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Program Details

Graduate Program: Applied Biosciences (PSM) - Industrial Microbial Biotechnology

General Information

Request Information
Program/Degree
Applied Biosciences (PSM) - Industrial Microbial Biotechnology  
Program Description

The Industrial Microbial Biotechnology (IMB) subplan of the PSM in Applied Biosciences GIDP is designed to prepare student for careers in the biotechnology industries where microorganisms are used as either tools for manufacturing chemical or biological products, or as environmental or agricultural agents.

Since ancient times, microorganisms have been utilized for what we now recognize as biotechnology applications, starting with beer and wine-making, leavening dough for bread and pastries, and preserving food by pickling.  The multibillion dollar modern fermentation and biocatalytic industries that grew out of these practices produce small molecule “natural products” to be used as drugs, pesticides and fine chemicals including biodegradable plastics, and provide us with amino acids, vitamins, solvents and other industrial chemicals.  Microbial fermentation and biocatalysis (the use of microorganisms as catalysts for chemical reactions) also represent our best hopes to produce sustainable, environmentally responsible biofuels, and constitute a fast growing segment of the biotechnology industry.  Microbial fermentation is also used to produce recombinant proteins as drugs or industrial enzymes, and can be used to manufacture antibodies and nucleic acids for diagnosis and treatment of diseases.  Drug discovery in the pharmaceutical and agribusiness industries, and the development of novel or cheaper industrial chemicals and reagents are unimaginable without utilizing microbial “chemical factories”.

Microorganisms are also used for environmental biotechnology applications, utilizing the unrivaled ability of microbes to biodegrade a wide variety of compounds.  Bioremediation of contaminated former industrial sites, cleanup after natural disasters like oil spills, or everyday applications like waste water treatment rely on chemical reactions catalyzed on the spot by live microorganisms.  Similarly, integrated pest management in agribusiness can take advantage of biocontrol by live microorganisms to kill or suppress microbial, insect or nematode pests in an environmentally conscious manner that does not involve toxic chemicals.

The IMB track will prepare students for gainful employment in the fermentation, biocatalysis, drug discovery and manufacture, agribusiness, chemical manufacture, and environmental biotechnology industries where experts with knowledge of microbiology, microbial genetics and biochemistry are in demand.  Just like other PSMAB tracks, the IMB track involves a strong component of developing professional skills and understanding the legal and business environment of these industries, and involves a required internship in a professional biotechnology laboratory environment.

 

 
Department/Academic Unit(s)

Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs

The Graduate College sponsors several Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDPs) in addition to the many interdisciplinary possibilities available through regular graduate degree programs. GIDPs transcend departmental boundaries by facilitating cutting edge teaching and research at the nexus of traditional disciplines. The high value placed on interdisciplinary research and education is indicative of The University of Arizona's enthusiasm and commitment to fostering innovation and creativity among its faculty and students.

 

 
College

Graduate College/GIDP

 
Campus where offered

University of Arizona - Main - Tucson

 
Contacts
Admissions Contact
Jennifer Shim
520-626-9111
Graduate Program Coordinator
Jennifer Shim
520-626-9111
Director of Graduate Studies
Michael D L Johnson
520-626-3779
Graduate College Degree Counselor
Hayley Jean Kral
520-621-3484
 
Tuition and Fees
Please refer to the UA Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees Calculator for up-to-date information about tuition and fees. 
Please refer to the UA Registrar's's Office Special Course Fees for up-to-date information about special course fees. 

Admissions Information

Admissions Requirements

Prerequisites

Students who wish to apply to the PSM degree in Applied Biosciences must have the minimum qualifications:

  • A Bachelors (or equivalent) degree with a major in an area of biosciences from an accredited institution.

  • A minimum 3.0 GPA

  • A desire to pursue a professional career in the applied biosciences.

Admissions Process

Students should apply directly to the specific track in the program they wish to pursue. The application should be submitted online (only) via the Graduate College website (http://grad.arizona.edu). Be prepared to submit the following materials:

  • Scans of all transcripts (official versions will be requested if you are selected for admission)

  • GRE scores (recommended but not required; general test only)

  • Proof of English proficiency is required for any international applicant born in a country where English is not the official language. 
    Acceptable English Proficiency Credentials can be found at:
    https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/requirements/international-applicants#english-proficiency

  • GPAs for all undergraduate work

  • A one to two page statement of interests, which outlines your background (including any professional experience) and your professional goals.

