John Porter, PhD
Graduate Program Director for Biological Sciences Graduate Programs
Our program can help you advance your career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, and offer you a new perspective on the science of living things.
Biological Sciences Programs Overview
- MS in Cell Biology & Biotechnology (thesis or non-thesis)
- MS (non-thesis) in Biotechnology
with a Biomedical Writing Certificate - PhD in Cell & Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology Certificate
Our understanding of cellular and molecular systems is increasing at a rapid rate. The technological and scientific needs of the Human Genome Project, genetic engineering for the production of new medicinal products, the changing nature of the fermentation industry, and greater appreciation of genetic system malfunction as the origin of disease have created a large and diverse market for those trained in manipulating genes, cells and their products in technical and research environments. The pharmaceutical industry is shifting from a synthetic chemistry approach to a cellular and molecular biology approach based on targeted drug design.
To meet this need, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia offers a master's degree in cell biology and biotechnology with three degree options: MS Non-Thesis, and MS Thesis, and MS Professional.
MS in Cell Biology & Biotechnology
The curriculum of each master's degree program is designed to give you an excellent theoretical and practical background in biotechnological techniques and applications, the function of the cells at molecular and cellular levels, and methods for studying cell systems. There are two degree options, thesis and non-thesis. The thesis option requires completion of a research project and a thesis. The non-thesis option requires course work only.
The MS Professional curriculum, in addition, gives you the business background to quickly take a lead in managerial positions.
The program places a heavy emphasis on methodology, and as a student you will be given the opportunity to learn the techniques that are required in modern molecular, cellular, and biochemical laboratory settings. As a graduate of the program you'll have the background and training necessary to pursue advanced training in cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, or medicine.
MS (non-thesis) with a Certificate in Biomedical Writing
If you are interested in a Master of Science in Cell Biology and Biotechnology (non-thesis) and would like to pursue the area of regulatory writing, the certificate in Biomedical Writing option will prepare you to do so. As this area of industrial need continues to expand, there are increasing opportunities for graduates with the requisite knowledge and skills in cell biology and molecular biology to apply their knowledge to the documentation and justification of new drugs, new protocols, and new applications in healthcare. You will gain knowledge in regulatory affairs, QA/QC assurance, GxP, and similar approaches of the industry, making you competitive in a growing sector where you'll have an advantage due to your thorough grounding in the science about which you are writing. You can find more information about the Biomedical Writing Certificate on the Biomedical Writing webpage.
PhD in Cell & Molecular Biology
The PhD program in Cell & Molecular Biology will provide opportunities for students to prepare for research and teaching careers in the cellular and molecular biology fields. This will create graduates who will have the knowledge, skills, and values to be successful in their professional careers. Students of the program will become educated with the intellectual, cultural, and ethical understanding and awareness to become leaders and innovators in a global society, be able to advance our understanding of cellular and molecular systems and disseminate that knowledge through research and publication. The graduate of the program will be able to become a innovative leader in the biological research community. By its nature, the PhD program will be interdisciplinary, incorporating, at a minimum, the fields of cell biology and molecular biology. It is not unusual for a student project to have cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biochemical or chemical aspects.
The curriculum of the program is designed to give you an excellent theoretical and practical background in Cell & Molecular Biology and applications, the function of cells at molecular and cellular levels, and methods for studying cell systems.
Biotechnology Certificate
If you hold a bachelor of science in biology, biochemistry, chemistry or related areas, the Biotechnology Certificate option will help you develop the tools necessary to compete in a market that is increasingly focused on molecular biology and biotechnology. The certificate is designed around courses that are important to molecular and biotechnological approaches in research and production. While many biology and related programs focus on organisms and ecological studies, this certificate program will better prepare you for work in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and related industries in which jobs are on a steady rise. With courses in biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and cell biology, and laboratory work in cell culture, molecular manipulations, and work with biomolecules, you will be competitive for many more positions in industry and government.
