International Biotechnology (PhD)
The Doctorate in Philosophy in International Biotechnology, within its general goals, aims to train professionals focused on mastering the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in the area of biotechnology in an international context. The program concentrates its interest in scientific research and technological innovation in agriculture, industry, the environment, and health. The PhD seeks to contribute to the formation of values and attitudes, within the ethical, legal and social framework that should characterize the professional in the field of Biotechnology. In addition, it recognizes the importance of scientific research in solving real problems that affect the quality of life of societies globally. The profile of academic competences will allow to find solutions to problems from a critical, creative and ethical perspective.
The Barranquitas Campus is authorized to offer this program.
Program Goals
This doctorate aims to achieve the following goals:
- Develop professionals focused on the domain of biotechnology knowledge within an international context.
- Promote research and the use of technology as a means to generate the production of knowledge in the area of biotechnology.
- Promote the solution of problems related to biotechnology within a framework of ethical, legal and social responsibility.
- Develop leaders in biotechnology research committed to their professional development as a means to promote better discipline practice in an international context.
Program Objectives
The program seeks to achieve the following general objectives:
- Generate in an integrated way, theoretical and methodological knowledge in the area of biotechnology.
- Use research, sources of information and technological advances to support the development of innovations in the area of biotechnology.
- Apply the ethical, legal and social dimensions in the processes of problem solving and decision-making related to the practice of biotechnology in local and international settings.
- Demonstrate commitment to the continuous improvement of the professional skills required in the field of biotechnology.
Competencies Profile of Graduates
The program is designed to develop the skills that allow the student:
Knowledge
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The fundamental concepts of molecular biology, epigenetics, proteomics, bioinformatics, genetic expression, laws, regulations and international standards of biotechnology.
- The theoretical, practical and methodological principles of food safety and metabolic engineering and of agricultural, industrial and marine biotechnology.
- The theoretical, practical and methodological applications of biotechnology in the areas of agriculture, health, environment, industry and biosafety.
- Specialized molecular techniques for transformation and genetic expression, amplification and computerized analysis of genetic material.
Skills
- Manage statistical analysis for the interpretation of findings or results of scientific research.
- Apply protocols for in vitro culture of cells, tissues and organs of animal or plant origin for biological regeneration through transgenesis, cisgenesis and intragenesis technologies.
- Apply the principles of sequencing, bioinformatics, genetic, and molecular marker technology, genetic maps and genomic information to generate innovative biotechnological products.
- Apply the use of microbial enzymes, animal cell lines and structural parts of plant species as bioreactors for commercial use.
- Apply high technology in scientific research in an international context for the development of technological innovation in the area of agricultural, environmental, animal, plant, and industrial biotechnology.
Attitudes
- Demonstrate a responsible attitude towards the ethical, legal and social effects of agricultural, environmental, animal, plant, and industrial biotechnology.
- Identify areas of potential need for the training and application of biotechnology in solving personal, social, environmental, and economic problems.
- Demonstrate commitment to research, teaching and continuing education in the various areas of biotechnology.
Admission Requirements
The Doctorate in Philosophy in International Biotechnology (Ph.D.) provides two admission routes: (1) students who have a master's degree in science or related areas and (2) students who have a bachelor's degree in science and are interested in direct admission to the doctoral program through a combined curriculum of master and doctoral level courses.
Requirements for students with a Master of Science degree (Route 1)
- Submit evidence of having completed a Master of Science degree with a minimum academic index (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. In the case of degrees obtained in institutions outside the United States, these must be verified and accredited by the World Educational Service (WES) or some similar entity for the determination of equivalences with degrees from American universities.
- Submit three letters of recommendation.
- Present a letter of motivation or purpose of studies. This letter should explain the reasons why the student aspires to a doctoral degree in Biotechnology.
- Applicants of international origin who are admitted to the program must obtain their visa or work permit according to the guidelines established by the US Department of Homeland Security.
Requirements for students with Bachelor of Science degree (Route 2)
- Submit evidence of having completed a Bachelor of Science degree with a minimum academic index (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. In the case of degrees obtained in institutions outside the United States, these must be verified and accredited by the World Educational Service (WES) or some similar entity for the determination of equivalences with degrees from American universities.
- Pass a minimum of three (3) credits in each of the following courses or equivalent courses at the master's level:
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics
- Biosecurity
- Plant Biotechnology
- Instrumental Analysis of Biomolecules
- Industrial and Commercial Biotechnology
The student must pass these master's courses, with a minimum average of 3.00 points, before beginning the core courses required by the doctoral program.
- Submit three letters of recommendation.
- Present a letter of motivation or purpose of studies. This letter should explain the reasons why the student aspires to a doctoral degree in Biotechnology.
Applicants of international origin who are selected by the program must obtain their visa or work permit according to the guidelines established by the US Department of Homeland Security.
Retention Requirements
- Pass all courses in the program with a minimum grade of B. Students who do not meet this requirement must repeat the courses.
- Comply with all the requirements set forth in the Thesis Guidelines and in the Thesis Manual.
Graduation Requirements
The granting of the doctoral degree will be subject to compliance with the following requirements:
- Complete the doctoral degree with a minimum academic average of 3.0.
- Show evidence that the research article on the doctoral dissertation has been accepted for publication in a scientific journal that requires peer review.
- Receive approval of your doctoral dissertation.
- Present your dissertation work at an international scientific congress in or outside of Puerto Rico.
Transfer Requirements
No work with academic credit done in a time greater than 5 years will be considered for validation purposes. The course expiration rule will be applied to these courses.
Requirements for the Doctorate in Philosophy in International Biotechnology
| Core Courses Requirements |
24 credits |
| Specialization Requirements |
12 credits |
| Operational Requirements |
15 credits |
| Prescribed Distributive Requirements |
9 credits |
| Total |
60 credits |
Core Courses Requirements - 24 credits
Specialization Requirements - 12 credits
| BIOT 7310 | Global Problems in Biotechnology | 3 |
| BIOT 7320 | Bioethics and International Regulatory Problems | 3 |
| BIOT 7330 | Rotation in Biotechnology Laboratories | 3 |
| BIOT 8917 | International Practices | 3 |
Operational Requirements - 15 credits
Prescribed Distributive Requirements - 9 credits
The student must select 3 courses from this component: