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Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences 2022 - 2023 Catalog

Masters of Biotechnology

Biotechnology, M.S.

AbileneLubbock
Sanjay Srivastava, Ph.D., GSBS Associate Dean and Abilene DirectorSusan Bergeson, Ph.D., GSBS Associate Dean and Lubbock Director
Irene La-Beck, Ph.D., Abilene Graduate AdvisorIna Urbatsch, Ph.D., Lubbock Graduate Advisor


About the Program

Click Here to View Program Guidelines for Biotechnology

This program is an interdisciplinary degree supported by all basic science departments in the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) located on Abilene and Lubbock campuses. The biomedical sciences track is a 21-month curriculum consisting of two terms (nine months) of coursework and 12 months of full-time laboratory research. It is typically a non-thesis degree with an optional thesis at the end of the second year by arrangement with the advisor. The research component may be completed either at the TTUHSC campus or at a biotechnology-related academic or government laboratory. Students who choose to do their research at the TTUHSC campus will work with a member of the biotechnology graduate faculty. All biotechnology graduate faculty have active research programs that emphasize use of biotechnology methods. Prerequisites for the program include a bachelor’s degree in science with at least one year of organic chemistry.

Biotechnology Core Curriculum

Students entering the Biotechnology master’s degree program complete a core curriculum requirement in the first year, and elective requirements in year two. The first semester of the first year, students take the same Biomedical Sciences core curriculum required of Ph.D. students, as well as Biotechnology Lab Methods. Core curriculum courses include Molecules, Cells, Genes, and Biomedical Seminar Series. The second semester of the first year, students are required to complete the Biotechnology Core courses which include Introduction to Biotechnology, Biomedical Informatics, Biotechnology Seminar, and Techniques in Biotechnology. For more information, please see the Biotechnology Guidelines.

Admissions

Applicants apply on the GSBS application website, http://www.bioraider.com, create an account and choose the program application. Applicants also select the campus, Lubbock or Abilene.

The Biotechnology Program admits on a rolling admissions basis. As an application is completed, it is processed and sent to specific campus Biotechnology Admissions Committee.

A completed application consists of the following items: submitted application, unofficial transcript(s) from U.S. institutions and/or course-by-course transcript evaluation, GRE (required for international applicants), at least two letters of recommendation, essay/statement of purpose, resume/CV, application fee.

Incomplete applications at the application deadline are not and will not be processed or reviewed for admission. No exceptions are made.

Application materials are processed and sent to the campus Biotechnology Admissions Committee for a holistic review. Each reviewer independently scores the application based on the materials presented in the application and an interview is scheduled with the applicant. These interviews may be in person or via video conferencing at the applicant’s choice. The interview is conducted by a panel of available Biotechnology Admissions Committee members, usually consisting of at least 3-4 reviewers. During the interview, the committee scores the applicant on a number of metrics from the application (academic and non-academic) as well as the interview and ability to answer the interviewer’s questions.

After the interview is complete, the interviewers submit their Biotechnology Applicant Scoring Form and their recommendations of admit or decline. If admit, a ballot is prepared by the campus Program Director or Graduate Advisor and submitted to the GSBS Admissions Committee for independent and final approval.  

99-Hour Rule

Purpose: To define enrollment limits sanctioned by the Texas Legislature and outline the process masters student approaching maximum limits.

Students who accumulate more than 99 credit hours may be required to pay non-resident tuition. Master's students may not reduce hours unless they are designated by the GSBS office as "off-campus" students. Students who are designated as off-campus students should review the guidelines under "semester of graduation" within the Enrollment section. Reduced enrollment hours may affect financial aid status and/or payroll FICA exemptions. Students are encouraged to check with the financial aid office and the payroll office before taking the reduced hours. International students should also check with the TTUHSC DSO to verify hours for compliance with the Department of Homeland Security. Typically, international students may only reduce hours in their last semester. Any exceptions must be approved and updated in SEVIS.



  • GBTC 5020 Biotechnology Laboratory Methods (1-3:0:3,F)

    Introduces techniques fundamental to Biotechnology research. Successful mastery of basic laboratory techniques will provide students with the experience to understand methods commonly used in biotechnology and basic medical science research. Required course for Biotechnology Master’s students for Fall, Year 1.

  • GBTC 5199 Biotechnology Laboratory Report (1:0:15,F)

    Biotechnology Master’s students working in TTUHSC laboratories report their research by giving a professional oral presentation. At the beginning of the YR2 Fall Semester. Biotechnology students are required to form a committee consisting of at least three Biotechnology Faculty, which must include their mentor, one of the three course directors, and at least one other member of the Biotechnology Program. Meetings are required at least once.

  • GBTC 5210 The Microbiome - Role in Health and Disease (2:2:0,F)

    Focused on the role of microorganisms as active players in homeostasis and disease. Enrollment is only by permission of the instructor.

