Master of Biotechnology

Curriculum: Fall 2024

Students Entering Fall 2024 and Later

General

Students will need to take 6 core classes and 4 electives, which are dependent on their track selection. In addition to the curriculum listed below, students must take at least 7 credit units—between the core and electives—within SEAS courses. Those SEAS programs are:
BE, BIOT, CBE, CIS/CIT, EAS, ENGR, ENM, ESE, IPD, MSE, & MEAM.
If a course is cross-listed, students must take the SEAS version of it for it to count toward this 7 SEAS course requirement.
Students may take up to 2 EAS courses toward the degree. EAS 8960 and EAS 8970 do not count toward the 10 CUs for the program. Students are also limited to 2 IPD courses toward the degree.

Please note that each course a student takes may only count for one course requirement, even if the course technically can fit under multiple requirements.

Listed below are the six core curriculum areas, along with approved courses that can be used to fulfill each requirement. Students should focus on fulfilling their core curriculum in their first two semesters, though they may take electives as well.

Students may petition to use a different course for core courses and electives both. Students should use the Petition Form in the MBIOT Student Resources shared Google folder to request an exception. (NOTE: Students in the Molecular Biology track may not petition to substitute another course in for their 2 CU BIOT 5990 requirement.)

The curriculum below lists common courses that students take for the degree, and may be updated as more courses are allowed. Please note that not all courses will be available each semester and advisors cannot guarantee that students will get a spot in any particular course. Students should not plan their full 10 CU course schedule around any particular course.

Expectations for Graduate Students

The courses listed below are what a student is allowed to take, not what they will be guaranteed to be able to take. Advisors will sign off on courses each semester based on this list, but advisors are not responsible for double-checking the following list.

Graduate students are expected to take charge of their curriculum planning, and double-check in the
course catalog and PATH for the following information:

  • If a course is being offered in the semester they want to take
  • If a course has prerequisites
    • If a course you’re interested in has a prerequisite, check to see if you have taken it already, or that you have the proper background from previous undergraduate coursework. You can always contact the instructor of the course you wish to take and ask them if they feel the course is appropriate for you.
  • If a course has restrictions on who can take it
  • If a course has seats available
  • If a course is online, and if so, if you are allowed to take it under the
    SEAS online policy

Core Curriculum

Listed below are the six core curriculum areas, along with approved courses that can be used to fulfill each requirement. Students should focus on fulfilling their core curriculum in their first two semesters, though they may take electives as well.

Select 1 from the following:

  • BBCB 5180: Protein Conformation Diseases
  • BBCB 5850: Wistar Institute Cancer Biology Course: Signaling Pathways in Cancer
  • BE 5120: Bioengineering III: Biomaterials
  • BE 5270: Immune Engineering
  • BE 5400: Principles of Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering
  • BE 5580: Principles of Biological Fabrication
  • BE 5650: Developmental Engineering of Tissues
  • BE 5690: Systems Biology of Cell Signaling Behavior
  • BE 5850: Materials for Bioelectronics
  • BIOL 5010: Advanced Cell Biology
  • BIOL 5022: Cell Signaling
  • BIOL 5026: Chromosomes and the Cell Cycle
  • BIOL 5430: Evolution and Ecology of Infectious Diseases
  • BIOL 5710: Microbial Diversity and Pathogenesis
  • BIOM 6000: Cell Biology
  • CAMB 5110: Principles of Development
  • CAMB 6090: Vaccines and Immune Therapeutics
  • CBE 5110: Physical Chemistry of Polymers and Amphiphiles
  • CBE 5350: Interfacial Phenomena
  • CBE 5400: Principles of Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering
  • CBE 5570: Stem Cells, Proteomics and Drug Delivery – Soft Matter Fundamentals
  • CHEM 5570: Mechanisms of Biological Catalysis
  • CIS 5350: Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • GCB 5340: Experimental Genome Science
  • IMUN 6090: Vaccines and Immune Therapeutics
  • MSE 5180: Structure and Function of Biological Materials
  • MSE 5850: Materials for Bioelectronics
  • MTR 5350: Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • PHRM 5340: Experimental Genome Science

Select 3 from the following. Cross-listed courses (i.e. courses that have the same course title but have different course numbers) do not count as separate courses. Choose 3 separate courses:

  • BE 5040: Biological Data Science II: Data Mining Principles for Epigenomics
  • BE 5260: Immunology for Bioengineers
  • BE 5530: Principles, Methods, and Applications of Tissue Engineering
  • BE 5550: Nanoscale Systems Biology
  • BE 5560: Molecular Diagnostics for Precision Medicine
  • BE 5570: Quantitative Principles of Drug Design
  • BE 5590: Multiscale Modeling of Chemical and Biological Systems
  • BE 5610: Musculoskeletal Biology and Bioengineering
  • BE 5620: Drug Discovery and Development
  • BE 6080: Medical Entrepreneurship: Commercializing Translational Science
  • BE 6400: Mechanobiology of the Cell and its Microenvironment
  • BIOL 5062: Biological Foundations for Bioengineering and Biotechnology: Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 5210: Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • BIOL 5220: Human Evolutionary Genomics
  • BIOL 5231: Genome Science and Genomic Medicine
  • BIOL 5234: Epigenetics
  • BIOL 5250: Molecular Genetics of Development
  • BIOL 5262: Biological Foundations for Bioengineering and Biotechnology: Genomics and Omics Technologies
  • BIOL 5318: Systems Biology: Integrative Physiology and Biomechanics of the Muscular System
  • BIOL 5536: Fundamentals of Computational Biology
  • BIOL 5820: Biological Foundations: Exploring Groundbreaking Research
  • BIOM 5020: Molecular Basis of Disease
  • CAMB 5320: Human Physiology
  • CAMB 5500: Genetic Principles
  • CAMB 6170: Emerging Infectious Diseases
  • CAMB 7030: Mechanobiology of the Cell and its Microenvironment
  • CAMB 7520: Genomics
  • CBE 5170: Principles of Genome Engineering
  • CBE 5270: Advancements and Applications in Genome Editing and Engineering
  • CBE 5540: Engineering Biotechnology
  • CBE 5550: Nanoscale Systems Biology
  • CBE 5590: Multiscale Modeling of Chemical and Biological Systems
  • CBE 5620: Drug Discovery and Development
  • CBE 5640: Drug Delivery Systems: Targeted Therapeutics and Translational Nanomedicine
  • CIS 5360: Fundamentals of Computational Biology
  • ENGR 5500: Modern Biotechnology for Engineers
  • GCB 5360: Fundamentals of Computational Biology
  • GCB 7520: Genomics
  • MEAM 5550: Nanoscale Systems Biology
  • MTR 6200: Medical Entrepreneurship: Commercializing Translational Science
  • PHRM 5320: Human Physiology
  • PHRM 5640: Drug Delivery Systems: Targeted Therapeutics and Translational Nanomedicine
  • PHRM 6230: Fundamentals of Pharmacology
  • REG 6120: Introduction to Drug Development
  • REG 6150: Post-Approval Maintenance of Drugs, Biologics, and Devices
  • REG 6180: Introduction to Vaccine Development
  • SCMP 5590: Multiscale Modeling of Chemical and Biological Systems

Select 1 from the following:

  • BIOL 5825: Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Superlab
  • CBE 5800: Masters Biotechnology Lab

Students who feel they have a significant amount of prior laboratory experience are welcome to request a waiver of the requirement. This means they can take a non-lab class for this requirement, not that students can skip this requirement. Details and instructions on how to request a waiver can be found on our forms website. The following course codes can be used for a replacement course:

  • ANAT
  • BBCB
  • BCHE
  • BE
  • BIOE
  • BIOL
  • BIOM
  • BMIN
  • BSTA
  • BIOT
  • CAMB
  • CBE
  • CHEM
  • CIS
  • CIT
  • DATA
  • DATS
  • EAS (excluding EAS 8960 and EAS 8970)
  • ENGR
  • ENM
  • EPID
  • GENC
  • GCB
  • HCIN
  • HCMG
  • HPR
  • HQS
  • IMUN
  • IPD
  • MSE
  • MTR
  • MEAM
  • MPHY
  • NGG
  • PHRM
  • PHYS
  • PUBH
  • REG
  • STAT

Choose 1 5000+ level course from the following disciplines:

  • ANAT
  • BBCB
  • BCHE
  • BE
  • BIOE
  • BIOL
  • BIOM
  • BMIN
  • BSTA
  • BIOT
  • CAMB
  • CBE
  • CHEM
  • CIS
  • CIT
  • DATA
  • DATS
  • EESC
  • ENMG
  • EAS (excluding EAS 8960 and EAS 8970)
  • ENGR
  • ENM
  • ENVS
  • EPID
  • GENC
  • GCB
  • HCIN
  • HCMG
  • HPR
  • HQS
  • IMUN
  • IMP
  • IPD
  • MKTG
  • MGMT
  • MSE
  • MTR
  • MATH
  • MEAM
  • MPHY
  • NGG
  • OIDD
  • DYNM
  • PHRM
  • PHYS
  • PSYC
  • PUBH
  • REG
  • SCMP
  • STAT

Track Curriculum

Each student is required to select one of the below tracks during admission to the program. Students will be required to take 4 credit units of electives according to the respective requirements for that track.

Molecular Biology Track

Select 2 from the following:

  • Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Non-Waiver Lab classes listed above—but students may not double-count courses
  • 5000+ courses in SEAS (BE, BIOT—excluding BIOT 5990—, CBE, CIS/CIT, EAS—excluding EAS 8960 and EAS 8970—, ENGR, ENM, ESE, IPD, MSE, & MEAM)
  • 5000+ courses in ANAT
  • 5000+ courses in BMB
  • BIOL 5016: Molecular Mechanisms of Infectious Disease Biology
  • BIOL 5110: Neural Systems and Behavior
  • BIOL 5240: Genetic Analysis
  • BIOL 5310: Molecular Physiology
  • BIOL 5510: Statistics for Biologists
  • BIOL 5517: Theoretical Population Biology
  • BIOL 5711: Microbial Diversity and Pathogenesis Lab
  • BIOL 5860: Mathematical Modeling in Biology
  • BBCB 5080: Macromolecular Biophysics: Principles and Methods
  • BMIN 5020: Database and Data Integration in Biomedical Research
  • BSTA 6300: Statistical Methods and Data Analysis I
  • BSTA 6320: Statistical Methods for Categorical and Survival Data
  • CAMB 5970: Neural Development, Regeneration and Repair
  • CAMB 6970: Biology of Stem Cells
  • CAMB 7040: Stress Responses in Metabolism and Cancer
  • CAMB 7070: Cell and Gene Therapy
  • EPID 5100: Introductory Epidemiology
  • EPID 6300: Clinical Trials
  • GENC 6020: Mechanisms of Disease
  • HCIN 6062: Using Data for Transformation
  • MATH 5861: Mathematical Modeling in Biology
  • NGG 5970: Neural Development, Regeneration and Repair
  • PHRM 5800: Pharmacogenetics
  • REG 6100: Fundamentals of FDA Regulation
  • REG 6110: Clinical Trial Management
  • REG 6160: Quality Assurance
  • REG 6220: New Trends in Medicine and Vaccine Discovery

  • BIOT 5990 – 2 CU
    • To register for BIOT 5990, please review the details and complete the form listed on our forms webpage.
    • BIOT 5990 credits may be done during one semester, or two semesters (consecutive or non-consecutive). Students should complete this requirement prior to their final semester.
    • Students may also take a 3rd CU of BIOT 5990 as a Free Elective or Advanced Elective.
    • If planning to do BIOT 5990 in a lab off-campus as an international student, please make sure to review CPT requirements, as CPT will be required. Only students in the Molecular track may do an off-campus BIOT 5990 with CPT.

Biopharma Track

Select 2 CU from the following:

  • 5000+ courses in BE
  • 5000+ courses in CBE
  • AMCS 5681: Mathematical Modeling in Physiology and Cell Biology
  • BBCB 6050: Drug Discovery and Development
  • BIOL 5510: Statistics for Biologists
  • BIOL 5517: Theoretical Population Biology
  • BIOL 5535: Introduction to Computational Biology & Biological Modeling
  • BIOL 5536: Fundamentals of Computational Biology
  • BIOL 5568: Mathematical Modeling in Physiology and Cell Biology
  • BIOL 5860: Mathematical Modeling in Biology
  • BIOM 5350: Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • BIOM 6000: Cell Biology
  • BMIN 5020: Database and Data Integration in Biomedical Research
  • BMIN 5030: Data Science for Biomedical Informatics
  • BMIN 5210: Advanced Methods and Health Applications in Machine Learning
  • CAMB 5300: The Cell Cycle, Genome Integrity and Cancer
  • CAMB 7010: Tumor Microenvironment
  • CIS 5200: Machine Learning
  • CIS 5210: Artificial Intelligence
  • CIS 5350: Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • CIS 5360: Fundamentals of Computational Biology
  • CIS 5450: Big Data Analytics
  • CIT 5900: Programming Languages and Techniques
  • CIT 5920: Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science
  • ENGR 5040: Fundamental Concepts in Nanotechnology
  • ENGR 5500: Modern Biotechnology for Engineers
  • ENM 5030: Introduction to Probability and Statistics
  • ENM 5100: Foundations of Engineering Mathematics – I
  • ENM 5110: Foundations of Engineering Mathematics – II
  • EPID 6000: Data Science for Biomedical Informatics
  • EPID 6300: Clinical Trials
  • ESE 5430: Human Systems Engineering
  • ESE 5660: Networked Neuroscience
  • GCB 5340: Experimental Genome Science
  • GCB 5360: Fundamentals of Computational Biology
  • HCIN 6062: Using Data for Transformation
  • MATH 5861: Mathematical Modeling in Biology
  • MTR 5100: Introduction to Clinical and Translational Research
  • MTR 5350: Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • PHRM 5340: Experimental Genome Science
  • PHRM 5900: Molecular Toxicology: Chemical and Biological Mechanisms
  • PHRM 6230: Fundamentals of Pharmacology
  • REG 5100: Introduction to Clinical and Translational Research

