Biotechnology (MS) Requirements
The Master of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology and the Master of Science in Industrial Biotechnology have as goal the training of professionals who possess the knowledge, skills, attitudes and the social commitment, which allow them to make responsible contributions to the scientific development for our society and to the advancement of biotechnology. It aims to facilitate the development of graduates that can handle the basic technologies of biosciences and emit judgments related to their area of specialization and to related areas.
The Barranquitas Campus is authorized to offer this Program.
Competencies Profile of Graduates of the Master of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology
The program is designed to develop the competences that will enable the student to:
Knowledge
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The principles and technologies associated with the use of plants to produce substances with biomedical, agricultural, and biofuel value.
- The principles of selective and programmed alteration of microorganisms through genetic manipulation technologies and their potential industrial and agricultural use.
- The principles associated with the use of biotechnology in crop improvement and the business strategies required in the biotech industry.
- The principles and procedures of the scientific method applied in biotechnology.
Skills
- Apply the basic molecular and cellular technologies for the handling of plant material and microorganisms.
- Analyze the flow of genetic information in molecular terms using bioinformatics tools and molecular and instrumental processes.
- Critically analyze the principles and technologies associated with the micropropagation of plants, the use of plants as expression systems and means to produce substances with biomedical and agricultural value.
- Critically analyze the technologies involved in the production of biological products and the strategies for the planning and organization of biotechnological companies.
- Analyze the theoretical aspects and practical applications of biotechnology methods for cell culture improvement.
- Apply the scientific method in solving problems relating agricultural biotechnology.
Attitudes
- Value the potential in the use of microorganisms and plants in biotechnology as solutions to problems pertaining to health, the environment, and the production of goods for society.
- Assume a critical attitude towards ethical issues related to the use of biotechnology for cell culture improvement.
- Conduct the research project development in an ethical manner.
- Express appreciation for interdisciplinary teamwork as an effective problem-solution means in the industrial biotechnology field.
Competencies Profile of Graduates of the Master of Science in Industrial Biotechnology
The program is designed to develop the competences that will enable the student to:
Knowledge
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The principles of selective and programmed alteration of microorganisms and animal organisms through genetic manipulation technologies and their potential industrial use.
- The theoretical aspects of biomolecule analysis through instrumental analysis.
- The principles of animal tissue culture in the biotechnology industry.
- The technologies and commercial strategies required in the biotechnology industry.
- The principles and procedures of the scientific method used in biotechnology.
- The principles of bioprocesses applied in biotechnology.
Skills
- Apply the basic molecular and cellular technologies for the handling of animal origin material and microorganisms.
- Analyze the flow of genetic information in molecular terms using bioinformatics tools.
- Analyze the principles and technologies associated with the use of microorganisms and animal cells as expression systems and means to produce substances with biomedical and agricultural value.
- Critically examine the genetic basis of characters associated with health and animal production.
- Apply the instrumental analysis of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids.
- Apply methods for the culture of cells coming from mammals, birds, and insects.
- Critically analyze the technologies involved in the production of biological products and the strategies for the planning and organization of biotechnological companies.
- Apply the scientific method in solving problems related to industrial biotechnology.
Attitudes
- Value the potential in the use of microorganisms and animal cells in biotechnology as solutions to problems pertaining to health, the environment, and the production of goods for society.
- Conduct the research project development in an ethical manner.
- Express appreciation for interdisciplinary teamwork as an effective problem-solution means in the industrial biotechnology field.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the admission requirements for master’s studies, in agreement with the provisions of this Catalog, students requesting admission to this program, must:
- Hold a Bachelor in Natural Sciences or in related areas with a minimum grade point index of 2.50.
- Submit an essay of intention to state the interest in pursuing a Master of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology or Industrial Biotechnology. The essay can be presented in the Spanish or English language.
- Present two (2) letters of recommendation from the Faculty or the employer.
- Have approved a minimum of three (3) credits in each one of the following areas for the Master of Science in Industrial Biotechnology:
- Cellular-Molecular Biology or Biochemistry
- Statistics
- Calculus I
- Analytical Chemistry
- Have approved a minimum of three (3) credits in each one of the following areas for the Master of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology:
-
Cellular-Molecular Biology or Biochemistry
-
Statistics
Graduation Requirements
To meet the institutional graduation requirements for master’s programs, the student may select one of the following options:
Option A: with a Research Project
- Approve 36 credits in the Program with a minimum average index of 3.00 (15 core course credits, 12 specialization credits, and 9 prescribed distributive credits).
- Prepare the Proposal of the Research Project and approve its defense.
- Complete the Thesis Project and approve its defense.
Option B: without a Research Project
- Approve 36 credits in the Program with a minimum average index of 3.00 of (15 core course credits, 12 specialization credits, and 9 prescribed distributive credits).
- Pass the Comprehensive Examination with a minimum of 75 percent, as stipulated in the current Graduate Catalog.
- To take the Comprehensive Examination it is required to have completed 27 credits and the authorization of the Program Coordinator.
Requirements for the Master of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology and Master of Science in Industrial Biotechnology
| Core Course Requirements |
15 credits |
| Specialization Requirements |
12 credits |
| Prescribed Distributive Requirements |
9 credits |
| Total |
36 credits |
Core Course Requirements - 15 credits
Specialization Requirements
Specialization in Agricultural Biotechnology
Requirements-for-MS-in-Agricultural-Biotechnology-12-credits
Specialization Requirements
| BIOT 6116 | Micropropagation of Plants | 3 |
| BIOT 6210 | Improvement of Cultures for the Production of Food and Biofactories | 3 |
| BIOT 6215 | Biotechnology and Crop Production | 3 |
| BIOT 6235 | Biotechnology of Food | 3 |
Prescribed Distributive Requirements - 9 credits
Students will select one of the following options to meet the Prescribed Distributive requirements requirements and complete the degree.
Option A: With a Research Project (Thesis)
Option B: Without a Research Project (Thesis)
To comply with the Prescribed Distributive requirements component, the student will select and pass three (3) of the following courses, according to their specialization. In addition, student must approve the comprehensive exam.
Specialization in Industrial Biotechnology
Requirements for MS in Industrial Biotechnology
Specialization Requirements - 12 credits
| BIOT 6125 | Instrumental Analysis of Biomolecules | 3 |
| BIOT 6130 | Animal Tissue Culture in Industrial Biotechnology | 3 |
| BIOT 6200 | Industrial and Commercial Biotechnology | 3 |
| BIOT 6230 | Bioprocesses | 3 |
Prescribed Distributive Requirements - 9 credits
Students will select one of the following options to meet the Prescribed Distributive requirements and complete the degree.
Option A: With a Research Project (Thesis)
The student will complete the following 9 credits to fulfill the Prescribed Distributive requisites component.
Option B: Without a Research Project (Thesis)
To comply with the Prescribed Distributive component, the student will select and pass three (3) of the following courses, according to their specialty. In addition, student must approve the comprehensive exam.