Biotechnology is a rapidly expanding cutting-edge scientific discipline with new discoveries and often life-saving products at a breathtaking pace. This industry, a merger of science and business, demands a multi-disciplinary workforce skilled in basic-research, product development, regulatory affairs and commercialization.
The Biotechnology industry harnesses advances in molecular biology, genomics, and proteomics to move discoveries and ideas out of the laboratory and into the product development pipeline. Students in the Master of Science in Biotechnology program learn to advance their careers by broadening their skill base and understanding of this dynamic field.
The Master of Science in Biotechnology is grounded in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. With this foundation in science, students continue with studies in the areas of pure science, applied science, lab science, regulatory affairs and biotechnology business. The curriculum is designed so that graduates can participate fully in research; lead lab teams, help to make development and planning decisions, create and apply research modalities to larger schemes set in large research projects. Also, managers and marketers, lawyers and liaisons, all are able to bridge the worlds between their roles and the scientists in their organization, allowing for effective communications and decision making.
The Master of Science in Biotechnology courses and curriculum, presented here, has been developed in consultation with the present courses and curriculum of similar programs at Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University and Vanderbilt University, USA.
An undergraduate degree in the natural sciences or in engineering with at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (professional interests and relevant work experience are also considered); applicants with degrees in other disciplines may be able to enroll if their undergraduate work included the prerequisite courses which follow.
• Two semesters (at least 8 credits) of college chemistry, preferably with laboratories.
•The admissions committee reserves the right to request additional information from applicants, if needed, to assess their candidacy for admission.
• Foundation courses: 12 credits
• Core courses: 12 credits
• Elective courses: 12 credits
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Total: 36 credits
Students taking course BBT702 (6 credits), Research in Biotechnology will be on thesis group; others not taking BBT702 will be on non-thesis group. The Non-thesis group graduate students have to take two more theory courses (3+3=6 credits).
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Foundation Courses (12 credits)
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Title |
Credits |
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Biochemistry |
3 |
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Advanced Biochemistry |
3 |
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Molecular Cell Biology |
3 |
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Microbial Biotechnology |
3 |
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12 |
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Foundation Courses (12 credits)
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BBT601 |
Biochemistry: This course covers basic undergraduate level biochemistry. The course includes i) structural biochemistry: amino acid structure, the three basic building blocks of protein structure (α-helix, β-sheet and loop), the forces and interactions that promote protein folding, evaluation of protein structure, whether a given protein structure model is likely to represent a native physiological protein structure, ii) enzyme kinetics, iii) lipid structure and membrane assembly, iv) tissue-specific metabolism: liver metabolism, brain metabolism and muscle metabolism, and v) nucleic acid metabolism. 3 CREDITS
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BBT609 |
Advanced Biochemistry: The course covers introductory level molecular biology and advance technology utilized in molecular biology. The course focuses on replication, transcription, translation, and recombinant DNA technology. The student will be able to design cloning and expression vectors upon completing the course. The course will also cover advanced molecular technology methods like mass spectrophotometer, microarray and NMR techniques. 3 CREDITS
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BBT616 |
Molecular Cell Biology: Course will introduce to the experimental techniques used in cell biology to study cell growth, manipulation, and evaluation. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to: i) synthesize the complex processes of signal transduction pathways into a big picture, ii)analyze mechanisms involved in regulation of the eukaryotic cell cycle, iii)summarize the chemical components of cells and compare biosynthetic pathways, iv) explain how proteins and lipids are transported into organelles, membranes and to the extracellular surface, and v)analyze and critique original research articles. Present scientific knowledge in professional setting. 3 CREDITS
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BBT623 |
Microbial Biotechnology: This course provides current information on the applications of microbiology and its links with biotechnology. The syllabus will cover the following topics: i) microbial biotechnology: sewage and wastewater treatment; microbial transformations of xenobiotic compounds; detection methods for pathogens; biological control; microorganisms and food production microbial killing: pasteurization, disinfection and preservatives; algal biotechnology, ii) bacterial genetics: organization of the bacterial chromosome, prokaryotic DNA replication; prokaryotic transcription and translation and regulation of gene expression and extrachromosomal elements, iii) industrial microbial fermentations: isolation of microorganisms; strain improvement; fermentable substrates; inoculums production; outline of an industrial fermentation, fermentation of engineered microorganisms, and antibiotic production. 3 CREDITS |
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Core Courses (18 credits, Any six courses)
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Course Code |
Title |
Credits |
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BBT631 |
Immuno-Biotechnology |
3 |
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BBT639 |
Molecular Virology |
3 |
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BBT645 |
Plant Biotechnology |
3 |
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BBT654 |
Industrial Biotechnology |
3 |
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BBT653 |
Enzymology & Enzyme Technology |
3 |
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BBT659 |
Genes & Disease |
3 |
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BBT671 |
Bioinformatics |
3 |
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BBT685 |
Biostatistics |
3 |
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BBT695 |
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology |
3 |
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BBT792 |
Genomics & Proteomics (Prerequisite: Bioinformatics) |
3 |
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Total |
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18 |
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Core Courses (18 credits)
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BBT631 |
Immuno-Biotechnology: This course covers molecular and cellular immunology, including antigen and antibody structure and function, effector mechanisms, complement, major histocompatibility complexes, B- and T-cell receptors, antibody formation and immunity, cytotoxic responses, and regulation of the immune response. Students are also introduced to the applied aspects of immunology, which include immunoassay design, various formats and detection methods, and flow cytometry. Special topics include immunomodulation, immunosuppression, immunotherapy, autoimmunity, and vaccination. 3 CREDITS
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BBT639 |
Molecular Virology: This course is designed to give an extensive knowledge of modern virology and fundamentals of molecular virology. The course includes introduction to virology, classification of viruses; structure of virus particles; virus growth in cell; the process of infection; virus interaction with whole organism; mechanism of viral latency; transmission of viruses; the evolution of viruses; genetic analysis of viruses. Genome replication strategies of DNA viruses; genome replication and RNA production by RNA viruses. An overview of Human viral diseases; HIV and AIDS; carcinogenesis and tumor viruses; polyomaviruses, adenoviruses, retroviruses and human cancer, vaccines, and antiviral. Horizons in human virology; technical advances; recombinant viruses as gene therapy vectors. Some methods for studying animal viruses. Emerging virus infections; influenza virus; SARS; dengue virus. Virology and society: For Good and ill. 3 CREDITS
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BBT645 |
Plant Biotechnology: In this course, students are introduced to the application of recombinant DNA technology to agriculture. Methods for the introduction of foreign DNA into plant and animal cells and generation of stably transformed plants and animals. Examples of the use of transgenic plants and animals in biotechnology, which can provide protection against insects, diseases, and tolerance to specific herbicides. Recombinant growth hormones for leaner meat, greater milk yield, better feed utilization, how transgenic plants and animals can serve as bioreactors for the production of medicinal or protein pharmaceuticals, methods of introducing foreign genes to plants, inducible control of gene expression, and use of different/suitable promoters for tissue specific expression. Because recombinant agricultural products are released into the environment or consumed as foods. The course will also cover the ethical point of GM agriculture along with biosafety issues. 3 CREDITS
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BBT654 |
Industrial Biotechnology: The course primarily associates with the commercial exploitation of microorganisms and involves processes and products that are of major economic, environmental and social importance throughout the world. This course will provide an overview of industrial microbiology/biotechnology as an applied biological science. Students will be able to discuss how different types of industry may obtain, handle, and maintain microorganisms. Fermenters will be considered as a major part of this subject. Students will be able to utilize the basic principles behind the operation of batch and continuous fermenters; discuss the differences between industrial processes that are purely chemical processes and those that are microbiological, and discuss the different uses of batch and continuous fermentation for different industrial purposes. They will be aware of the different methods of genetic improvement that have been used to modify microorganisms for different fermentations. They will learn examples of the modification of chemical compounds in microbial processes. 3 CREDITS |
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BBT653 |
Enzymology & Enzyme Technology: The course will provide an overview of the key principles of enzymology and its applications in large-scale industrial production processes. This course will cover the catalytic mechanisms of enzyme reactions, with an emphasis on: cofactors in enzymology, mechanisms of group transfer reactions, enzyme kinetics, and characterization of enzyme classes. Students should be able to compare different methods for production, purification, characterization and immobilization of enzymes. Particular attention will be provided to topics like applications of immobilized enzymes involving enzyme, membrane and other reactors. The course will also focus on topics like enzymes in biosensors, biotransformation, immobilized-enzyme processes and enzyme usages. An outline of applications of enzymes in several fields of medicine, recent advances and a few future prospects of enzyme technology will be discussed. 3 CREDITS
