Biotechnology B.S./M.S. (4 +1)

Master of Science in Biotechnology 

 The 4+1 BS/MS program is a combined Biotechnology BS major/Biotechnology MS degree that students complete in 5 years.

The Biotechnology degree is geared for those seeking a career in the biotechnology industry. Students in the program take core classes in both biotech science-related and bio-entrepreneurship curricula. This program combines molecular biology rigor with soft skills to provide the essential background for interfacing research with successful workplace interactions in the biotech industry. Our mission is to provide motivated students with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully enter or advance their careers in the biotechnology industry. 

Admission Requirements and Application to the 4+1 Accelerated Program: 

Students must meet the following criteria to be considered for the 4+1 accelerated PSM:

  1. Students must apply after their sophomore year in the BS program (Most students apply in the spring semester of their sophomore year.)
  2. Maintain a GPA of 3.2 or above in their BS work (both overall and in their major)
  3. Submit an essay up to 500 words that describes their interest in the program and future career plans
  4. Complete 90 credits by the end of their sixth semester or 60 credits by the end of the fourth semester in the BS
  5. Submit an official copy of their transcripts
  6. Submit one (1) letter of recommendation from a professor in their major
  7. Please note: The GRE is waived for 4+1 applicants.

Applications may be obtained from the Biological Sciences Department. 

ADVANTAGES OF THE 4+1 PROGRAM:

  • Once accepted into the PSM program, students can transfer up to 14 credits from their undergraduate courses to the MS degree, provided:
    • They have more than the required 120 credits for their undergraduate degree
    • Students obtain a grade of B or better in each course.
  • Students can take up to two graduate-level (400 level or above) science courses during each of their final three semesters.
  • Students are charged the undergraduate tuition rate for graduate courses taken during the final three semesters of their undergraduate program. 

VU Biology graduates should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate proficiency in general biology concepts and theories, as well as in self-selected biology sub-disciplines in order to succeed in careers and graduate programs.
  2. Illustrate sufficient proficiency in calculus, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics in order to understand biological concepts involving these disciplines.
  3. Operate basic scientific instruments necessary for biological investigations such as microscopes, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, electrophoresis equipment and pH meters thus demonstrating competency in basic laboratory skills, cell culture, and field techniques. 
  4. Design and conduct experiments –both individually and in small groups– using appropriate strategies such as: collect, organize, analyze, interpret, and present quantitative & qualitative data and incorporate them into the broader context of biological knowledge. 
  5. Analyze and evaluate various types of scientific information including primary research articles, mass media sources and world-wide web information.
  6. Disseminate and present biological data with theoretical and historical perspectives –both in oral and written formats– to a diverse audience.
  7. Use critical and creative thinking to solve problems by compiling and analyzing scientific information from library, electronic, and experimental sources. Effectively apply current technology and scientific methodologies for problem solving.
  8. Articulate historical, current, and theoretical issues relating to biology and society within a Christ-centered worldview that allows for evaluation of the relationship of scientific theories with ethical and religious perspectives, particularly those common to Pentecostal Christians.

Course Requirements:

Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (122 units, 4 years) 

Core Curriculum Requirements46
Biotechnology Major Requirements76
General Electives0
Total Units122

Biotechnology Major requirements:  

Lower Division:
BIOL-111
111L
Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology
and Principles of Biology Lab,Principles of Cell/Molecular Biology Lab
4
BIOL-112
112L
Principles of Organismal Biology
and Principles of Organismal Biology Lab
4
BIOL-220
220L
Cell Biology
and Cell Biology Lab
4
BIOT-200
200L
Introduction to Biotechnology
and Introduction to Biotechnology Laboratory
4
CHEM-120
120L
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Lab
4
CHEM-121
121L
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Lab
4
MATH-180CCalculus 14
MATH-265CIntro to Statistical Methods3
or MATH-270C Health Professions Statistical Methods
PSCI-130C
130CL
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
PSCI-131
131L
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
Upper Division:
BIOL-309
309L
Microbiology
and Microbiology Laboratory
4
BIOL-440
440L
Molecular Biology
and Techniques in Molecular Biology
4
BIOL-450UG Research or Internship Program2
or BIOL-485 Undergrad Biological Research
BIOL-499CCapstone Seminar in Biology2
BIOT-403Adv. Research Methods in Biotechnology3
BIOT-405
405L
Bioinformatics
and Bioinformatics Laboratory
4
BIOT-413Cell Culture Techniques3
CHEM-304
304L
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Techniques I
4
CHEM-305
305L
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Technqs II
4
MNGT-325Management Theory/Practice3
CHEM-430
430L
Biochemistry
and Experimental Tech/Biochemistry
4
Total Units76

