COURSE CURRICULUM

The Biotechnology concentration in the Master of Science in Biology program at Fairleigh Dickinson University is designed to prepare students for advanced careers in biotechnology laboratories, biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, healthcare industries, and related scientific fields. The curriculum combines modern molecular biology techniques, laboratory training, bioinformatics, immunology, genetics, microbiology, and biotechnology applications with opportunities for faculty-guided research and thesis work. Students begin with the required 2-credit Biology Seminar sequence, including BIOL6900 Biology Seminar I in the fall and BIOL6901 Biology Seminar II in the spring, which develop scientific communication, presentation, and research discussion skills. The required Biotechnology concentration courses total 16 credits and include BIOL6720 Molecular Biotechnology, BIOL6840 Cell Culture, BIOL6743 Topics in Bioinformatics with its laboratory component, BIOL6845 Molecular Biology Techniques with laboratory training, and BIOL5306 Immunology. These courses provide strong preparation in molecular analysis, laboratory experimentation, genetic technologies, computational biology, and immune system function. Students also complete 14 credits of biotechnology concentration electives selected from advanced graduate biology offerings such as Molecular Cell Biology, Human Genetics, Developmental Genetics, Endocrinology, Bio-techniques, Bioethics, Enzymology, Advances in Microbiology, Pharmacology, Virology, Ecotoxicology, and Selected Studies in Biology. The program allows flexibility for students to tailor coursework toward interests in biotechnology research, pharmaceuticals, healthcare sciences, genetics, microbiology, or biomedical industries. Students may complete the degree with or without a research thesis option. Those choosing the thesis pathway complete BIOL7803 Research and Thesis I and BIOL7804 Research and Thesis II, gaining valuable hands-on laboratory research experience under faculty supervision. Small class sizes, specialized laboratory training, interdisciplinary coursework, and research opportunities make the program especially suitable for students planning careers in biotechnology industries, laboratory sciences, biomedical research, healthcare, or doctoral and professional studies.