Master of Science in Biotechnology Program, UW-Madison

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  • Alumni Case Study: Tanesha Norris, Class of 2015"I gained skills and knowledge to accompany my ambition."
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Alumni Case Study: Tanesha Norris, Class of 20156 UW-Madison and Biotechnology1 Alumni Case Study: Kenyon Koeper0 Madison's Biotechnology Economic Boom3 Alumni Case Study: Michael Matter, Class of 20165 Alumni Case Study: Catherine Reville, Class of 20154 Matthew Brieger, Class of 20168

University of Wisconsin - Madison's
Flagship Biotechnology Degree

During this global pandemic, biotechnology and its contribution to human health is clearer now more than ever. It's time to accelerate your career!

The Master of Science in Biotechnology offers:

  1. Exclusive evening/weekend courses that allow you to work full-time while enrolled
  2. A completed degree in less than two years
  3. An unmatched curriculum that weaves together topics in science, business and law
  4. Powerful skills that bring the "big picture" of life science product development and commercialization into clear focus
  5. A proven opportunity to significantly advance your career
  6. An extensive professional network and lifelong community

What's Being Taught This Week?

Year I: Biotechnology Operations
Session 4: BioManufacturing - Concentration and Purification, Aseptic Processing and Sterilization; and Clinical Development - Clinical Research, Clinical Operations, and Good Clinical Practice
Thursday, March 4, (6:00 PM - 12:00 PM)
and Friday morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Conf. Room 50, MG&E Building, University Research Park

Faculty Instructors: Ed Elder, Ph.D., R.Ph.; Colleen Adams, MTSC ; Abigail Davis, M.S. and Chris Sebranek, M.S.

The primary objectives of this session are to review the essential elements and principles of concentration and purification, aseptic processing and sterilization in biomanufacturing; and to present an overview of clinical research, the essential elements of clinical operations, and the principles Good Clinical Practice.

Year I: Project Management and Leadership
Session 4: Financial Project Management; Project Management and Leadership in a Global Environment; Managing Quality
Friday, March 5, (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Location: Conf. Room 50, MG&E Building, University Research Park

Faculty Instructor: Terri McDonnell, MBA

Session 4A: Communication Principles for Teams
Describe how individuals/group behaviors influence team communication. Discuss strategies for effective team communication.

Session 4B: Group & Individual Behaviors
Strength Finders Exercise. Learn to identify and understand individual strengths and their effects on leadership. Understand team/group behavior and how they influence project team performance.

Session 4C: Managing Group Behavior
Team leads a discussion on best management practices, highlighting those that will yield positive team and individual behaviors in biotechnology firms.

Year I: Molecular Technologies II
Session 4: Introduction to Genetic Identity/STR Analysis and Chromatography; Introduction to the Use of STR Analysis in Forensics
Saturday, March 6, (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
and Saturday morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Location: Online via BBCU

Faculty Instructors: Natalie Betz, PhD; Eric Vincent, PhD; Fernando Burmudez, MD, MS and Curtis Knox, MS, MBA

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In Session 4a, students will perform cation exchange chromatography on the crude bacterial lysate generated in Session 3b, using a Bio-Rad DuoFlow FPLC (Fast Performance Liquid Chromatography) system. Fractions will be collected for further purification in Session 5a using tangential flow filtration (TFF) or dialysis. Students will also be introduced to the concepts surrounding genetic identity and STR analysis.

In Session 4b, students will purify their own genomic DNA from cheek cells (buccal swabs) using a very simple lysis technique called SwabSolution. This DNA will then be used to perform STR amplification reactions (PowerPlex Fusion) for genotyping their own samples. The class will also analyze samples collected in a mock criminal case as well by purifying "touch DNA" using an automated magnetic silica purification method with prefilled reagent cartridges (Promega's Maxwell 16 system). Short tandem repeats (STRs) have become the hallmark for genetic identity in the forensics, paternity, and research communities, owing to the power and specificity of the technology. This session will allow students to understand the role such DNA analysis has in biotechnology and how it has revolutionized these fields. In addition, the use of STRs in crime scene analysis and forensics will be discussed by a former Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory expert.

Questions about the program?
Interested in applying?
Contact Bryan

Bryan Husk, MA
Assistant Director
Phone: (608) 265-0773
bthusk@wisc.edu
Contact Bryan Husk, Assistant Director, M.S. in Biotechnology Program, UW-Madison

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