Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses (BS)
The Bachelor of Science in Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses addresses the need to provide knowledge of both molecular medicine and the processes that govern the manufacturing of therapeutic biomolecules. This interdisciplinary bachelor's degree prepares and trains scientists who will develop innovative bioprocesses to manufacture new therapeutic biomolecules and cell therapies under the strictest quality controls and in compliance with current regulations.
Upon completion of the program, students will have the academic background and skills necessary to occupy a position in the biopharmaceutical sector, working in positions related to research and development, as well as manufacturing and quality control. Graduates will also have the skills necessary to apply to professional schools and graduate programs.
The Arecibo Campus is authorized to offer this program.
Program goals
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To impart knowledge in the field of molecular medicine as an emerging science that underpins personalized medicine and the processes and regulations that govern the manufacturing of therapeutic biomolecules and cell therapies.
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To develop scientists qualified to understand, design, and apply innovative bioprocesses, enabling them to be part of an interdisciplinary team involved in the manufacturing of new therapeutic biomolecules and cell therapies under the strictest quality controls and in compliance with current regulations.
Program objectives
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To provide the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the importance of molecular medicine for the development of personalized treatments.
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To analyze the molecular and cellular bases that cause major human diseases through the use of analytical technologies that allow the evaluation of nucleic acid composition, protein structure and purity, and the structural and functional aspects of cells.
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To understand the manufacturing processes necessary to synthesize therapeutic biomolecules and design cellular treatments, considering the regulatory framework established by regional and international government agencies for the distribution, handling, and safe use of biological medicines.
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To provide laboratory experiences using the latest technologies in next-generation nucleotide sequencing, single-cell analysis, protein analysis, bioinformatics, and their use in the design of biological treatments.
Profile of Graduate Competencies
The Bachelor of Science in Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses aims to prepare graduates capable of demonstrating the following professional competencies:
Knowledge
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Emerging therapeutic modalities based on biological molecules and cell therapy.
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The cellular and molecular processes of the immune system used by the human body to maintain homeostasis and how these are translated into the development of biological therapies.
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The molecular mechanisms and pathways used by human mammalian cells to regulate growth and how these are translated into the development of biological therapies.
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The manufacturing processes used to synthesize biomolecules and produce cells for therapeutic purposes.
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National and international regulations applicable to industries that manufacture biotherapeutics and cell therapies, as well as the agencies that establish them.
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The stages involved in obtaining a biopharmaceutical product from conceptualization to approval for use and manufacturing.
Skills
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Write standardized experimental procedures that are aligned with regulations applicable to the manufacturing of biotherapeutics.
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Apply biochemical, cellular, and molecular techniques used to produce, isolate, purify, and analyze biological molecules for therapeutic use.
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Use instrumentation for the design, execution, and critical interpretation of experimental data related to molecular medicine and bioprocesses.
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Develop solutions to situations that arise during manufacturing processes and produce technical documents adapted to the requirements of regulatory agencies.
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Apply quantitative and statistical analysis methods for the interpretation of findings and the writing of scientific reports.
Attitudes
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Demonstrate the ability to perform responsibly and carry out collaborative and ethical work.
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Demonstrate commitment to their self-concept as a researcher and scientist, focused on the social responsibility that this entails and on continuous development.
Graduation Requirements
To meet the graduation requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, students must:
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Obtain a minimum overall GPA of 2.50.
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Obtain a grade of C or higher in the Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses (MMBP) courses that are part of the concentration requirements.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE AND BIOPROCESSES
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General Education Requirements
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42 credits
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Major Requirements
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51 credits
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Related Requirements
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33 credits
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Elective Courses
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3 credits
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Total
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129 credits
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General Education Requirements - 42 credits
Forty-two (42) credits are required as explained in the General Education Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees section. Students in the Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses program will be exempt from taking the GEST 2020 and 2030 courses in the Scientific and Technological Context category and GEHP 3000 in the Health and Quality of Life category.
Related Requirements - 33 credits
*Students of the Bachelor of Science in Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses are exempt from the Analytical Chemistry CHEM 3320 course requirement in order to take the Biochemistry CHEM 4220 course.
Major Requirements - 51 credits
| BIOL 1101 | General Biology I | 3 |
| BIOL 1102 | General Biology II | 3 |
| BIOL 1103 | Biology Skills Laboratory I | 1 |
| BIOL 1104 | Biology Skills Laboratory II | 1 |
| BIOL 2153 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| BIOL 3105 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL 3106 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| MMBP 3400 | Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| MMBP 3500 | Cellular and Molecular Immunology | 4 |
| MMBP 4100 | Applications of Molecular Medicine | 3 |
| MMBP 4200 | Expression Systems for Therapeutic Biological Products | 3 |
| MMBP 4300 | Bioanalytical Techniques and Instrumentation | 4 |
| MMBP 4400 | Cell Growth Regulation and Molecular Signaling Pathways | 3 |
| MMBP 4500 | Therapeutic Applications of Ribonucleic Acids | 3 |
| MMBP 4600 | Manufacturing and Formulation of Ribonucleic Acids | 3 |
| MMBP 4900 | Manufacturing and Formulation of Therapeutic Proteins | 3 |
| MMBP 4960 | Research Methods in Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses | 3 |