Biotechnology M.S.

Basic Requirements

• BIOL 3341 - Molecular Genetics Credit Hours: 3
• BIOL 4341 - Biochemistry I Credit Hours: 3
• BIOL 4344 - Comparative Animal Physiology Credit Hours: 3
• BIOL 4345 - Human Physiology Credit Hours: 3
• BIOL 4343 - Plant Physiology Credit Hours: 3
• BIOL 4347 - Cellular Physiology Credit Hours: 3
• BIOL 4351 - Molecular Biology Credit Hours: 3
• BIOT 5011 - Methods of Biotechnology Discussions Credit Hours: 1
• BIOT 5021 - Methods of Biotechnology Credit Hours: 2
• STAT 3308 - Computational Statistics Credit Hours: 3

Core Requirements (9 hours)

The master’s degree requires completion of 30 hours. All core requirements and biotechnology electives must be completed with a grade of C or better and a GPA of ≥ 3.0 must be maintained.

All graduate students in the biotechnology program must complete a Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) with their assigned faculty advisor before they complete 9 hours of graduate credit. Courses completed past the initial nine hours that are not on the approved CPS may not be counted toward the degree.

Although the Master of Science in Biotechnology does not require independent study, research courses or experiences, co-op (internship), field experience (practicum) or thesis, these options are available, and students are strongly encouraged to participate in these courses and experiences.

In addition to the following required courses, there are additional required courses for each specialization: Refer to Biotechnology Program Specialization Areas and Electives sections.

Biotechnology Extended Coursework Option

Under the extended coursework option, a minimum of 27 hours of coursework in one of the three specialization areas, of which 18-24 hours (depending on the specialization) must be biotechnology (BIOT) courses and three hours of BIOT 6838 - Research Project and Seminar  taken in the last 12 hours. Non-thesis students who complete BIOT 5530  as an elective will still be required to complete BIOT 6838 .

Biotechnology Thesis Option

The thesis option requires a minimum of 21 hours of biotechnology (BIOT) courses in one of the three specialization areas, BIOT 5530 - Research Methods in Biotechnology , and six hours of BIOT 6939 - Master’s Thesis Option . Graduate students who are pursuing the master’s thesis option are advised to consult with their faculty advisor early in their studies for guidance in preparation for beginning the thesis and register for BIOT 5530 - Research Methods in Biotechnology  early in their studies.

If students take more than 6 hours of BIOT 6939 , they are not able to count them toward their degree and they will only receive a grade for 6 hours. Once they enroll in the course, students must stay continually enrolled until they graduate. Any hours above the six will show a credit only with no grade.

Specialization Prerequisites

Molecular Biotechnology Specialization

The Master of Science in Biotechnology with a Specialization in Molecular Biotechnology requires 30 hours of coursework, of which 24 hours must be biotechnology (BIOT).

Bioinformatics/Computational Biology Specialization

The Master of Science in Biotechnology with a Specialization in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology requires 30 hours of coursework, of which 18 hours must be in biotechnology (BIOT). Additional prerequisites for the Bioinformatics/Computational Biology Specialization (UHCL course or equivalent) are:

Biotechnology Management Specialization

The Master of Science in Biotechnology with a Specialization in Management requires 30 hours of coursework, of which 18 hours must be in biotechnology (BIOT). Additional prerequisites for the Biotechnology Management specialization (UHCL course or equivalent) are: