University of California, Irvine

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.S. - Biological Sciences with a Concentration in Biotechnology;

Program Description:

The the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at UC Irvine a graduate program in biotechnology, leading to the Master's of Science degree in Biological Sciences - Biotechnology Concentration. Students are trained in experimental rationales for solving actual research problems and are encouraged to take summer internships in industry during the course of their studies. This program emphasizes formal training combined with extensive participation in research. First-year students enroll in core technical laboratories focusing on recombinant DNA technology, protein isolation and characterization, virology, and immunology. During their second year, continuing students join laboratories and participate in individual faculty research projects.
Students may choose a emphasis/track in Stem Cell Biology. The creation of this track within the existing graduate program addresses a growing need within the biotechnology community. Many companies have devoted significant portions of their research and development budgets into stem cell biology research platforms as the applicability of stem cells for use in treating human disease has become clear. As such, the need for well-trained scientists, skilled in the growth and manipulation of stem cells, is currently on the rise. The stem cell emphasis has been organized around UCI's Stem Cell Research Center (SCRC) , established in 2005 by the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Medicine.

Accreditation:

WACS

Eligibility Requirements:

FINANCIAL SUPPORT--Qualified, students may apply for positions as Teaching Assistants(TA).0n-campus employment of graduate students is limited to 20 hrs/week. Students are not allowed work off-campus employment as this program may not be attempted on a part-time basis. Students work in research labs during their 2nd year & earn academic credit via enrollment in Mol Bio 200 courses. The program does not arrange student employment as research assistants(RA); however, students may make individual arrangements with on-campus faculty to be employed as an RA based upon their personal qualifications. PREREQUISITES--Lower Division Courses: General Chemistry with laboratory, Organic Chemistry with laboratory, Calculus, Physics.-Upper Division Courses:Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics,& 1 additional advanced Science course;e.g.,Microbiology,Immunology, Virology.Laboratory: Min. of 3 lab courses from either Biochemistry,Molecular Biology,Immunology,Virology. 3 Strongly Recommended.

International Student Requirements:

International students will be required to submit a TOEFL score and occasionally a TSE score (highly recommended). Applicants from India only must submit one of the following in order to be considered for graduate level study: (1) a continuous 4-year degree from an accredited University, College or (2) Institution or a completed 3-year Bachelor's degree accompanied with a completed 2 year Masters. Note: the combination of 3+2 in India is equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor's degree. The MS program does not accept a straight 3-year Bachelor's degre nor do we accept a 1-year completion of the 2-year Masters in the 3 + 2 combination.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Format: Campus

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Midsize City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above