Biotechnology

The Master of Biotechnology degree program is offered through a collaboration of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. It is a multidisciplinary program involving faculty members from different academic departments in Penn State University as well as ad hoc mentors from the academic faculty and from industry.

The Master of Biotechnology curriculum is designed to give students broad knowledge and training in the scientific and practical aspects of biotechnology. It involves innovative, hands-on, and multidisciplinary learning approaches to educate and train students in the science behind biotechnology, its business and legal aspects, and the ethical and social issues that it brings about. In addition, the courses and the activities required of all students in this program develop transferable professional skills such as team-working and communication skills, which are very important in industry in particular.

Graduates of this program are expected to have the knowledge and training for diverse career options: as academic educators, as scientists in both academic and industry settings, as members of decision-making business and management teams in government and biotechnology industries, as bioentrepreneurs, and as members and leaders of governmental, public, and private organizations that deal with social, ethical and legal issues in biotechnology. Because of their broad knowledge in biotechnology, graduates of this program are expected to fill a niche in industry where knowledge and ability to interphase and communicate with various functional groups within the organization are required.

1. KNOW.  Students will be able to demonstrate conceptual and practical knowledge of the broad aspects of biotechnology: the core areas in science and the technologies that drive progress in biotechnology, the business, intellectual property, regulatory, legal, social and ethical aspects of the biotechnology industry; students will also be able to show practical understanding of the professional skills vital to employment and career success in biotechnology.

2. APPLY/CREATE/THINK.  Students will be able to demonstrate critical review of scientific literature, proficiency in the conduct of scientific research independently or in a team setting, as well as in non-bench research-related responsibilities in broad areas of biotechnology as necessary.  Students will also demonstrate adequate professional preparation for competitive curricular employment (internships and cooperative education or co-op) and entry-level employment post-degree.

3. COMMUNICATE.  Students will demonstrate skills in communicating scientifically through group work, research papers and oral presentations, and professionally through networking, interviews, resumes or curriculum vitae (CVs), and other required career-related activities.

4. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE. Students will demonstrate knowledge of interpersonal workplace dynamics, the ability to perform in a team environment and adapt to a very dynamic biotechnology workplace, participation in professional networking, and engagement in professional activities and organizations serving the discipline and the industry.