Biotechnology

At a Glance

  • College

    College of Health Professions

  • Degree

    Bachelor of Science

  • Campus

    Center City, East Falls

  • Format

    On Campus

  • Duration

    1 - 2 Years

  • Enrollment Options

    Full Time

Program

Name: Scott Gygax, PhD
Position: Vice-Chair & Program Director, Biotechnology
Organization: Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences & Biotechnology

Contact Admissions

Contact Number(s):

Curriculum

The curriculum for Biotechnology varies based on the program option you choose.

Bachelor of Science, Two-Year Option

A two-year Bachelor of Science program.

Credit Summary Credits
Credits Required for Admission 55
Credits for Year One (minimum) 30
Credits for Year Two (minimum) 36
Total Credits for BS in Biotechnology 121

Fall Semester (16 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 303 Lab Design & Stewardship 3
BT 310 Fundamental Molecular Techniques 4
BT 405 Applied Microbial Biotechnology 3
LS 301 Molecular Biology 3
LS 304 Biochemistry 3
Spring Semester (14-15 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 320 Cell Culture & Expression Systems 4
BT 410 Molecular Diagnostic Techniques 4
BT 411 Protein Purification and Characterization 3
LS 440 Current Research in the Biosciences 2
TBD Program-Approved Elective 1-2

Fall Semester (17-18 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 305 Survey of Biotechnology Applications 3
BT 412 Biotechnology Practicum I 3
BT 422 Biotechnology Practicum II 3
LS 403 Research Design 2
LS 331 Immunology 3
TBD Program-Approved Elective 2-3
LS 404* Experimental Research I (requires special approval) 1
Spring Semester (18-19 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 325 Product Development and Management 3
BT 403 Human Genetics 3
BT 406 Bioinformatics 2
BT 416 Comprehensive Examination 0
BT 432 Biotechnology Practicum III 3
BT 442 Biotechnology Practicum IV 3
LS 430 Laboratory Standards and Practices 3

LS 405* Experimental Research II (requires special approval)

-OR-

TBD Program-Approved Elective

1

 

2

*Students may engage in a two-semester wet bench research project with a selected PI in year two (LS 404 and LS 405) or take a 2-credit program-approved elective in the spring of year two. Students must meet with their faculty advisor and/or program director to determine which option best meets their educational goals. LS 404 and LS 405 are not a substitute for nor may run concurrently with practica courses.

Bachelor of Science, One-Year Option

An accelerated, one-year Bachelor of Science program.

Credit Summary Credits
Credits Required for Admission 70
Credits for Senior Year 55
Total Credits for BS in Biotechnology 125

Course Title Credits
BT 303 Lab Design & Stewardship 3
BT 310 Fundamental Molecular Techniques 4
BT 405 Applied Microbial Biotechnology 3
LS 301 Molecular Biology 3
LS 304 Biochemistry 3
LS 331 Immunology 3

Course Title Credits
BT 320 Cell Culture & Expression Systems 4
BT 325 Product Development and Management 3
BT 403 Human Genetics 3
BT 406 Bioinformatics 2
BT 410 Molecular Diagnostic Techniques 4
BT 411 Protein Purification and Characterization 3
LS 440 Current Research in the Biosciences 2

Course Title Credits
BT 412 Biotechnology Practicum I 3
BT 416 Comprehensive Examination 0
BT 422 Biotechnology Practicum II 3
BT 432 Biotechnology Practicum III 3
BT 442 Biotechnology Practicum IV 3
LS 430 Laboratory Standards and Practices 3

Bachelor of Science, Two-Year Option

With Biopharmaceutical Process Development Concentration

A two-year Bachelor of Science program with a concentration in Biopharmaceutical Process Development.

