Master of Science in Molecular Biotechnology

Wayne State's Master of Science (M.S.) in Molecular Biotechnology provides comprehensive training in recombinant DNA technology and molecular biology techniques, preparing students for advanced roles in the rapidly evolving biotechnology industry. With a proven track record of effective education and a 90% graduate placement rate, our program equips students with the expertise needed to excel in diverse career paths. Biotechnology offers rewarding opportunities across industry, academia and government laboratories. As research projects become increasingly complex, demand grows for highly skilled professionals capable of advancing innovation and driving scientific breakthroughs.

What you'll learn

Molecular biotechnology graduates will:

• Gain academic excellence in basic courses underlying molecular biotechnology (including but not limited to cell biology, molecular biology, genetics and bioinformatics).
• Acquire practical skills in laboratory techniques (including basic laboratory safety, biohazard and radiation safety courses, the use and handling of animals and several basic molecular biology techniques using eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems).
• Develop written and oral communication skills (including maintaining records, writing reports, reading scientific papers, technical writing and seminar presentations).

• What is molecular biotechnology?

  While technology generally aims to create tools to empower man, biotechnology aims to change man himself, to better fit him to the world. Biotechnology is the application of advances made in the biological sciences, especially involving the science of genetics and its application. Biotechnology has helped improve food quality, quantity and processing. It also has applications in manufacturing, where simple cells and proteins can be manipulated to produce chemicals.

  The marriage of genetics and molecular biology has given rise to the clusters of techniques that we call by such names as 'genetic engineering.' The techniques have rapidly become integral parts of modern biomedical and bio-agricultural science and promise to transform our world. For the study of basic biological processes, the ability to isolate and amplify a particular gene from the many thousands in an organism's genome and manipulate it in specific ways has altered the nature of the questions researchers ask. Certainly, the existence of complete genome sequences for an increasing number of organisms promises to change how these sciences and the industries dependent on them will be practiced in the 21st century.

  Biotechnology is most important for its implications in health and medicine. Through genetic engineering, the controlled alteration of genetic material scientists have been able to create new medicines, including interferon for cancer patients, synthetic human growth hormone and synthetic insulin, among others. In recent years, scientists have also attempted to employ the methods of genetic engineering to correct certain inherited conditions and have been making great strides in their ability to manipulate genetic materials. These advances suggest the prospect of human control over the very genetic makeup of man and thus the ability to manipulate our inherited traits. The consequences of man's growing power over human genetics are enormous and they become ever more immediate each day. Many observers have suggested that just as the late 20th century has been the age of computer technology, so the early 21st century will be the age of biotechnology. But how can we be sure that this new power will be used correctly?

  How much control should individuals be allowed to exercise over the genetic makeup of their children? How much do we want to know about our own genetic tendencies or dispositions? How will society be affected if we come close to actually answering the age-old nature-versus-nurture question? What are the implications of human cloning? How can we ensure that the sanctity of human life is safeguarded in an age when genetic manipulation and scientific eugenics are possible? Can society exercise some control over the uses of biotechnology, or has the genetic genie forever escaped its bottle? These are the sorts of questions opened up for society by the growth and advancement of biotechnology.

Molecular biotechnology requirements and curriculum

The molecular biotechnology master's degree requires students to satisfy the graduate program requirements and overall biological sciences requirements. Students can complete this degree in two years starting in the fall of year one and graduating at the end of summer of year two.

• Overview

  The M.S. molecular biotechnology degree program is under the administrative control of the Graduate Committee of the Department of Biological Sciences. The Graduate Committee, in consultation with the director of the program, governs all admissions, administration and curriculum issues.

  The director of the biotech program is appointed by the chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. The director is a full-fledged member of the Graduate Committee as well as an acting advisor to all students applying to and enrolled in, the biotechnology program. Within the Graduate Committee, the director represents the biotechnology program during all committee deliberations, including applicant admissions. This arrangement ensures that the interests of the biotechnology program are represented at the committee level and allows oversight of the biotechnology program by the committee to ensure it continues to serve departmental needs.

• Core curricula

  The curriculum is divided into three phases. The first nine months are focused on formal coursework. In the next 12 months, students will complete a well-defined research project in a research laboratory. In the last three (summer) months, students have the option of remaining in the research lab or, upon Graduate Committee approval, continuing their practical training as an intern in a biotechnology company or organization outside of WSU.

  Work during this internship can involve any aspect of biotechnology, including for example: commercial or private enterprises, marketing or sales or participation in biotechnology publishing.

  Year one

  Starting fall semester

  The primary goal for the curriculum in year one is to provide all students entering the program with the basic and applied scientific theory necessary to succeed in a biotechnology research lab. Very few assumptions are made as to previous training. During this period students will learn the theory behind commonly employed biotechnology methods. All students will be required to take two laboratory courses (BIO 6020 and 6120) that will expose them to common microbiological and molecular biological methods. BIO 6020 will include certification classes conducted by the university on laboratory and biohazard safety, radiation safety and procedures for working with animal or human subjects.

  Student progress evaluation

  At the end of the first academic year, the Graduate Committee will evaluate each student's performance in the classroom. Students must achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to continue in the program.

  Selection of research mentors

  The director of the biotechnology program will oversee the placement of students into a laboratory for their research project and internship. The director will solicit faculty and student feedback on laboratory placement thus matching both student and faculty interests/requests. There will be no limit on the number of students who may be mentored in a lab provided the faculty concerned has indicated in writing their willingness to accept and mentor these students. In special circumstances, students may be placed in laboratories outside of the Department of Biological Sciences. The Graduate Committee will resolve any conflicts in the selection process.

