University of Florida launches unique translational biotechnology master’s program

03-Sep-2010 - USA

The University of Florida College of medicine in collaboration with UF’s Warrington College of Business Administration has started a two-year master’s program in translational biotechnology that will prepare graduates for management roles in industry and academia by equipping them with knowledge and skills critical for developing new therapies for use in humans. The first of its kind in Florida, the program is supported by a three-year, $700,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.

The program is especially timely because biotechnology is poised as an important economic engine that will power growth for the state of Florida.

In addition to curricular and practical training in biomedical and laboratory science, students will receive intensive training in business administration. Graduates will earn a Master of Science degree in medical sciences, with a minor in business administration.

“They are going to really understand the science fundamentals, how products are developed, how business functions, what the main drivers of project management are, how projects and resources are budgeted, the types of timelines involved and the different kinds of expertise needed to develop new therapeutic products,” said molecular genetics and microbiology associate professor Richard Snyder, Ph.D., the program director and director of Biotherapeutic Programs in the UF Office of Research.

Students entering the program typically have a strong background in chemistry and biology and will learn how to conduct advanced applied research. By the time they graduate from the program, they will also have a strong grounding in business management. The program presents additional career and re-training options in a high-skill, high-wage industry for many individuals, including traditional students and people who are underemployed or have been displaced.

The two-year, thesis-optional program is research-intensive and includes a formal internship at a Florida biotechnology company. Industry leaders serve on the program’s advisory board.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/122378/university-of-florida-launches-unique-translational-biotechnology-masters-program.html