Select 2 of the following:

  • Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Non-Waiver Lab classes listed above—but students may not double-count courses
  • 5000+ course in SEAS (BE, BIOT—including up to 2 CUs of BIOT 5990—, CBE, CIS/CIT, EAS—excluding EAS 8960 and EAS 8970—, ENGR, ENM, ESE, IPD, MSE, & MEAM)
  • BBCB 5080: Macromolecular Biophysics: Principles and Methods
  • BBCB 6050: Drug Discovery and Development
  • BIOL 5110: Neural Systems and Behavior
  • CAMB 5420: Topics in Molecular Medicine
  • HCIN 6062: Using Data for Transformation
  • IMUN 5060: Immune Mechanisms
  • IMUN 5070: Immunopathology
  • NGG 5730: Systems Neuroscience
  • NGG 5880: Topics in Translational Neuroscience
  • PHRM 5420: Topics in Molecular Medicine
  • PHRM 5900: Molecular Toxicology: Chemical and Biological Mechanisms
  • PHRM 6230: Fundamentals of Pharmacology
  • PSYC 6090: Systems Neuroscience
  • REG 6120: Introduction to Drug Development
  • REG 6220: New Trends in Medicine and Vaccine Discovery

Biomedical Track

Select 2 classes from the following:

  • 5000+ courses in BE
  • 5000+ courses in CBE
  • BIOL 5517: Theoretical Population Biology
  • BIOL 5535: Introduction to Computational Biology & Biological Modeling
  • BIOL 5536: Fundamentals of Computational Biology
  • BIOL 5860: Mathematical Modeling in Biology
  • BIOM 5350: Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • BMIN 5010: Introduction to Biomedical and Health Informatics
  • BMIN 5020: Database and Data Integration in Biomedical Research
  • BMIN 5030: Data Science for Biomedical Informatics
  • CIS 5350: Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • CIS 5450: Big Data Analytics
  • CIS 5500: Database and Information Systems
  • CIT 5900: Programming Languages and Techniques
  • CIT 5920: Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science
  • EAS 5120: Engineering Negotiation
  • ENGR 5040: Fundamental Concepts in Nanotechnology
  • ENM 5030: Introduction to Probability and Statistics
  • EPID 6000: Data Science for Biomedical Informatics
  • EPID 6300: Clinical Trials
  • ESE 5420: Statistics for Data Science
  • GCB 5340: Experimental Genome Science
  • HCIN 6062: Using Data for Transformation
  • MATH 5861: Mathematical Modeling in Biology
  • MTR 5350: Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • REG 5100: Introduction to Clinical and Translational Research
  • REG 6110: Clinical Trial Management

Select 2 classes from the following:

  • Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Non-Waiver Lab classes listed above—but students may not double-count courses
  • 5000+ course in SEAS (BE, BIOT—including up to 2 CUs of BIOT 5990—, CBE, CIS/CIT, EAS—excluding EAS 8960 and EAS 8970—, ENGR, ENM, ESE, IPD, MSE, & MEAM)
  • BMIN 5010: Introduction to Biomedical and Health Informatics
  • CAMB 6980: Elective Tutorials in Cell and Molecular Biology
  • CAMB 7070: Cell and Gene Therapy
  • EPID 5750: Introduction to Genetic Epidemiology
  • HCIN 6062: Using Data for Transformation
  • NGG 5880: Topics in Translational Neuroscience
  • REG 6110: Clinical Trial Management
  • REG 6120: Introduction to Drug Development
  • REG 6220: New Trends in Medicine and Vaccine Discovery