Campuses:
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Twin Cities Campus
Microbial Engineering M.S.BioTechnology Institute
College of Biological Sciences
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
M.S. Program in Microbial Engineering, University of Minnesota, 1479 Gortner Avenue, Suite 140, Saint Paul, MN 55108 (612-624-6774; fax 612-625-5780)
Email:
mice@umn.edu
Website: http://www.bti.umn.edu/MicE
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the
General Information section of
this
website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
Microbial engineering allows students to pursue an interdisciplinary program that combines microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, chemical engineering, and related sciences. Students perform brief rotations in faculty laboratories to choose an independent project, and tailor their coursework to support and complement their research. Projects can span modern basic microbiology, applied industrial engineering, as well as include computer science and informatics disciplines. After graduation, many students choose to continue on to a PhD program in a related discipline or work directly in biotechnology research and development. Supporting courses are chosen from fields including biochemistry, microbiology, food science, genetics and cell biology, and computer science. The program is coordinated by the BioTechnology Institute (BTI) and involves faculty from 10 departments and 5 institutes of the University.
Program Delivery
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program
is 3.00.
Science or Engineering Discipline
N/A
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Typically, applicants with a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, biochemistry, chemistry, or chemical engineering or related engineering disciplines apply. Recommended academic preparation includes one year each of calculus, organic chemistry, physics, microbiology, and a background in a field such as basic chemical engineering, biology, physical chemistry, or genetics. Background deficiencies can be made up during the first year of graduate work. Most students enter the program with a GPA of 3.00 or higher.
Special Application Requirements:
Three letters of recommendation, scores from the General Test of the GRE, the TOEFL score for international applicants, transcripts, Curriculum Vitae, and an autobiographical statement including occupational goals must be submitted to the director of graduate studies. Applications are accepted for fall semester only. To receive full consideration for financial aid, students must apply for fall semester admission by January 14.
Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
Key to test
abbreviations
(GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the
General Information section of this
website.
Program Requirements
Plan A: Plan A requires
14
major credits,
6
credits outside the major,
and
10
thesis credits.
The final exam is oral.
Plan B: Plan B requires
24
major credits and
6
credits outside the major.
The final exam is oral.
This program may not be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
MicE Requirements
All students are required to sign up for the following courses:
MicE 5355 (1 Credit during winter break with special registration) and MicE 8990 (1 Credit per semester) Attendance is MANDATORY for two semesters. Two credits are needed for graduation.
MICE 5355 - Advanced Fermentation and Biocatalysis Laboratory
(1.0 cr)
MICE 8990 - Biotechnology Seminar
(1.0-3.0 cr)
Computer Proficiency Requirement
Students are required to show evidence of competence in using computers and a practical working knowledge of at least one computer language such as Pascal, Fortran, python, scripting, or statistical packages appropriate to their area of interest. Experience and competence may be obtained by passing a semester of basic computer use and programming courses, or submitting evidence that Equivalent courses of study have been completed elsewhere. (One course upper level required.)
BIOL 5272 - Applied Biostatistics
(4.0 cr)
or
CSCI 5421 - Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures
(3.0 cr)
Plan Options
Plan A
Take at least 14 additional course credits, in consultation with the advisor, and 10 thesis credits (MICE 8777).
Thesis Credits
Take at least 10 master's thesis credits.
MICE 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's
(1.0-18.0 cr)
RELATED ELECTIVES
A maximum of 9 credits of 4000-level coursework is allowed. Additional courses can be used with the approval of the director of graduate studies.
Take 14 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
BBE 4713 - Biological Process Engineering
(3.0 cr)
·
BBE 5713 - Biological Process Engineering
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 4125 - Laboratory in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 4331 - Biochemistry I: Structure, Catalysis, and Metabolism in Biological Systems
(4.0 cr)
·
BIOC 4332 - Biochemistry II: Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Transduction and Gene Expression
(4.0 cr)
·
BIOC 4521 - Introduction to Physical Biochemistry
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5309 - Biocatalysis and Biodegradation
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5352 - Biotechnology and Bioengineering for Biochemists
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5361 - Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5527 {Inactive}
(4.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5xxx
·
BIOC 8084 - Research and Literature Reports
(1.0 cr)
·
BIOL 4003 - Genetics
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOL 4004 - Cell Biology
(3.0 cr)
·
CHEN 5751 - Biochemical Engineering
(3.0 cr)
·
CHEN 5xxx
·
CHEN 8754 - Systems Analysis of Biological Processes
(3.0 cr)
·
CHEN 8xxx
·
FSCN 4121 - Food Microbiology
(3.0 cr)
·
FSCN 4122 - Food Fermentations and Biotechnology
(2.0 cr)
·
FSCN 4332 {Inactive}
(3.0 cr)
·
GCD 5036 - Molecular Cell Biology
(3.0 cr)
·
GCD 8131 - Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics
(3.0 cr)
·
GCD 8151 - Cellular Biochemistry and Cell Biology
(2.0-4.0 cr)
·
MICA 8002 - Structure, Function, and Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses
(4.0 cr)
·
MICB 4131 - Immunology
(3.0 cr)
·
MICB 4151 - Molecular and Genetic Bases for Microbial Diseases
(3.0 cr)
·
MICB 4171 - Biology, Genetics, and Pathogenesis of Viruses
(3.0 cr)
·
MICB 4215 - Advanced Laboratory: Microbial Physiology and Diversity
(3.0 cr)
·
MICB 4235 - Advanced Laboratory: Virology, Immunology, and Microbial Genetics
(3.0 cr)
·
MICE 5035 - Personal Microbiome Analysis
(3.0 cr)
·
MICE 5xxx
·
MICE 8920 - Teaching Practicum
(1.0 cr)
·
MICE 8xxx
·
PMB 8123 - Research Ethics in the Plant and Environmental Sciences
(0.5 cr)
·
STAT 5021 - Statistical Analysis
(4.0 cr)
-OR-
Plan B
Take 24 additional credits, in consultation with the advisor.