Master of Science in Biotechnology (22 units, 1 year) 

Advanced Project Options (6 units, may be split between two semesters):6
Internship Program
Independent Advanced Research
BIOT-508Legal and Social Ethics in Science3
BIOT-511Regulations and Quality Management2
BIOT-515Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis3
BIOT-600Bioinnovation/Entrepreneurship/Biotech2
BIOT-603Bus Analytics and Professional Comm3
BIOT-699Graduate Seminar1
PSOG-507Intro to Psychology and Behavior in Org In Organizations3
Total Units23

Disclaimer: This sample Four Year Plan is provided as a guide for the recommended sequencing of courses. Vanguard University requires that students complete a minimum of 120 units of required course work as outlined on the Requirements tab in order to receive a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. It is the student's responsibility to confirm with the department the course rotation before enrolling in courses. If applicable, please note the footnotes at the bottom of the page for additional information related to courses listed in a particular year and term. Questions, contact the Department of Biology.

Study Abroad Participation: Students interested in participating in the university's Study Abroad programs are encouraged to reach out to the Global Education and Outreach Office for more information and collaboration in their academic course planning. Students using Education and Training Benefits through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs are encouraged to also reach out to the School Certifying Official for more information regarding how benefits can be applied.

 
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1 Term 1Units
CORE-100C Cornerstone 1
BIOL-111 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 3
BIOL-111L Principles of Biology Lab,Principles of Cell/Molecular Biology Lab 1
CHEM-120 General Chemistry I 3
CHEM-120L General Chemistry I Lab 1
NT-101C New Testament Survey 3
ENGL-120C Persuasive Writing 3
 Units15
Year 1 Term 2
BIOL-112 Principles of Organismal Biology 3
BIOL-112L Principles of Organismal Biology Lab 1
CHEM-121 General Chemistry II 3
CHEM-121L General Chemistry II Lab 1
PSYC-103C Introduction to Psychology 3
 Units11
Year 2 Term 1
BIOL-220 Cell Biology 3
BIOL-220L Cell Biology Lab 1
CHEM-304 Organic Chemistry I 3
CHEM-304L Organic Chemistry Techniques I 1
KINE-148C Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Lecture 3
THEO-101C Foundations of Christian Life 3
ENGL-220C Researched Writing 3
 Units17
Year 2 Term 2
BIOT-200 Introduction to Biotechnology 3
BIOT-200L Introduction to Biotechnology Laboratory 1
CHEM-305 Organic Chemistry II 3
CHEM-305L Organic Chemistry Technqs II 1
MATH-PLSTATMath Sci Stat Or Into to Stat 3
OT-201C Old Testament Survey 3
FINA-PLCRFine Arts Core Curriculum Requirement 3
 Units17
Year 3 Term 1
MATH-180C Calculus 1 4
PSCI-130C General Physics I 3
PSCI-130CL General Physics I Lab 1
BIOL-309 Microbiology 3
BIOL-309L Microbiology Laboratory 1
COMM-201C Speech Composition and Presentation 3
 Units15
Year 3 Term 2
PSCI-131 General Physics II 3
PSCI-131L General Physics II Lab 1
MNGT-325 Management Theory/Practice 3
BIOT-413 Cell Culture Techniques 3
HIST-PLCR1History Core Req (US Hist Or Democracy) 3
BIOL-PLUGRUndergraduate Research or Internship 2
 Units15
Year 4 Term 1
BIOL-440 Molecular Biology 3
BIOL-440L Techniques in Molecular Biology 1
CHEM-430 Biochemistry 3
CHEM-430L Experimental Tech/Biochemistry 1
THEO-300C Developing a Christian World View 3
HIST-PLCR2History Core Requirement (World Civ) 3
SOC-PLCRSocial Science Core Curriculum Reqm't 3
 Units17
Year 4 Term 2
BIOT-403 Adv. Research Methods in Biotechnology 3
BIOT-405 Bioinformatics 3
BIOT-405L Bioinformatics Laboratory 1
BIOL-499C Capstone Seminar in Biology 2
CHIS-400C Christian Heritage 3
ENGL-230C Literature and the Human Experience 3
 Units15
Year 4 Term 3
BIOT-PLHDRSBiotechnology Advanced Project Option 6
 Units6
Year 5 Term 1
PSOG-505 Intro to Psychology and Behavior in Org In Organizations 3
BIOT-515 Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis 3
BIOT-508 Legal and Social Ethics in Science 3
 Units9
Year 5 Term 2
BIOT-603 Bus Analytics and Professional Comm 3
BIOT-511 Regulations and Quality Management 2
BIOT-600 Bioinnovation/Entrepreneurship/Biotech 2
BIOT-699 Graduate Seminar 1
 Units8
 Total Units145