You should separately arrange with two references (typically former or current professors or work supervisors) who can comment on your skills, training and potential for the PSM in Applied Biosciences.  You will need to include their names and email addresses in your online application.

 
Standardized Tests

Required test(s):
Required GRE Subject tests: general test only

Minimum GRE Verbal: 130-170, in 1 point increments
Minimum GRE Quantitative:  130-170, in 1 point increments
Minumum GRE Written: 0-6, in half point increments
Minimum MAT:
Minimum TOEFL:  79 internet based  (IBT) 550 paper based (PB) required for international students or
Minimum IELTS:   7 (no subject area below a 6) for international students
Minimum Pearson PTE Academic: 60
Minimum Minimum CEPT:   110 on Full Academic test for international students

For more information on the English Proficiency requirement, please click here

 

 

 
Funding Opportunities

There is no funding support directly available from this program. 

 
Admissions Deadlines

Domestic Applicants:

  • Fall: March 31
  • Spring: August 31

International Applicants:

  • Fall: March 31
  • Spring: August 31
 
International Conditional Admission

International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.

Other Information
The GRE Institution Code for The University of Arizona is 4832

Completion Requirements

Minimum Credit Units

36 

Core Coursework Requirements

Curriculum

All Tracks have the following general structure:

Science Module...................................................15 Units

Professional Preparation Module............................12 Units

Internship Module (including the Final Report)..........9 Units

Total.................................................................36 Units

Core Course Requirements:

Science Module: 15 Units Required (9 Core + 6 Electives)

Core Science Classes: Choose 9 Units

BIOC 565              Proteins and Enzymes, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BIOC 568              Nucleic Acids, Metabolism and Signaling, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

BIOC 573              Recombinant DNA Methods and Applications, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

ECOL 553              Functional and Evolutionary Genomics, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

ECOL 575              Freshwater and Marine Algae, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENVS 525             Environmental Microbiology, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MCB 516a            Statistical Bioinformatics and Genomic Analysis, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MCB 580              Introduction to Systems Biology, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MIC 552                Antibiotics: A Biological Perspective, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PLP 527R              General Mycology, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PLP 528R              Microbial Genetics, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PLS 548A              Plant Biochemistry and Metabolic Engineering  3 units, minimum required grade A or B

Requirements for Core Coursework in the Internship Module:

Core Coursework for the Internship Module (9 units minimum)

ABS 593A            Internship, 8 units, minimum required grade S or P

ABS 909               Master’s Report, 1 unit, minimum required grade S or P

Core Coursework for the Professional Preparation Module (2 units minimum)

BE 501                  Research Methods in Biosystems Engineering, 2 units, minimum required grade A or B

CBIO 595D           Scientific Writing, Presentations and Bioethics, 2 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENVS 508             Scientific Writing for Environmental, Agricultural and Life Sciences, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MSE 502               Research Proposal Preparation, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

OPTI 597B           Technical writing and communication, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

Minimum GPA in core coursework: 3.0

 
Elective Coursework

Science Electives: Choose 6 Units

Electives can include any course from the Core Science Module as well. Courses not listed here may also be chosen but require an agreement with the Director of Graduate Studies or the Graduate Committee.

ACBS 556         Aquaculture, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BE 502             Fundamentals in Computing Biosystems Analytics, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BE 513             Applied Biostatistics, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

BE 534             Biosystems Analytics, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BE 581A           Engineering of Biological Processes, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BE 587             Metagenomics: From Genes to Ecosystems, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BIOS 576B       Biostatistics for Research, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

CHEE 577R      Microbiology for Engineers, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

CHEM 323A     Bioanalytical Chemistry, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

CHEM 501A     Instrumental Analysis, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

CHEM 525A     Mass Spectrometry, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

CMM 518        Fundamental Genetic Mechanisms: from Molecules to Genomes, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

CMM 577        Principles of Cell Biology, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

ECOL 510         Microbial Biogeochemistry and Global Change, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENVS 511         Environmental Metabolomics,  3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENVS 526         Environmental Microbiology Lab, 2 units, minimum required grade A or B

IMB 501           Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

IMB 565           Principles and Molecular Mechanisms of Microbe-Host Interactions, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MCB 546         Genetic and Molecular Networks, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

MCB 585         Multidisciplinary Approaches to Solving Biological Problems, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

MIC 530           Food Microbiology and Biotechnology, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PCOL 536A      Chemotherapy of Infectious Diseases, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHSC 530         Proteins and Nucleic Acids as Drug Targets, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHSC 596A      Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry,  1 unit, minimum required grade A or B

PHSC 670         Principles in Drug Discovery, Design, and Development, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PLP 528L          Microbial Genetics Laboratory, 2 units, minimum required grade A or B

PLP 550           Principles of Plant Microbiology, 4 units, minimum required grade A or B

PLP 575           Advanced Mycology, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PLS 539            Methods in Cell Biology and Genomics, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

Elective Coursework for the Professional Preparation Module (Choose 9 to 10 units)

ACBS 568A       Bioeconomy, Marketing and Business Principles, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ACBS 568B       Bioeconomy, Marketing and Business Principles II, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ACBS 571         Risk Assessment, Management and Communication, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ABE 552           Globalization, Sustainability Innovation, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ACCT 521         Business Law for Accountants, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ALC 509           Team Organizational Leadership, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ALC 510           Entrepreneurial Leadership in Agriculture and the Life Sciences, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ALC 511           Principles and Application of Organizational Development, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ALC 522           Communicating Knowledge in Agriculture and Life Sciences, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

AREC 550         Financial Management for Agribusiness, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BIOS 675          Clinical Trials and Intervention Studies 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

BNAD 597B     Advanced Consulting Projects, 3-4 units, minimum required grade A or B

CBIO 597C       Grant Writing for Graduate Students, 1 unit, minimum required grade A or B

CTS 595C         Responsible Conduct of Research, 1 unit, minimum required grade A or B

ECON 578        Energy, the Environment, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

EHS 575           Environmental and Occupational Health, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENGR 512A      Management of Technology, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENGR 514        Law for Engineers/Scientists, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 506         Introduction to Entrepreneurship, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 515         Strategic Planning , 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 548         Healthcare Entrepreneurship, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 557         Project Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

ENTR 581A      Assessing Early Stage Medical Technologies for Commercialization, 2 units, minimum required grade A or B

GRAD 595D     Regulatory Issues in Laboratory Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

IMB 521           Scientific Grantsmanship,  2 units, minimum required grade A or B

LAW 695D       Regulatory Science, 1 unit, minimum required grade A or B

LAW 576A       Drug, Discovery, Development and Marketing Obligations, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

LAW 578A       Legal and Regulatory Aspects for Health Care Delivery, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

LAW 589A       Regulatory Science Case Study Project, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MCB 695E        Science, Society, and Ethics, 1 unit, minimum required grade A or B

MGMT 535      International Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MGMT 538      Health Organization and Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MGMT 563      Doing Business In/With Africa, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MIS 506           Healthcare Information Systems, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MIS 578           Project Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

MKTG 510       Marketing-Based Management, 2 units, A or B

MSE 502          Research Proposal Preparation, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PCOL 5 84        Fundamentals in Industrial and Environmental Health, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHPM 506       Economic Foundations for Health Sciences, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHPM 562       Health Services Administration, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHPM 569       Fundamentals of Health Budgeting and Financial Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHPM 574       Public Health Policy and Management, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

PHSC 513         Health Technology Assessment, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

SIE 515             Technical Sales and Marketing, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

SIE 567             Financial Modeling for Innovation, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

SLHS 649         Survival Skills and Ethics, 3 units, minimum required grade A or B

Minimum GPA in Elective coursework: 3.0

 
Additional Requirements

Students need to do an oral presentation and submit a written report of the internship

See our Student Handbook for detailed information: https://abs.arizona.edu/current-students/student-handbook

 
Student Handbook

Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.

 

Persistent link: https://grad.arizona.edu/catalog/programinfo/ABSPSMIMB
Last revised 02 Dec 2022
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