Credit Summary Credits
Credits Required for Admission 55
Credits for Year One (minimum) 41
Credits for Year Two (minimum) 30
Total Credits for BS in Biotechnology (minimum) 126

Fall Semester (16 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 303 Lab Design & Stewardship 3
BT 310 Fundamental Molecular Techniques 4
BT 405 Applied Microbial Biotechnology 3
LS 301 Molecular Biology 3
LS 304 Biochemistry 3
Spring Semester (13 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 320 Cell Culture & Expression Systems 4
BT 410 Molecular Diagnostic Techniques 4
BT 411 Protein Purification and Characterization 3
LS 440 Current Research in the Biosciences 2

Course Title Credits
BP 401 Basic Engineering for Scientists 2
BP 403 Introduction to Biopharmaceutical Processing 2
BP 404 Introduction to Downstream Unit Operations 4
BP 405 Introduction to Upstream Unit Operations 4

Fall Semester (14-15 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 305 Survey of Biotechnology Applications 3
BT 412 Biotechnology Practicum I 3
BT 422 Biotechnology Practicum II 3
LS 331 Immunology 3
LS 403 Research Design 2
LS 404** Experimental Research I (requires special approval) 1
Spring Semester (15-16 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 325 Product Development and Management 3
BT 403 Human Genetics 3
BT 406 Bioinformatics 2
BT 416 Comprehensive Examination 0
BT 432 Biotechnology Practicum III 3
BT 442 Biotechnology Practicum IV 3

LS 405* Experimental Research II (requires special approval)

-OR- 

TBD Program-Approved Elective

1

 

2

*All summer courses, including practica, are held at the Jefferson Institute for Bioprocessing (JIB).

**Students may engage in a two-semester wet bench research project with a selected PI (LS 404 and LS 405) or take a 2-credit Program-Approved Elective in the spring of year two. Students must meet with their faculty advisor and/or program director to determine which option best meets their educational goals. LS 404 and LS 405 are not a substitute for nor may run concurrently with practica courses.

Bachelor of Science, One-Year Option

With Biopharmaceutical Process Development Concentration

An accelerated, one-year Bachelor of Science program with a concentration in Biopharmaceutical Process Development.

Credit Summary Credits
Credits Required for Admission 70
Undergraduate Credits 62
Total Credits for BS in Biotechnology with Concentration in Biopharmaceutical Process Development 132

Course Title Credits
BT 303 Lab Design & Stewardship 3
BT 310 Fundamental Molecular Techniques 4
BT 405 Applied Microbial Biotechnology 3
LS 301 Molecular Biology 3
LS 304 Biochemistry 3
LS 331 Immunology 3

Course Title Credits
BT 320 Cell Culture & Expression Systems 4
BT 325 Product Development and Management 3
BT 403 Human Genetics 3
BT 406 Introduction to Bioinformatics 2
BT 410 Molecular Diagnostic Techniques 4
BT 411 Protein Purification and Characterization 3

Course Title Credits
BP 401 Basic Engineering for Scientists 2
BP 403 Introduction to Biopharmaceutical Processing 2
BP 404 Introduction to Downstream Unit Operations 4
BP 405 Introduction to Upstream Unit Operations 4
BT 412 Biotechnology Practicum I 3
BT 416 Comprehensive Examination 0
BT 422 Biotechnology Practicum II 3
BT 432 Biotechnology Practicum III 3
BT 442 Biotechnology Practicum IV 3

*All summer courses, including practica, are held at the Jefferson Institute for Bioprocessing (JIB).

Bachelor of Science & Master of Science

A two-year Bachelor of Science and Master of Science program.

Credit Summary Credits
Credits Required for Admission 82
Undergraduate Credits 38
Graduate Credits 34
Total Credits for BS and MS in Biotechnology (minimum) 154

Fall Semester (19 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 303 Lab Design & Stewardship 3
BT 305 Survey of Biotechnology Applications 3
BT 310 Fundamental Molecular Techniques 4
BT 405 Applied Microbial Biotechnology 3
LS 301 Molecular Biology 3
LS 304 Biochemistry 3
Spring Semester (19 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 320 Cell Culture & Expression Systems 4
BT 403 Human Genetics 3
BT 406 Introduction to Bioinformatics 2
BT 410 Molecular Diagnostic Techniques 4
BT 411 Protein Purification and Characterization 3
LS 540 Current Research in the Biosciences 3

Fall Semester (17-18 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 812 Biotechnology Practicum I 3
BT 813 Biotechnology Practicum II 3
LS 531 Immunology 3
LS 603 Research Design 2
LS 640 Methods in Bioscience Education 3
 LS 804* Experimental Research I (requires special approval) 1
TBD Program-Approved Elective 3
Spring Semester (16-17 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 525 Product Development and Management 3
BT 814 Biotechnology Practicum III 3
BT 815 Biotechnology Practicum IV 3
BT 816 Comprehensive Examination 0
LS 610 Regulatory and Fiscal Issues in Laboratory Management 3
LS 803* Contemporary Topics Research
-OR-
LS 805* Experimental Research II (requires special approval)

2

1

TBD Program-Approved Elective 3

*To meet the research requirement, students may take a classroom literature review-based course (LS 803) or, under special circumstances, engage in a two-semester wet bench research project with a selected PI (LS 804 and LS 805). Students must meet with their faculty advisor and/or program director to determine which option best meets their educational goals. LS 804 and LS 805 are not a substitute for nor may run concurrently with practica courses.

Bachelor of Science & Master of Science

With Biopharmaceutical Process Development Concentration

A two-year Bachelor of Science and Master of Science program with a concentration in Biopharmaceutical Process Development.

Credit Summary Credits
Credits Required for Admission 82
Undergraduate Credits 38
Graduate Credits 34
Total Credits for BS and MS in Biotechnology (minimum) 154

Fall Semester (19 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 303 Lab Design & Stewardship 3
BT 305 Survey of Biotechnology Applications 3
BT 310 Fundamental Molecular Techniques 4
BT 405 Applied Microbial Biotechnology 3
LS 301 Molecular Biology 3
LS 304 Biochemistry 3
Spring Semester (19 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 320 Cell Culture & Expression Systems 4
BT 403 Human Genetics 3
BT 406 Bioinformatics 2
BT 410 Molecular Diagnostic Techniques 4
BT 411 Protein Purification and Characterization 3
LS 540 Current Research in the Biosciences 3

Course Title Credits
BP 601 Basic Engineering for Scientists 2
BP 603 Introduction to Biopharmaceutical Processing 2
BP 604 Introduction to Downstream Unit Operations 4
BP 605 Introduction to Upstream Unit Operations 4

*All summer courses, including practica, are held at the Jefferson Institute for Bioprocessing (JIB).

Fall Semester (11-12 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 812 Biotechnology Practicum I 3
BT 813 Biotechnology Practicum II 3
LS 531 Immunology 3
LS 603 Research Design 2
 LS 804** Experimental Research I (requires special approval) 1
Spring Semester (10-11 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 525 Product Development and Management 3
BT 814 Biotechnology Practicum III 3
BT 815 Biotechnology Practicum IV 3
BT 816 Comprehensive Examination 0
LS 803** Contemporary Topics Research
-OR-
LS 805** Experimental Research II (requires special approval)

2

1

**To meet the research requirement, students may take a classroom literature review-based course (LS 803) or, under special circumstances, engage in a two-semester wet bench research project with a selected PI (LS 804 and LS 805). Students must meet with their faculty advisor and/or program director to determine which option best meets their educational goals. LS 804 and LS 805 are not a substitute for nor may run concurrently with practica courses.

Master of Science, One-Year Option

A one-year Master of Science program.

Credit Summary Credits
Total Credits for MS in Bioscience Technologies (1-year option) 57

Course Title Credits
BT 503 Lab Design & Stewardship 3
BT 510 Basic Molecular Techniques 4
BT 605 Applied Microbial Biotechnology 3
LS 501 Molecular Biology 3
LS 504 Biochemistry 3
LS 531 Immunology 3
LS 603 Research Design 2

Course Title Credits
BT 520 Cell Culture & Expression Systems 4
BT 525 Product Development and Management 3
BT 603 Human Genetics 3
BT 606 Bioinformatics 2
BT 610 Molecular Diagnostic Techniques 4
BT 611 Protein Purification and Characterization 3

Course Title Credits
BT 812 Practicum I 3
BT 813 Practicum II 3
BT 814 Practicum III 3
BT 815 Practicum IV 3
BT 816 Comprehensive Examination 0
LS 610 Regulatory and Fiscal Issues in Laboratory Management 3
LS 803 Contemporary Topics Research 2

Master of Science, One-Year Option

With Biopharmaceutical Process Development Concentration

A one-year Master of Science program with a concentration in Biopharmaceutical Process Development.

Credit Summary Credits
Total Credits for MS in Biotechnology with Concentration in Biopharmaceutical Process Development 64

Course Title Credits
BT 503 Lab Design & Stewardship 3
BT 510 Fundamental Molecular Techniques 4
BT 605 Applied Microbial Biotechnology 3
LS 501 Molecular Biology 3
LS 504 Biochemistry 3
LS 531 Immunology 3
LS 603 Research Design 2

Course Title Credits
BT 520 Cell Culture & Expression Systems 4
BT 525 Product Development and Management 3
BT 603 Human Genetics 3
BT 606 Introduction to Bioinformatics 2
BT 610 Molecular Diagnostic Techniques 4
BT 611 Protein Purification and Characterization 3

Course Title Credits
BP 601 Basic Engineering for Scientists 2
BP 603 Introduction to Biopharmaceutical Processing 2
BP 604 Introduction to Downstream Unit Operations 4
BP 605 Introduction to Upstream Unit Operations 4
BT 812 Biotechnology Practicum I 3
BT 813 Biotechnology Practicum II 3
BT 814 Biotechnology Practicum III 3
BT 815 Biotechnology Practicum IV 3
BT 816 Comprehensive Examination 0

*All summer courses, including practica, are held at the Jefferson Institute for Bioprocessing (JIB).

Master of Science, Two-Year Option

A two-year Master of Science program.

Credit Summary Credits
Total Credits for MS in Biotechnology 57

Fall Semester (16 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 503 Lab Design & Stewardship 3
BT 510 Fundamental Molecular Techniques 4
BT 605 Applied Microbial Biotechnology 3
LS 501 Molecular Biology 3
LS 504 Biochemistry 3
Spring Semester (16 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 520 Cell Culture & Expression Systems 4
BT 603 Human Genetics 3
BT 606 Bioinformatics 2
BT 610 Molecular Diagnostic Techniques 4
BT 611 Protein Purification and Characterization 3

Fall Semester (11-12 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 812 Biotechnology Practicum I 2
BT 813 Biotechnology Practicum II 3
LS 531 Immunology 3
LS 603 Research Design 3
LS 804* Experimental Research I  1
Spring Semester (13-14 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 525 Product Development and Management 2
BT 814 Biotechnology Practicum III 2
BT 815 Biotechnology Practicum IV 3
BT 816 Comprehensive Exam 3
LS 610 Regulatory and Fiscal Issues in Lab Management 0
LS 803* Contemporary Topics Research
-OR-
LS 805** Experimental Research II (requires special approval)
2

1

*To meet the research requirement, students may take a classroom literature review-based course (LS 803) or, under special circumstances, engage in a two-semester wet bench research project with a selected PI (LS 804 and LS 805). Students must meet with their faculty advisor and/or program director to determine which option best meets their educational goals. LS 804 and LS 805 are not a substitute for nor may run concurrently with practica courses.

Master of Science, Two-Year Option

With Biopharmaceutical Process Development Concentration

A two-year Master of Science program with a concentration in Biopharmaceutical Process Development.

Credit Summary Credits
Total Credits for MS in Biotechnology 66

Fall Semester (16 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 503 Lab Design and Stewardship 3
BT 510 Fundamental Molecular Techniques 4
BT 605 Applied Microbial Biotechnology 3
LS 501 Molecular Biology 3
LS 504 Biochemistry 3
Spring Semester (16 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 520 Cell Culture and Expression Systems 4
BT 603 Human Genetics 3
BT 606 Introduction to Bioinformatics 2
BT 610 Molecular Diagnostic Techniques 4
BT 611 Protein Purification and Characterization 3

Course Title Credits
BP 601 Basic Engineering for Scientists 2
BP 603 Introduction to Biopharmaceutical Processing 2
BP 604 Introduction to Downstream Unit Operations 4
BP 605 Introduction to Upstream Unit Operations 4

*All summer courses, including practica, are held at the Jefferson Institute for Bioprocessing (JIB).

Fall Semester (11-12 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 812 Biotechnology Practicum I 2
BT 813 Biotechnology Practicum II 3
LS 531 Immunology 3
LS 603 Research Design 3
  LS 804** Experimental Research I 1
Spring Semester (10-11 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 525 Product Development and Management 2
BT 814 Biotechnology Practicum III 2
BT 815 Biotechnology Practicum IV 3
BT 816 Comprehensive Exam 3
  LS 803** Contemporary Topics Research
  -OR-
  LS 805** Experimental Research II
2

1

**To meet the research requirement, students may take a classroom literature review-based course (LS 803) or, under special circumstances, engage in a two-semester wet bench research project with a selected PI (LS 804 and LS 805). Students must meet with their faculty advisor and/or program director to determine which option best meets their educational goals. LS 804 and LS 805 are not a substitute for nor may run concurrently with practica courses.

Advanced Master of Science, Two-Year Option

A two-year advanced Master of Science program for students with a bachelor's degree in biotechnology tailored to each student's unique interests and professional goals. Minimum 33 graduate credits.

Credit Summary Credits
Total Credits for MS in Biotechnology 33

Fall Semester (8 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 605 Applied Microbial Biotechnology 3
BT 812 Biotechnology Practicum I (or Program-Approved Elective) 3
LS 603 Research Design 2
Spring Semester (6 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 603 Human Genetics (or Program-Approved Elective) 3
BT 813 Biotechnology Practicum II (or Program-Approved Elective) 3
Summer Session (6 credits)
Course Title Credits
LS 610 Regulatory and Fiscal Issues in Laboratory Management 3
BT 814 Biotechnology Practicum III (or program-approved elective) 3

Fall Semester (6-7 credits)
Course Title Credits

LS 504 Biochemistry (or Program-Approved Elective)

-OR-

LS 531 Immunology (or Program-Approved Elective)

3
BT 815 Biotechnology Practicum IV (or Program-Approved Elective) 3
 LS 804* Experimental Research I (requires special approval) 1
Spring Semester (6-7 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 525 Product Development and Management 3
LS 606 Bioinformatics 2
LS 803* Contemporary Topics Research
-OR-
LS 805* Experimental Research II (requires special approval)

2

1

   

*To meet the research requirement, students may take a classroom literature review-based course (LS 803) or, under special circumstances, engage in a two-semester wet bench research project with a selected PI (LS 804 and LS 805). Students must meet with their faculty advisor and/or program director to determine which option best meets their educational goals. LS 804 and LS 805 are not a substitute for nor may run concurrently with practica courses.

Advanced Master of Science, One-Year Option

A full-time advanced Master of Science program for students with a bachelor's degree in biotechnology. This program is tailored to each student's unique interests and professional goals. Minimum 36 graduate credits.

Credit Summary Credits
Total Credits for MS in Biotechnology 33

Course Title Credits
BT 605 Applied Microbial Biotechnology 3
BT 812 Biotechnology Practicum I (or Program-Approved elective) 3
BT 813 Biotechnology Practicum II (or Program-Approved elective) 3

LS 504 Biochemistry (or Program-Approved Elective)

-OR-

LS 531 Immunology (or Program-Approved Elective)

3
LS 603 Research Design 2
LS 804* Experimental Research I (requires special approval) 1

Course Title Credits
BT 525 Product Development and Management 3
BT 603 Human Genetics (or program-approved elective) 3
BT 606 Bioinformatics 2
BT 814 Biotechnology Practicum III (or program-approved elective) 3
BT 815 Biotechnology Practicum IV (or program-approved elective) 3
LS 610 Regulatory and Fiscal Issues in Laboratory Management (or Program-Approved Elective) 3

LS 803* Contemporary Topics Research

-OR-

LS 805* Experimental Research II (requires special approval)

2

 

1

   

*To meet the research requirement, students may take a classroom literature review-based course (LS 803) or engage in a two-semester wet bench research project with a selected PI (LS 804 and LS 805). Students must meet with their faculty advisor and/or program director to determine which option best meets their educational goals. LS 804 and LS 805 are not a substitute for nor may run concurrently with practica courses.

Advanced Master of Science, Two-Year Option

With Biopharmaceutical Process Development Concentration

A two-year advanced Master of Science program for students with a bachelor's degree in biotechnology with a concentration in Biopharmaceutical Process Development. Minimum 39 graduate credits.

Fall Semester (6 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 605 Applied Microbial Biotechnology 3
BT 812 Biotechnology Practicum I (or Program-Approved Elective) 3
Spring Semester (6 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 603 Human Genetics (or Program-Approved Elective)  3
LS 813 Practicum II (or Program-Approved Elective)
3
Summer Semester* (7 credits)
Course Title Credits
LS 610 Regulatory and Fiscal Issues in Laboratory Management (or Program-Approved Elective) 3
BP 601 Basic Engineering for Scientists 2
BP 603 Introduction to Biopharmaceutical Processing 2

*All summer courses with the "BP" prefix are held at the Jefferson Institute for Bioprocessing (JIB).

Fall Semester (5-6 credits)
Course Title Credits
LS 603 Research Design 2
BT 815 Biotechnology Practicum IV (or Program-Approved Elective) 3
LS 804** Experimental Research I (requires special approval) 1
Spring Semester (6-7 credits)
Course Title Credits
BT 525 Product Development and Management 3
BT 606 Bioinformatics 2
LS 803** Contemporary Topics Research
-OR-
LS 805** Experimental Research II (requires special approval)

2

1

Summer Semester* (8 credits)
Course Title Credits
BP 604 Introduction to Downstream Unit Operations 4
BP 605 Introduction to Upstream Unit Operations 4

*All summer courses with the "BP" prefix are held at the Jefferson Institute for Bioprocessing (JIB).

**To meet the research requirement, students may take a classroom literature review-based course (LS 803) or engage in a two-semester wet bench research project with a selected PI (LS 804 and LS 805). Students must meet with their faculty advisor and/or program director to determine which option best meets their educational goals. LS 804 and LS 805 are not a substitute for nor may run concurrently with practica courses.

Advanced Master of Science, One-Year Option

With Biopharmaceutical Process Development Concentration

A one-year advanced Master of Science program for students with a bachelor's degree in biotechnology with a concentration in Biopharmaceutical Process Development. Minimum 36 graduate credits.

Credit Summary Credits
Total Credits for MS in Biotechnology 36

Course Title Credits
BT 605 Applied Microbial Biotechnology 3
BT 812 Biotechnology Practicum I (or Program-Approved Elective) 3
BT 813 Biotechnology Practicum II (or Program-Approved Elective) 3
LS 603 Research Design 2
LS 804* Experimental Research I (requires special approval) 1

Course Title Credits
BT 525 Product Development and Management 3
BT 606 Bioinformatics 2
BT 814 Biotechnology Practicum III (or Program-Approved Elective) 3
BT 815 Biotechnology Practicum IV (or Program-Approved Elective) 3

LS 803* Contemporary Topics Research

-OR-

LS 805* Experimental Research II (requires special approval)

2

 

1

Summer Semester** (12 credits)
Course Title Credits
BP 601 Basic Engineering for Scientists 2
BP 603 Introduction to Biopharmaceutical Processing 2
BP 604 Introduction to Downstream Unit Operations 4
BP 605 Introduction to Upstream Unit Operations 4

*To meet the research requirement, students may take a classroom literature review-based course (LS 803) or engage in a two-semester wet bench research project with a selected PI (LS 804 and LS 805). Students must meet with their faculty advisor and/or program director to determine which option best meets their educational goals. LS 804 and LS 805 are not a substitute for nor may run concurrently with practica courses.

**All summer courses with the "BP" prefix are held at the Jefferson Institute for Bioprocessing (JIB).