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GRADUATE PROGRAM IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE
OVERVIEW
Biotechnology utilizes basic knowledge from the biological sciences, chemistry,
and chemical engineering to solve practical problems in the fields of
medicine, agriculture and chemical manufacturing.
Over the last 20 years, biotechnology has revolutionized the pharmaceutical
industry through the creation of recombinant protein products including
bovine and human growth hormones, insulin, interferons, and erthythropoietins.
In agriculture, biotechnology has produced herbicides and insect-resistant
plants and will have a major impact on society by producing high-yielding
nutritious crops that can grow in high salinity, drought, and in extreme
cold. In the field of medicine, genetically engineered animals, as well
as human gene therapies, have immense potential.
Recently, the discovery of stem cells has been suggested by many to represent one of the most important medical discoveries of past 100 years. Over the last several years there has been a remarkable surge in literature documenting the feasibility of using stem cells to treat a broad spectrum of human diseases including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, ALS, type-1 diabetes, arthritis, burns, and spinal cord injury. In addition, stem cells are being used in basic research laboratories to help elucidate fundamental concepts in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology.
PROGRAM
It is in light of these practical applications that the Department
of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at UCI offers its graduate program in biotechnology, leading to the Master's
of Science degree in Biological Sciences. Students are trained in experimental
rationales for solving actual research problems and are encouraged to
take summer internships in industry during the course of their studies.
The program emphasizes formal training and immediate participation in
research. First-year students participate in core technical laboratories
in protein isolation and characterization, animal and microbial cell culture
and recombinant DNA methodology, virology and immunology. Students also participate in individual
faculty research projects.
Beginning in the 2006-2007 academic year, the graduate program in biotechnology will be expanded to include an Emphasis in Stem Cell Biology. The creation of this track within the existing graduate program addresses a growing need within the biotechnology community. Many companies have devoted significant portions of their research and development budgets into stem cell biology research platforms as the applicability of stem cells for use in treating human disease has become clear. As such, the need for well-trained scientists, skilled in the growth and manipulation of stem cells, is currently on the rise. The stem cell emphasis has been organized around UCI’s Stem Cell Research Center (SCRC), which was established in 2005 by the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Medicine.
QUALIFICATIONS
This program requires an extensive background in calculus, physics, organic
chemistry, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology
and virology. Laboratory courses in the last five subjects also should
have been completed. However, it is possible to defer up to two of the
required laboratory courses to be taken during the first year of graduate
study.
If your background meets this criteria, we encourage you to apply. If
not, another program may be better suited to your background.
ADMISSIONS
Admission is contingent upon the successful completion of a bachelor of
science degree, or equivalent. Applications are evaluated on the basis
of grades (minimum 3.0 GPA), three recommendation letters, General GRE
scores, and other relevant qualifications. Foreign students will be required
to submit a TOEFL score and occasionally a TSE score. Deadline to apply
for the Fall quarter is March 31st. Applicant may contact Ms. Cathy Temple, Program Administrator, at biotech@uci.edu for additional information.
Enrollment in the stem cell emphasis is limited to 8 continuing students per year. Biotechnology graduate students interested in this track apply for admission during the winter quarter of their first year in the program. The stem cell curriculum differs slightly from that of the traditional biotechnology program, although the total number of courses and laboratories is the same (see below).
- Lower Division Courses: General Chemistry with laboratory, Organic Chemistry with laboratory, Calculus, Physics.
- Upper Division Courses: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and one additional advanced Biological Science course such as Microbiology, Immunology, Virology.
- Laboratory courses: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Animal Virology or Immunology. A minimum of three of the above laboratory courses are required for admission to the program. The completion of additional laboratory courses is strongly recommended.
- Successful completion of a Bachelor of Science degree, or equivalent.
Applications are evaluated on the basis of:
- Grades (minimum 3.0 GPA)
- Three recommendation letters
- General GRE scores
- Foreign students will be required to submit a TOEFL score and occasionally a TSE score.
PROGRAM COURSEWORK
The graduate program in biotechnology is designed to provide the students
with theoretical and practical training in biological expertise that are
currently used in the biotechnology industry, as well as in academic,
medical, and governmental laboratories. These include recombinant DNA technology, protein isolation and characterization, animal and microbial cell culture, virology and immunology. Typical sample programs are presented below.