RELATED ELECTIVES
Take 24 or more credit(s) from the following:
·
BBE 4713 - Biological Process Engineering
(3.0 cr)
·
BBE 5713 - Biological Process Engineering
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 4125 - Laboratory in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 4331 - Biochemistry I: Structure, Catalysis, and Metabolism in Biological Systems
(4.0 cr)
·
BIOC 4332 - Biochemistry II: Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Transduction and Gene Expression
(4.0 cr)
·
BIOC 4521 - Introduction to Physical Biochemistry
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5352 - Biotechnology and Bioengineering for Biochemists
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5361 - Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5527 {Inactive}
(4.0 cr)
·
BIOC 5xxx
·
BIOC 8084 - Research and Literature Reports
(1.0 cr)
·
BIOL 4003 - Genetics
(3.0 cr)
·
BIOL 4004 - Cell Biology
(3.0 cr)
·
CHEN 5751 - Biochemical Engineering
(3.0 cr)
·
CHEN 5xxx
·
CHEN 8xxx
·
FSCN 4121 - Food Microbiology
(3.0 cr)
·
FSCN 4122 - Food Fermentations and Biotechnology
(2.0 cr)
·
FSCN 4332 {Inactive}
(3.0 cr)
·
GCD 5036 - Molecular Cell Biology
(3.0 cr)
·
GCD 8131 - Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics
(3.0 cr)
·
GCD 8151 - Cellular Biochemistry and Cell Biology
(2.0-4.0 cr)
·
MICA 8002 - Structure, Function, and Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses
(4.0 cr)
·
MICB 4131 - Immunology
(3.0 cr)
·
MICB 4151 - Molecular and Genetic Bases for Microbial Diseases
(3.0 cr)
·
MICB 4215 - Advanced Laboratory: Microbial Physiology and Diversity
(3.0 cr)
·
MICB 4235 - Advanced Laboratory: Virology, Immunology, and Microbial Genetics
(3.0 cr)
·
MICE 5xxx
·
MICE 8xxx
·
BIOC 5309 - Biocatalysis and Biodegradation
(3.0 cr)
·
CHEN 8754 - Systems Analysis of Biological Processes
(3.0 cr)
·
MICE 5035 - Personal Microbiome Analysis
(3.0 cr)
·
MICE 8920 - Teaching Practicum
(1.0 cr)
·
PMB 8123 - Research Ethics in the Plant and Environmental Sciences
(0.5 cr)
·
STAT 5021 - Statistical Analysis
(4.0 cr)
|
|
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | MicE 5355/ChEn 5355 |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -3.0 [max 6.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Biol 3272Biol 3272H//Biol 5272 |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -18.0 [max 50.0] |
Grading Basis: | No Grade |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BBE 4713/BBE 5713 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BBE 4713/BBE 5713 |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BioC 4125/BioC 4185/Biol 4125/ |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BioC 3021/BioC 3022/BioC 4331/ |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Bioc 5309/MicE 5309 |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BioC 5352/MicB 5352 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 5.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Biol 4003/GCD 3022 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Biol 4004/GCD 3033/4005W |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | MicB 4131/VPM 4131 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | MicB 4141W/4171 |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 0.5 [max 0.5] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BBE 4713/BBE 5713 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BBE 4713/BBE 5713 |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BioC 4125/BioC 4185/Biol 4125/ |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Summer |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BioC 3021/BioC 3022/BioC 4331/ |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | BioC 5352/MicB 5352 |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 5.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Biol 4003/GCD 3022 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Biol 4004/GCD 3033/4005W |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | OPT No Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 2.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | MicB 4131/VPM 4131 |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Bioc 5309/MicE 5309 |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 0.5 [max 0.5] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |