In the field of medicine, genetically engineered animals, as well as human gene therapies, have immense potential. 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.
Students also participate in individual faculty research projects.
Applications are evaluated on the basis of grades, recommendation letters, GRE scores, and other relevant qualifications. 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. A typical sample program is presented below.