A) M.S. in Biological Sciences with a Concentration in Biotechnology
| Mol Bio 204, 4 units "Protein Structure & Function" MWF, 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. |
Mol Bio 203, 4 units "Structure & Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids" MWF, 10:00 - 10:50 a.m. |
Mol Bio 228, 4 units "Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology TTh, 8:00 - 9:20 a.m. |
|
| Mol Bio 250L (lab), 8 units "Biotechnology Laboratory- Nucleic Acids" TTh 1:00 - 4:50 p.m. |
Mol Bio 251L (lab), 8 units "Biotech Lab - Protein Purification and Characterization" TTh 1:00 - 4:50 p.m. |
Mol Bio 221L (lab), 4 units "Advanced Immunology Laboratory" M 1:00 - 4:50 p.m. |
|
| Mol Bio 250, 2 units "Advanced Topics in Biotechnology - Nucleic Acids" MW 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Mol Bio 251, 2 units "Advanced Topics in Biotech - Protein Purification and Characterization" MW 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
Mol Bio 224L (lab), 4 units "Virus Engineering Lab" WF 1:00 - 4:50 p.m. (Discussion Section M 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. ) |
|
| Mol Bio 200, 8-12 units Independent research Time to be arranged |
Mol Bio 200, 8-12 units Independent research Time to be arranged |
Mol Bio 200, 8-12 units |
|
| Elective (suggested 4-unit elective or as approved ) Physiology 271A "Molecular Physiology & Disease |
Elective (suggested 4-unit elective or as approved ) Dev & Cell 231B "Cell Biology" |
Elective (suggested 4-unit elective or as approved ) Dev & Cell 210 "Advanced Developmental Genetics" Mol Bio 206 "Regulation of Gene Expression" Mol Bio 207 "Molecular Genetics" |
|
B) M.S. in Biotechnology with an
Emphasis in Stem Cell Biology
Sample Program
The curriculum includes the following: (1), three courses focusing on different aspects of stem cells (ethical issues, clinical applications, basic biology), (2), a graduate-level stem cell laboratory course taught in the SCRC core facility, and (3), one year of directed research within an established stem cell research laboratory at UCI.
FALL |
WINTER |
SPRING |
|
First Year |
|||
Mol Bio 204, 4 units |
Mol Bio 203, 4 units |
Mol
Bio/Dev Bio L (lab), 4 units, "Stem Cell Techniques" |
|
Mol Bio 250L (lab), 8
units |
Mol Bio 251L (lab), 8
units |
Mol Bio 221L (lab), 4
units |
|
Mol Bio 250, 2 units |
Mol Bio 251, 2 units |
MMG230,
4 units |
|
Second Year |
|||
Mol Bio 200, 8-12 units |
Mol Bio 200, 8-12 units |
Mol Bio 200, 8-12 units |
|
"Clinical Aspects of Stem Cell Biology" "Stem Cell Policy" |
Elective
(suggested 4-unit |
Elective (suggested 4-unit |
|
- You must complete12 units per quarter to be considered a full-time student.
- Enrollment in both Mol Bio 221L and either Mol Bio 224L or the stem cell laboratory (stem cell emphasis) during the spring quarter of the first year is mandatory.
- Three electives are required.
- Electives must be approved in advance, in writing, by the Program Director.
- All courses must be taken for a grade. A grade of "B" or better is considered a passing grade.
- Mol Bio 250L is a prerequisite to 251L. Research Units: Molecular Biology 200 courses represent full-time research in a specific faculty member's laboratory. They provide further training in a research setting to gain specialized experience in areas of biotechnology such as immunology, virology, protein engineering, nucleic acids. This phase of the training will use the skills acquired in the Core Technical Laboratories to pursue directed research goals of the laboratory in which you work.
Evaluation
- Students must pass each required course and two electives with a grade of "B" or better.
- Students must complete the required courses within two academic years.
- The Molecular Biology labs, 250L and 251L, may not be repeated.
- Research progress in the second year (Molecular Biology 200 courses) will be monitored each quarter by the Program Director, who will solicit a written report from the faculty advisor. In addition, at the end of the spring quarter and before graduation from the program, all students are required to submit a comprehensive report of the research project to the Program Director.
Employment/Support
- No support other than financial aid and awarded fellowships is provided for this program.
- If qualified, students may apply for positions as Teaching Assistants.
- The University limits employment of enrolled graduate students to 50% time.
- Students will work in research labs during their second year to earn research units (Mol Bio 200 courses); students may not be compensated for this time.
General Notes
- The program may not be attempted on a part-time status.
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AREAS OF RESEARCH
Immunology and Pathogenesis
Vertebrates have developed immune responses to defend against pathogenic microorganisms and viruses. The immune response and pathogenesis is one of the most important fields of medical discoveries that have been, and are still being used to alleviate human suffering. Two types of cells are associated with the immune response; B and T cells. In mammals, B cells produce immunoglobulin proteins on exposure to foreign substances. These proteins are secreted into the bloodstream where they act against the invading organism. T cells also respond to foreign antigens, but their effector molecules remain firmly bound to the cellular membrane. The Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry has faculty conducting research on both types of immune responses.
Two parasites, Plasmodium, which causes malarial disease and Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas' disease, are currently being studied at both the molecular biology and immunological levels to better understand the nature of their pathogenesis. Cellular immunology and tumor immunology is being studied in vitro on mechanisms of how lymphoid cells employ secreted cytokines to orchestrate the destruction of tumors. The recognition component of the classical complement pathway, C1q, is being analyzed. The role of endothelial cells in rejecting grafts is under investigation. Mouse hepatitis virus is being used as a model to identify potential targets for the therapeutic intervention for the treatment of multiple sclerosis patients.
Structural Biology
The structural biology group within the department uses physical, chemical and x-ray crystallography techniques to study proteins and nucleic acids. It has a highly active group in x-ray crystallography which uses high resolution analysis (1.0 Å or better) to understand the structure-function relationship. The faculty members in each group work closely with each other. For example, a member of the x-ray crystallography group has identified an enzyme that is a promising target for anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial drugs. The department has an active group in parasitic diseases and, thus, the two groups are working together to solve major medical problems of parasitic infections. The x-ray group has obtained detailed structures of many proteins of biological importance.
Research in protein structure determination requires the knowledge of mechanisms involved in the growth of macromolecular crystals. Using sophisticated techniques, one of the major areas of research in the department is to define various parameters fundamental to the crystal growth process. In search of these parameters, crystallization of macromolecules in microgravity is being investigated assisting the U.S. space program and the Russian space station, Mir.
Gene Structure and Regulation
The department has a number of faculty members who are involved in identifying and studying genes, their organization in viruses, yeast, plants and humans. The herpes simplex virus gene expression during productive and latent infections is being studied. The regulation of cholesterol metabolism is being analyzed in the hope of eventually controlling the high levels of cholesterol associated with heart disease. The work in amyloid proteins has provided new insights in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The genes which are involved with the fixation of atmospheric N2 are being analyzed for the structure-function relationship using mutation overexpression, purification and structural analysis. The basic mechanisms in the transport of proteins in the cell organelle is also being elucidated.
The faculty members of the department have knowledge and experience in every aspect of gene analysis and their expression in bacterial, fungal, and mammalian systems. the expression of recombinant genes in defined organisms is the basis of recombinant gene products. The faculty and their research team routinely carry out experiments including identifying new gene(s), characterizing their structure, over-expressing them in different expression systems, and purifying them to homogeneity using the most sophisticated techniques.
Virology
Animal viruses can be classified into DNA and RNA viruses (retroviruses). The department has active groups in both types of viruses. The two DNA viruses which are under active investigation are the herpes simplex virus I and polyoma virus. The regulation of gene expression in herpes simplex virus is under active investigation. The polyoma virus is being studied for its cell-specific replication. What parameters define the organ and tissue specificity?
This question is extremely important in understanding the infection of viruses in general. The gene therapy approach is being investigated for the central nervous system and evaluation is underway for an ex vivo model for human cervical cancer.
Retroviruses have been important models for studying gene expression and cancer. The molecular mechanisms involved in the development are significant research activities in the department. The virus that causes T cell leukemia is also under investigation.
Stem Cell Research
Stem cells are the foundation cells for virtually every tissue and organ in the body. They are essentially "blank" cells that have not yet been programmed to differentiate into the various specialized cells that make up an organism. There are two main classes of stem cells. Embryonic stems cells are derived from developing embryos or fetuses. They are referred to as pluripotent because they can give rise to any cell type in the body. Adult stem cells are derived from differentiated tissues such as brain or bone marrow. Typically, they are pre-programmed to form different cell types of their own tissue, and as such they are referred to as multipotent.
The discovery of stem cells has been suggested by many to represent one of the most important medical discoveries of the past 100 years. Over the last several years there has been a remarkable surge in literature documenting the feasibility of using stem cells to treat a broad spectrum of human diseases including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, ALS, type-1 diabetes, arthritis, burns, and spinal cord injury. In addition, stem cells are being used in basic research laboratories to help elucidate fundamental concepts in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology.
Organized around the Stem Cell Research Center (SCRC), the University of California, Irvine is currently on the cutting edge of stem cell research. The SCRC was established in 2005 by the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Medicine with the stated goal of promoting basic and clinical stem cell research and training at UCI and collaborating institutions. The SCRC has grown rapidly in the past year. It has built and equipped a laboratory core facility, located in the University Research Park (Theory Building). The core facility has been designed to promote stem cell technology, resources, expertise, and training in all aspects of stem cell biology.
The biotechnology community has recognized the applicability of stem cells for use in treating human disease for several years. Many companies have devoted significant portions of their research and development budgets into stem cell biology research platforms. As such, the need for well-trained scientists, skilled in the growth and manipulation of stem cells, is currently on the rise. Therefore, UCI now offers an Emphasis in Stem Cell Biology in conjunction with our Masters in Biotechnology graduate program.