MSc in Biotechnology - Structural Biology in Irvine United States | University of California Irvine

The Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry provides a Master of Science program in Biotechnology. This field applies fundamental principles from biology, chemistry, and chemical engineering to address real-world challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and industrial production. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with hands-on research experience. New students engage in core lab courses covering protein purification and analysis, cell culture techniques, and genetic engineering methods. Additionally, students collaborate directly with faculty on ongoing research initiatives. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in science or equivalent, with selection based on academic performance, recommendation letters, GRE results, and professional experience. Key Research Focus Areas: Nucleic Acid Structure and Synthesis, Protein Structure and Production, Genetic Engineering Techniques, Protein Analysis Methods, Cell Culture Applications, Commercial Product Development, Scientific Investigation

The department's structural biology team employs advanced techniques including x-ray crystallography to examine biomolecular structures. Their crystallography unit specializes in ultra-high resolution imaging (1.0√Ö or higher) to elucidate molecular mechanisms. Faculty maintain strong interdisciplinary collaborations - for instance, crystallography researchers recently discovered an enzyme with potential for treating parasitic and bacterial infections. This finding has spurred joint projects with the parasitology research team to combat infectious diseases. The crystallography group has successfully determined the atomic structures of numerous biologically significant proteins.