  Year two

  The focus in year two is laboratory experience but with an emphasis on technology theory and research productivity.

  Student final evaluation

  At the end of the winter semester of year two students will submit a written report of their research project in the form of an M.S. thesis. They will also make an oral presentation of their research. A committee consisting of the research mentor, another graduate faculty and the director of the program will jointly evaluate the student report and oral presentation. Thus, each student will have individualized committees similar to that of an M.S. student except that in the case of biotech students the director will be a member of every committee.

  Biotechnology internship (summer of year two)

  Students have the option of remaining in the research lab or, upon Graduate Committee approval, continuing their practical training as an intern in a biotechnology company or organization outside of WSU. Work during this internship can involve any aspect of biotechnology, including for example commercial or private research, marketing or sales or biotechnology publishing. Grading awarded will be on the basis of U or S.

• Courses

  The Master of Science in Molecular Biotechnology program offers a dynamic blend of cutting-edge science and practical application. Our carefully curated courses provide a strong foundation in molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics and advanced biotechnological techniques. Designed to bridge theory with real-world challenges, the curriculum equips students with the skills to innovate and excel in fields like drug development, gene therapy and agricultural biotechnology. Whether you're aspiring to advance research or drive industrial innovation, our courses will prepare you to lead in the rapidly evolving biotechnology landscape.

  Explore molecular biotechnology courses

• Plan of work

  This sample plan of work represents one path to degree completion and does not guarantee graduation by the proposed timeline subject to student performance and class availability. Students are advised to meet with their advisor to develop an individualized plan of work.

  Year one, semester one: Fall

  Course #	Title	Credits
  BIO 5330	Principles and Applications of Biotechnology I	3
  BIO 6020	Methods: Analyses	4
  BIO 6000	Molecular Cell Biology I	3
  Total		10

  Year one, semester two: Winter

  Course #	Title	Credits
  BIO 6330	Principles and Applications of Biotechnology II	3
  BIO 6120	Molecular Biology Laboratory I	3
  BIO 6010	Molecular Cell Biology II	3
  	Elective (Public Health Major)
  Total		9

  Year one, semester three: Summer

  Course #	Title	Credits
  BIO 7996	Research Problems	2
  Total		2

   

  Year two, semester four: Fall

  Course #	Title	Credits
  BIO ####	Bioinformatics-related course or Human Genetics or BIO 6160 Proteins and Protomics
  BIO 6070	Visual and Performing Arts (VP)	3
  BIO 8995	Biology Seminar	2
  BIO 7996	Research Problems	3
  Total		8

  Year two, semester five: Winter

  Course #	Title	Credits
  BIO 7996	Research Problems	3
  BIO 6994	Technical Communication in Molecular Biotechology	3
  	Elective	2
  Total		8

  Year two, semester six: Summer

  Course #	Title	Credits
  BIO 8996	Biotechnology Internship	2
  Total		2

   

• Termination policy

  Causes for termination

  • Failure to meet expectations for timely progress towards degree completion
  • Poor academic performance

  Graduate student progress

  Graduate students will be evaluated at the end of the first academic year by the director of the M.S. biotechnology program in consultation with the Graduate Committee. Students who fail to make adequate progress in coursework or professional development may be terminated.

  Academic performance

  A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 may be put on academic probation for one semester. A plan of work that will allow the student to improve the GPA to 3.0 or higher by a set time will be agreed upon by the student, his/her advisor or the graduate officer (if the student does not have an advisor). Failure to improve the GPA to 3.0 or higher by the deadline will result in termination after that semester. A student cannot remain on academic probation for consecutive semesters. A student cannot be on academic probation for more than two semesters during his/her graduate studies and will be terminated if the GPA is less than 3.0 for a third semester.

  A graduate student in M.S. biotechnology is permitted to petition to repeat at most two graduate classes in which he/she received a grade of B- or lower. A student who receives three grades of C+ or lower will be terminated from the graduate program.

  Anticipated progress for M.S. biotechnology students

  First year: Fall and winter

  • Complete first-year core curriculum
  • Interview potential thesis advisors and join a laboratory

  First year: Summer

  • Start research project training

  Second year

  • Continue to fulfill course requirements
  • Initiate or continue research training
  • Submit plan of work by end of fall
  • Select advisory committee by end of fall
  • Write research report spring of second year

  Second summer

  • Get advisory committee approval of written report
  • Complete an internship
  • File for graduation
  • Public presentation of research report during the first week of August

  Procedure for termination

  Annual reviews are designed to assess the progress of students. If the review raises concerns about whether the student should continue in the program, the student will be notified and will have an opportunity to present their case to the graduate committee.

  The Graduate Committee may place the student on probation with well-defined objectives that the student will be required to meet within a specific time. If the student fulfills the objectives, they will be reinstated in good standing in the program.

  If a decision to terminate the student is made, the student will be able to make an oral presentation of their case to the graduate committee. Copies of all decisions regarding probation, reinstatement and dismissal will be placed in the student file and forwarded to the university Graduate Office.

  Appeal of dismissal

  The student can contest dismissal for insufficient progress by appealing to the Graduate Committee, the dean of the graduate school and finally to the provost. Dismissals for academic reasons should be appealed as outlined in the student due process policy.