Program: Biology, Biotechnology Concentration, M.S - Georgia State University

Apr 09, 2025

2020-2021 Graduate Catalog

Application/Acceptance:

Interested students must apply for admission to the M.S. program and the biotechnology concentration. In addition to the personal statement, a second letter must be submitted that provides a rationale for entering this concentration and a description of three specific areas of training that the individual would like to pursue. In addition to the M.S. program admission requirements, applicants to the Biotechnology concentration must have completed CHEM 6600 (Biochemistry) or its equivalent with a grade of “B” or higher. Admission to the concentration will be made by the Biotechnology Area Committee on the basis of credentials and is dependent on space availability.

Degree Requirements

Non-Thesis Option (40 Hours)

Prerequisite (5 Hours)

CHEM 6600 - Biochemistry I 5 Hours

Core Courses (5 Hours)

BIOL 6696 - Laboratory in Molecular Biological Techniques 4 Hours
BIOL 8970 - Topics in Molecular Biological Sciences 1 Hours

Laboratory Practica (15 Hours)

BIOL 6440 - Practica In Biotechnology 5 Hours (Mini-mester; 5 credit hours each time taken)

Non-Thesis Research Paper Preparation (4 Hours)

BIOL 8888 - Non-Thesis Master’s Research 4 Hours

Seminar (2 Sections)

BIOL 8700 - Biology Seminar 2 Hours

Electives (9 Hours)

(Approved by Biotechnology Committee)

Laboratory Practica

Both technique-based and project-based rotations will be offered. Students will meet with an adviser upon entering the concentration to determine rotations that best suit the student’s goals and needs.

Research Paper

Upon completing of each rotation, the student will submit a progress report covering activities engaged in during the rotation. An adviser will mentor the student in the writing process. The three progress reports will constitute the non-thesis research paper and will comprise the basis of a portfolio, which the student can use as evidence of training and accomplishments.

Thesis Option (40 Hours)

For admission into the Thesis option, the student must have a Thesis proposal accepted.

Prerequisite (5 Hours)

CHEM 6600 - Biochemistry I 5 Hours

Core Courses (5 Hours)

BIOL 6696 - Laboratory in Molecular Biological Techniques 4 Hours
BIOL 8970 - Topics in Molecular Biological Sciences 1 Hours

Laboratory Practica (15 Hours)

BIOL 6440 - Practica In Biotechnology 5 Hours (Mini-mester; 5 credit hours each time taken)

Thesis Research (4 Hours)

BIOL 8999 - Thesis Research 1 to 25 Hours (Up to 10 credit hours of BIOL 8800 (Practica) can be applied towards the Thesis Research requirement. 4 credits must come from BIOL 8999 .)

Seminar (2 Sections)

BIOL 8700 - Biology Seminar 2 Hours

Electives (9 Hours)

(Approved by Biotechnology Committee)

Laboratory Practica

Both technique-based and project-based rotations will be offered. Students will meet with an adviser upon entrance into the concentration to determine rotations that best suit the student’s goals and needs.

Research Paper

The student will submit a Thesis proposal to be accepted by a Thesis Committee. The student will complete a Thesis to be defended before the Thesis Committee. The thesis may be based upon research done during the rotations.

Examination

The MS examination will consist of an oral defense of the Thesis.