Biotechnology, M.Bt.

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(40 UNITS)

The Master of Biotechnology (MBt) is a Professional Science Master’s Program that prepares graduates for careers in biomedical device, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. The twoyear program provides training in the science and skills fundamental to industry, including knowledge of molecular and cellular biology, mathematical modeling, biological database mining and relevant technology. Students receive instruction in regulatory affairs, project management, cross-functional teamwork, communication and group leadership skills. They also participate in an industry-based internship, complete an industry-related project, and specialize in one of six concentrations. They are Applications to Biotechnology of: Analytical Chemistry; Business/Law; Engineering; Informatics/Biomathematics; Molecular Biology/Biochemistry; and Regulatory Affairs/Quality Assurance.

The MBt degree is coordinated by the Program for Applied Biotechnology Studes (PABS) and is a joint program among three CSU campuses: Fullerton, Los Angeles and Pomona (see calstate.edu/pabs/). Each campus will offer at least one required course, as well as advanced elective courses.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, acceptance into this program is contingent upon the following: (1) a B.A. or B.S. from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA in major courses in biological science or related area, engineering or related area, chemistry or related area, business or related area, or mathematics or related area; (2) submitting scores from the Graduate Record Examination General Test, Medical College Admission Test, Dental Admission Test or Graduate Management Admission Test; (3) completing the departmental application; and (4) submitting two letters of recommendation from faculty members. Students with deficiencies may be considered for conditional acceptance into the program. For conditionally accepted students, the specific conditions and a deadline for their completion are determined at the time of admission; continuation in the master’s program is dependent upon completing the admission conditions by the specified deadline.

Classified Standing

Students should achieve classified graduate standing as soon as they are eligible, because no more than nine units of graduate work taken before classification can be included on the study plan (see below) for the degree. A student who meets the admission requirements may apply for classified standing, which requires developing a study plan approved by the department MBt graduate program adviser, department chair, and associate vice president for Graduate Studies and Research.

Advancement to Candidacy

Advancement to candidacy is attained by requesting a graduation check and receiving subsequent approval of the department MBt graduate program adviser and associate vice president for Graduate Studies and Research.

Study Plan

Students must meet the Graduate Level Writing Requirement, which is described in this catalog under “Graduate Regulations.” MBt candidates meet this requirement by passing BIOL 570 . A minimum of 28 units of the student’s graduate study plan must consist of 500-level courses.

All study plans must include:

BIOL 463*
BIOL 463L*
BIOL 518*
BIOL 570 - Survey of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology/ Toxicology (3)
BIOL 571 - Survey of Mathematical Modeling and Bioinformatics (3)
BIOL 572 - Survey of Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Technology (3)
BIOL 576*
BIOL 580 - Advanced Topics in Graduate Biology (1-3)
MGMT 554*
MGMT 570 - Commercialization of Technology (3)
EGGN 520L*
nine units of approved concentration courses, and six units of BIOL 597 .

Applied Masters Project

An Applied Masters Project (AMP) comprising 480 hours of on-site work addressing a topic or issue of importance to the sponsoring business, a written project report and a public presentation of the AMP are also required to complete the MBt degree. The AMP projects’ design, execution and report-out require the close attention of both the MBt graduate adviser and the project mentor(s) representing the business. To insure that space is available within the program for new students, all students are expected to complete the MBt curriculum within two years of classification.

For more information or advisement, students should contact the MBt program graduate adviser in the Department of Biological Science at ddyer@fullerton.edu or consult calstate.edu/pabs/

Additional Information

* course is offered at one of the other two PABS campuses, Los Angeles or Pomona