Biotechnology - Basic Preparation

The graduate plan in Biotechnology leads to the master of science (M.S.) degree. In addition to satisfying admission requirements of the University and School of SCE (e.g., transcripts and GRE scores), applicants for the M.S. in Biotechnology program should have completed a bachelor's degree in biology or a related discipline. All applicants must submit two letters of recommendation directed to the chairperson of the admissions committee for the M.S. in Biotechnology. Upon acceptance to the M.S. in Biotechnology, a student must identify the concentration to be pursued.   

Applicants should have completed the appropriate foundation course work. Applicants missing certain required courses in their undergraduate preparation, but who meet the minimum university standards for admission, may be admitted on condition that they will complete specific undergraduate foundation courses for full admission to the program. If additional coursework is required to meet prerequisites for courses in a concentration area, students may enroll in these after admittance to the program.

Courses listed as foundation courses on the CPS for either the core or concentration area will not apply to the credit hours required for the M.S. degree. Students requiring significant prerequisite or foundation coursework should anticipate an extended time commitment for earning the graduate degree.

Applicants must have completed the equivalent of the basic requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, or the following courses or equivalents before applying for admission:   

BIOL 3431     Genetics    
BIOL 4431     Biochemistry I    
BIOL 4434, 4435 or 3134     Animal, Human or Plant Physiology   
BIOL 4437     Cellular Physiology    
BIOL 4531    Molecular Biology    
MATH 3038     Computational Statistics   

In all cases above, evidence of completion of the course with a grade of “C” or better is required.

Concentration Prerequisite Requirements

The following additional prerequisite courses are required for the specific concentration chosen by the student: Molecular Biotechnology Concentration (UHCL course or equivalent)

BIOL 4438     Developmental Biology   
BIOL 4522     Molecular Biology Laboratory   
BIOL 4535    Tissue Culture   

Bioinformatics / Computational Biology Concentration (UHCL course or equivalent)

CSCI 3133     Programming with C   
CSCI 3134    Software Development With Java    
CSCI 3233    Object-Oriented Design and Programming   
CSCI 3333    Data Structures   
CSCI 3532    Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms   
CSCI 4333     Design of Database Systems   

Biotechnology Management and Marketing Concentration (UHCL course or equivalent)

**    MGMT 3031    Management Theory and Practice   
**    MGMT 4534    Organizational Behavior   
**    MKTG 3031    Marketing: Creating Value for Customers