Biology: Biotechnology, Research Thesis Track, M.S.

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NY State Program Code: 04084
HEGIS Code: 0401.00
CIP Code: 26.0101

(33 -36 credits)

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a dynamic and growing field in which the discoveries of modern biology are applied to solve problems in medicine and agriculture. Adelphi Biology master’s students can receive preparation for careers in biotechnology and in the related fields of pharmaceuticals, biomedical research, cancer research, and laboratory medicine.

Students can receive biotechnology training in the Adelphi master’s program in biology in two ways:

As students admitted to the biotechnology concentration, by completing the requirements described below; this program combines training in science and business with an internship to provide the most in-depth preparation for work in the biotechnology industry (with formal designation of the Biotechnology Concentration on the transcript); or
As students admitted to the biology master’s program, by taking relevant courses such as “Introduction to Biotechnology”; this approach will provide some background in biotechnology to help students decide if this field is for them, but without the business courses and internship (without formal designation on the transcript).

Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology: Biotechnology

Adelphi’s innovative Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a concentration in biotechnology prepares students for careers in this rapidly expanding and dynamic discipline. Adelphi offers a unique course of study that provides a solid foundation in the sciences with training in business to give students the expertise to succeed in both scientific and business environments, including universities, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The program includes critical training in laboratory safety, research ethics, and 21st century instrumentation and techniques. The required internship offers invaluable first-hand experience.

Students interested in the biotechnology concentration must first be admitted to the M.S. program in biology through the regular application process and complete one semester (12 credits) of graduate courses. Application to the biotechnology concentration is then made to the Graduate Academic Affairs Committee. Students admitted to the M.S. in biology who are interested in biotechnology may take relevant courses such as “Introduction to Biotechnology” without the business courses and internship to help them determine if they want to pursue the concentration.

Students may pursue a research thesis track or a scholarly paper track.
Specific admission criteria apply for the concentration in biotechnology.
A limited number of teaching assistantships are available.

Requirements for Admission to the Biotechnology Concentration

Interested students will apply to be admitted to the biotechnology concentration by writing a letter to the Biology Graduate Committee.
Admission will be based on previous record, performance at Adelphi, and potential for success in biotechnology.

The biotechnology program offers two tracks, a research thesis track and a scholarly paper track:

Research Thesis track:

33 credits minimum, 36 credits recommended for biotechnology concentration

Because of the value of an extended research experience in preparing students for work in biotechnology, students are strongly recommended to follow the Research Thesis track, but it is also possible to complete the master’s degree by following the Scholarly Paper track; this would be especially appropriate for students who already have extensive lab experience.

Required for any M.S. in Biology

BIO (0105) 627 - Essential Skills for Graduate Students Credits: 3.00

Required for the Biotechnology Concentration

BIO (0105) 645 - Introduction To Biotechnology Credits: 3.00
CHE (0106) 581 - Safety in Laboratory and Studio Credits: 1.00
BIO (0105) 794 - Internship In Biotechnology Credits: 2.00 to 3.00

One of these lecture/lab combinations:

Both of the following:
BIO (0105) 640 - Graduate Genetics Credits: 3.00
BIO (0105) 641 - Graduate Genetics Laboratory Credits: 1.00
or
BIO (0105) 650 - Graduate Cell Biology Credits: 3.00
or
BIO (0105) 504 - Survey of Biochemistry Credits: 4.00
or
Both of the following:
CHE (0106) 571 - Biochemistry I Credits: 3.00
CHE (0106) 573 - BioChemistry Laboratory Credits: 2.00

One additional lecture/lab combination from the following:

BIO (0105) 504 - Survey of Biochemistry Credits: 4.00
BIO (0105) 506 - Introduction Molecular Biology Credits: 4.00
BIO (0105) 521 - Endocrinology Lecture Credits: 3.00
BIO (0105) 522 - Endocrinology Lab Credits: 1.00
BIO (0105) 615 - Regulatory Physiology Credits: 3.00
BIO (0105) 626 - Cell Culture Technique Credits: 4.00
BIO (0105) 640 - Graduate Genetics Credits: 3.00
BIO (0105) 641 - Graduate Genetics Laboratory Credits: 1.00
BIO (0105) 650 - Graduate Cell Biology Credits: 3.00
BIO (0105) 674 - Graduate Microbiology Credits: 3.00
CHE (0106) 571 - Biochemistry I Credits: 3.00 AND CHE (0106) 573 - BioChemistry Laboratory Credits: 2.00
CHE (0106) 572 - Biochemistry II Credits: 3.00
Note: Both BIO 504 and CHE 571/573 cannot be taken for credit; only one of these can be taken.

The following three courses in business

(9 credits total, 3 credits each):

ACC (0201) 500 - Financial Accounting Credits: 3.00
BUS (0204) 551 - Legal & Ethical Environment Credits: 3.00
MGT (0210) 561 - Management Theory/ Organizational Behavior Credits: 3.00

One of the following business courses is recommended but not required

(3 credits)

MKT (0212) 580 - Marketing Management Credits: 3.00
BUS (0204) 689 - Negotiation for the Business Professional Credits: 3.00

For the Research Thesis track

Usually in their final three semesters, students will take a three-semester sequence. First, the student will take a thesis prerequisite course (BIO 790 or BIO 791 or BIO 792 or BIO 793 or for the Biotechnology, Research Thesis Track only, BIO 794 ). In a subsequent semester, the student will take BIO 798 Thesis Research. In the final semester, the student will take BIO 799 Thesis Research. BIO 798 and 799 are based on laboratory or field studies.