  • GBTC 5211 Biotechnology Innovation & Commercialization (2:2:0,F)

    Addresses the essentials for generating and implementing innovations in biotechnology from invention and patent laws to developing a product prototype and business plan. Enrollment is only by permission of the instructor.

  • GBTC 5212 Fundamentals of Bacteriology (2:2:0,H)

    The classification, structure, virulence and pathogenesis of the bacteria that cause human disease and the ways to control these organisms will be studied. The course is a Biotechnology elective offered any semester, but taken only by permission of the instructor.

  • GBTC 5213 Fundamentals of Virology/Parasitology (2:2:0,H)

    The classification, structure, virulence and pathogenesis of the parasites and viruses that cause human disease, as well as the epidemiology and control of infections will be taught. The course is a Biotechnology elective offered any semester, but taken only by permission of the instructor.

  • GBTC 5214 Fundamentals of Immunology (2:2:0,H)

    Cellular and molecular immunology, immunity against microbes, tumors and diseases caused by inappropriate immune responses will be the focus of study. The course is a Biotechnology elective offered any semester, but taken only by permission of the instructor.

  • GBTC 5298 Biotechnology Internship Report (2:2:0,F)

    Biotechnology Master’s students completing internships off-campus report their research by giving a professional oral presentation using interactive technology. At the beginning of the YR2 Fall Semester, Biotechnology students are required to form a committee consisting of a least 3 Biotechnology Faculty, which must include their mentor, one of the three course directors, and at least on other member of the Biotechnology Program. Meetings are required at least once.

  • GBTC 5299 Biotechnology Final Report (2:2:0,F)

    In Spring semester Year 2, all Biotechnology Master’s students are required to present two professional oral reports and a final written report to their 3 member faculty committee. The reports are expected to represent independent work by the student, conducted under the supervision of the mentor, and to be written and presented clearly and concisely in proper English.

  • GBTC 5330 Immunology and Immunopathology (3:3:0,F)

    The structure and molecular basis of immunological function will be taught, including: diagnostic tests using immunological reagents; mechanisms of resistance against microbial and neoplastic diseases; transplantation immunology; pathology of immune-mediated diseases; prevention of disease by vaccines; pharmacotherapeutic intervention in immunological processes; and contemporary topics in immunology. Enrollment is only by permission of the instructor.

  • GBTC 5335 Vaccines, Blood and Biologics (3:3:0,F)

    Teaches the current and emerging importance of vaccines and biologics as essential tools for the prophylaxis and treatment of a multitude of diseases. Enrollment is only by permission of the instructor.

  • GBTC 5337 Techniques in Biotechnology Research (3:0:3,F)

    In Spring semester of Year 1, students are required to rotate in a t least two laboratories of Biotechnology faculty members. Rotation 1 should begin immediately at the start of the semester and continue through the first one-half of the semester with rotation 2 starting immediately following and continuing to the end of the semester. The objective or lab rotations is to allow the student to learn multiple experimental techniques and approaches, and choose a faculty mentor in which to conduct his/her required research. Rotation plans should be confirmed with the course director and the GSBS Biotechnology Student Advocate before to ensure they are initiated and completed in full.

  • GBTC 5338 Biochemical Methods (3:1:0,F)

    Provides integrated approach to modern biochemical techniques and present methods used to manipulate a gene, purify and characterize the enzymatic properties of the encoded protein. Enrollment is only by permission of the instructor.

  • GBTC 5340 Biology of Cancer (3:3:0,F)

    Teaches essential processes underlying the biology of cancer, from the molecular and cellular bases of cancer, to clinical manifestations, to therapy. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the GSBS 5471, GSBS 5372, GSBS 5373, GSBS 5174 or consent of the course director(s). (F)

  • GBTC 5350 Research and Molecular Pathology (3:3:0,F)

    This course provides expertise necessary to design and interpret research data obtained through the use of knowledge pertaining to pathology of human diseases and methods offered by modern pathology. Enrollment is only by permission of the instructor.

  • GBTC 6000 Master Thesis (1-6:0:1-6,F)

  • GBTC 6001 Biotechnology Internship (1-9:0:1,F)

    Research and training in a private-sector or government biotechnology laboratory (by prior arrangement with program director).

  • GBTC 6101 Biotechnology Seminar (1:1:0,F)

  • GBTC 6202 Biomedical Informatics (2:0:2,F)

    Provides a broad introduction to the field of bioinformatics in medical research. Emphasizes use of modern software packages and internet-based genomic and other databases to solve research problems. Personal laptop meeting the GSBS laptop guidelines is required. Prerequisite: GSBS 5373 or by permission of the instructor. Required course for Biotechnology Master’s students for Spring, Year 1.

  • GBTC 6301 Introduction to Biotechnology (3:3:0,F)

    Broad coverage will be given to topics with high current interest and utility to the biotechnology industries. The course emphasizes application of technologies and is required for all Biotechnology Master's students in Year 1 Spring semester.

  • GBTC 7000 Research in Biotechnology (1-9:0:1-9,F)