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BBT659 |
Genes & Disease: Because of recent advances, powerful diagnostic tests now detect genetic diseases, and there is promise of gene replacement therapy. In this course students cover general genetic principles, DNA tools for genetic analysis, cytogenetics, gene mapping, the molecular basis of genetic diseases, animal models, immunogenetics, genetics of development, genetics of cancer, and treatment of genetic diseases. Molecular methods of analysis are emphasized. 3 CREDITS
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BBT671 |
Bioinformatics: Retrieval and analysis of electronic information are essential in today's research environment. This course explores the theory and practice of biological database searching and analysis. In particular, students are introduced to integrated systems where a variety of data sources are connected through worldwide web access. Information retrieval as well as interpretation is discussed and many practical examples in a computer laboratory setting enable students to improve their data mining skills. Methods included in the course are searching the biomedical literature, sequence homology searching and multiple alignments, protein sequence motif analysis, and several genome analytical methods. Classes are held in a computer laboratory. Acquaintance with computers is required. 3 CREDITS
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BBT685 |
Biostatistics: This course introduces statistical concepts and analytical methods as applied to data encountered in biotechnology and biomedical sciences. It emphasizes the basic concepts of experimental design, quantitative analysis of data, and statistical inferences. Topics include probability theory and distributions; population parameters and their sample estimates; descriptive statistics for central tendency and dispersion; hypothesis testing and confidence intervals for means, variances, and proportions; the chi-square statistic; categorical data analysis; linear correlation and regression model; analysis of variance; and nonparametric methods. The course provides students with a foundation to critically evaluate information to support research objectives and product claims and a better understanding of statistical design of experimental trials for biological products/devices. The course also acquaints students with SPSS or“R” or STATA program. 3 CREDITS
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BBT695 |
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: This course deals with the facts and figures about the biopharmaceuticals, and discussions of how biotechnology is applied in human and animal health care, and in industrial and environmental processes. Pharmaceutical Microbiology course consists of ten topics: (i) pharmaceuticals, biologics and biopharmaceuticals; (ii) antimicrobial compounds; (iii) recombinant and synthetic vaccines; (iv) enzyme therapeutics; (v) recombinant pharmaceuticals; (vi) monoclonal antibodies and recombinant antibodies; and (vii) nucleic acids as therapeutic agents. 3 CREDITS |
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BBT 792 |
Genomics & Proteomics: Genome sequences continue to be completed on a regular basis, and numerous bioinformatics and proteomic tools rapidly reveal a wealth of information contained in these genomes. This course combines lectures and laboratory exercises to cover state-of-the-art functional genomics tools at the advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate levels. Topics include web-based bioinformatics tools; gene and homology searches; whole genome comparisons, phylogenetics, selection analysis, 'Next Gen' sequence analysis (RNA-seq)/Metagenomics, Genome-Wide Association Studies, pharmacogenomics, genomic medicine and genomics of microbes and microbiomes. The Proteomics Part of the course covers the analytical methods used to separate and characterize proteins derived through biotechnology. While emphasis is placed on the general principles and applicability of the methods, current protocols are discussed and problem sets representing realistic analytical challenges are assigned. Topics include chromatography (HPLC, SEC, IEC), electrophoresis techniques (2-D gel electrophoresis), spectroscopic methods (UV/Vis, fluorescence, CD), analytical ultracentrifugation, microarrays, mass spectroscopy, amino acid analysis, sequencing, and methods to measure protein-protein interactions, post-translational modification analysis, proteomics databases and analysis. 3 CREDITS |
Elective Courses: (12 Credits)
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Elective Courses (6 credits): Choose any 2 courses from Core Courses or Elective Courses;
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BBT745 |
Quality Control Compliance: This course will initially deal with the principles of quality & compliance, where topics like regulatory authorities and the laws governing biotech industries will be focused on. Later the course will discuss on, i) quality assurance (QA) in practice to understand the role of QA in the functional plants that make materials for clinical trials and commercial operations; ii) Quality Control (QC) in Quality and Compliance, difference between QA and QC, and the role and function of the QC department. Particular attention will be given on how to plan, examine and implement various regulatory elements like audits, inspections, recalls, alerts etc. At the end of the course, students will also know the principles of validation and their associated requirements set by regulatory bodies. 3 CREDITS
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BBT742 |
Environmental Biotechnology: The course represents some significant & progressive areas that will lead the students to know about the key aspects of environmental microbiology prior to their roles and applications in environmental biotechnology. Students will acquire knowledge on basic principles on technologies of decontamination of persistent organic pollutants (dangerous contaminants of the environment) mainly by means of the biological approaches using degradation ability of microorganisms, fungi, and plants, i.e., using bioremediation, mycoremediation, and phytoremediation technologies, as well as physico-chemical technologies, nanotechnologies, and other innovative technologies. The course will also put emphasize on biostimulation and bioaugmentation as two basic strategies of bioremediation. In situ and ex situ remediation technologies. (Bio) venting, (Bio) sparging, (Bio) stripping, (Bio) sorption barriers, Biofilters, Bioreactors. 3 CREDITS
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BBT743 |
Biosafety & Regulations: This course will start with an introduction to the background history and principles of biosafety. Later a number of biosafety related topics, e.g., i) primary contaminants for biohazards, ii) biosafety levels of specific microorganisms, iii) recommended biosafety levels for infectious agents and infected animals will be addressed. A targeted emphasize will be given to risk analysis, risk management, decontamination, disinfection and disposal of biological wastes. This course will also discuss on bio-safety standard guidelines and regulations, definitions of GMOs and LMOs, roles of institutional biosafety committee for GMO applications in food and agriculture, and environmental release of GMOs. Students will learn how to use biosafety reference materials to perform basic biological risk assessments and establish appropriate levels of containment. Concepts of novelty, moral issues, intellectual property rights (IPR) like patents, trademarks, copyrights will be focused on. 3 CREDITS
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BBT744 |
Bioprocess Engineering: This course deals with the elements of bioprocess industry and its recent rapid expansion. Bioprocess engineering, bioreactors, isolation, preservation, and maintenance of industrial microorganisms, kinetics of microbial growth and death, media formulation for industrial scale fermentation will be discussed. Emphasis will be put on, i) upstream processing systems- operating considerations for bioreactors, designing of fermenter/ bioreactor, analysis and sterilization of media, air & reactors, inoculum development, maintenance of optimum fermentation condition, and ii) downstream processing systems- removal of microbial cells and solid matters, foam separation, precipitation, filtration, centrifugation, cell disruption, liquid-liquid extraction, chromatography, membrane process, drying and crystallization, effluent treatment. The course will cover concepts of food processing and immobilization of enzymes. Production of industrially important products such as alcohol, organic acids, amino acids, glutamic acid, antibiotics, vitamins, enzymes, biodegradable plastic, recombinant protein will be addressed. A brief introduction to bioprocess economics and associated financial assessments will be given at the end of the course. 3 CREDITS |
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BBT751 |
QA/QC for the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries: There are many new quality initiatives for drugs, biotech products and medical devices that have been recently introduced. These include risk based, science based and systems-based assessments. Students will be presented with a comprehensive overview of the current best practices in quality assurance and quality control. Students will also be exposed to the most recent theories and expectations from the Food and Drug Administration. 3 CREDITS
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BBT780 |
Biotechnology Entrepreneurship: This course focuses on entrepreneurship and venture creation as key engines for wealth creation and successful business strategy in the modern, innovation- intensive, high-tech economy. The course deals with key issues such as: (1) assessing attractiveness of opportunities; (2) launching a new venture; (3) nurturing, growing and entrepreneurial venture; (4) obtaining the necessary financial, human and technology resources; (5) managing the transition from a small entrepreneurial firm to a large, sustainable, professionally managed but still entrepreneurial corporation; and (6) being an entrepreneur and promoting entrepreneurship in a large corporation. 3 CREDITS
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BBT702 |
Thesis: Students in the biotechnology program have the opportunity to enroll in an independent research course. This elective course is an option after a student has completed at least eight graduate-level courses and has compiled a strong academic record. Prior to proposing a project, interested students must have identified a research topic and a mentor who is familiar with their prospective inquiry and who is willing to provide guidance and oversee the project. The research project must be independent of current work-related responsibilities as determined by the project mentor. The mentor may be a faculty member teaching in the biotechnology program, a supervisor from the student's place of work, or any expert with appropriate credentials. Prerequisites: all foundation courses and four core courses. 6 CREDITS |
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechonology, the application of biochemistry to industry, is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy. Growth in biochemical science and biotechnology is creating opportunities for university graduates in research institutes and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Where does Biotechnologist work and with whom?
Biochemists and Biotechnologists often have the opportunity to work in teams on research projects (where they report to a supervisor), or they are assigned individual tasks in modern, well-equipped labs. The work schedule is generally regular with occasional opportunities for overtime when a project deadline is approaching. Biochemists, who opt for the teaching route, whether at the high school, college or university level, put in hours outside the classroom to be well prepared for their students.
There are plenty of job openings for Biochemists and Biotechnologists interested in carrying out applied research for private companies in health, nutra- & beauty care, chemical manufacturing, food and drink production, medical instruments and pharmaceutical development. Even those without advanced degrees should also be able to find employment in these sectors.
The government funds many biochemical research projects through the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institutes of Health. Positions for biochemists within these agencies will depend on levels of federal funding. Other settings in which biochemists will find employment include hospitals, public health laboratories, cancer research institutes, environmental pollution control and public health offices.
What kinds of career paths are there?
A degree in biotechnology is not a one way ticket into a lab coat. An education in biotechnology can set you up for a wide variety of careers including management, marketing, and of course, laboratory science. Below you will find a comprehensive view of some career potential of a biochemistry and biotechnology undergraduate.
- Bioinformatician
- Biomedical Engineer
- Biotechnology Laboratory Assistant
- Biotechnology Research Associate
- Clinical Research Associate
- Forensic Lab Scientists
- Quality Control Analyst
- Quality Control Engineer
- Senior Research Scientist
- Validation Scientist
- Biotechnology / Pharmaceutical Marketing
How the programme in North South University can help to build your career?
Biochemistry of Biotechnology undergraduate programme of the North South University are highly regarded among renowned universities and employers in both Bangladesh and abroad. A Biochemistry and Biotechnology degree from NSU is an excellent qualification for securing your future career in a diverse range of industries and employment sectors. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a NSU degree, our Careers and Employability Service consultation by the department faculties can help you to achieve your goal.
Advances in the biosciences are having a profound impact on our daily lives in areas from human health to conservation. Biotechnology, biological pharmaceuticals, and personalised medicine are key growth areas in the health sector. Environmental remediation, climate change and related themes pose multi-faceted challenges for the coming decades. Expert knowledge in the life sciences will be in high demand for the foreseeable future, with bright prospects for exciting and rewarding careers in research, teaching, industry, the government health service and the public sector.
A substantial part of our undergraduates choose to take a further degree, a Masters in NSU or PhD in abroad from prestigious international institutes. For many career paths, a further degree is an essential stepping-stone, including (but not limited to) careers in research. Our undergraduates and are highly sought after by universities around the world, many stay in Bangladesh and join in different prestigious research groups in ICDDR, B, BCSIR and so on.
In order to help you build an attractive CV, undergraduates project and graduate thesis from the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology can help to accommodate an internship in a research (departmental or external) laboratory or in a company.
The University and the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology provide a range of services to support you in finding a career and to build a CV that stands out from the crowd. The faculty advisers hold drop-in sessions, discussing with you how to prepare a CV and cover letters, the graduate application process and how to explore possible career paths. Furthermore, the School of Life Sciences is planning to hold an annual Biosciences Careers Fair, brings employers from life sciences sector to our NSU for networking and discussions.