-long practica, with one practicum during each of the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters of the second year. Each practicum is performed at a different site to provide a different molecular biotechnology emphasis, such as bioscience research, biotechnology industrial applications, or molecular diagnostics. These practica provide an extensive hands-on experience with a broad range of molecular biotechnologies as well as real-life experience in the bioscience sector.
During a practicum, students work with investigators, laboratory staff, and other members of the practicum site in the ongoing activities of the practicum site. In a research-oriented practicum, students initially participate in an ongoing research project that leads to independent research activities. While enrolled in a practicum, the primary academic obligation is at the practicum site, and students engage in their practicum-associated activities on a full-time basis (i.e., eight hours a day, Monday through Thursday). This dedicated effort allows students to understand the theory and application of state-of-the-art molecular techniques and technologies in depth. Additionally, studying at a single practicum site for a full semester allows students to gain an appreciation of the day-to-day opportunities, obligations, and realities of professionals working in molecular biotechnology settings.
Degree completion. During the second spring semester, a final general examination will be required of all degree candidates. This exam will consist of a written and an oral examination. To satisfy the written component, students write a grant proposal. Successful completion of the written component is required preliminary to taking the comprehensive oral examination of general knowledge of molecular biotechnology concepts and applications.
©
The University of Kansas