Graduate Studies
Masters of Engineering in Chemical Engineering: Medical and Industrial Biotechnology Concentration
- Course Offerings (to come)
The School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is starting a new M. Eng. concentration in Medical and Industrial Biotechnology (MIB) in Fall 2009 for AY 2009-10. Biotechnology is one of the key enabling technologies of the 21st century with a wide range of applications including:
• generation of green energy
• prevention and treatment of human diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's;
• creation of more abundant and nutritious foods produced with less pesticides and herbicides;
and
• remediation of oil spills and other hazardous wastes.
The MIB program has been specifically designed for students interested in tackling these challenges and who intend to pursue careers in the biotechnology industry.
The MIB program prepares students from engineering and life sciences for the interdisciplinary nature of the biotechnology industry by combining an integrated curriculum of modern biology and bioengineering courses with in-depth biotechnology research directed by Cornell faculty. Students acquire a broad perspective on the biotechnology discipline that complements their undergraduate training in engineering or science. The MIB curriculum is enhanced by a hands-on training laboratory that provides significant practical experience. Graduates will be equipped with the skills necessary for careers in biotechnology industries including manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, tissue culture, agricultural products, and new food and energy sources. The program is strengthened by an industrial advisory board whose members provide guidance and insight on all aspects of the biotechnology enterprise.
A total of 30 credits is required for the master of engineering degree and typically involves two semesters. All students must complete the following courses:
• CHEME 5430 Bioprocess Engineering, 3 credits
• CHEME 5440 MIB Laboratory, 5 credits
• CHEME 5450 Bioengineering Logic and Design, 1 credit
• CHEME 5460 Systems and Synthetic Biology, 3 credits
• CHEME 5650 MIB Design Project, 3 to 8 credits
• CHEME 4990 MIB Seminar, 1 credit
The MIB laboratory in the fall semester covers a variety of techniques including recombinant DNA and cloning, cell culture, protein production, small- and large-scale separations, and bioreactor design and operation. The design project in the spring semester applies methods and techniques learned in MIB Laboratory to a faculty-mentored independent project. Students investigate candidate projects in the fall semester under the auspices of CHEME 5450 (Bioengineering Logic and Design). After choosing a project, each student produces a prospectus containing a problem statement, significance, plan, and timeline for proposed project.
The remaining credits can be from engineering, science and business courses that are relevant to the biotechnology discipline. Examples include:
| AEP 4700 |
Biophysical Methods |
| BEE 3600 |
Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering |
| BEE 3680 |
Biotechnology Applications: Animal Bioreactors |
| BIOBM 4340 |
Applications of Molecular Biology to Medicine, Agriculture and Industry |
| BIOBM 4380 |
The RNA World |
| BIOBM 4390 |
The Molecular Basis of Human Disease |
| BIOPL 3800 |
Strategies and Methods in Drug Discovery |
| BME 6410 |
Biomedical Engineering Analysis of Proteins for Medicine |
| CEE 6580 |
Biodegradation and Biocatalysis |
| CEE 4510 |
Microbiology for Environmental Engineering |
| CHEM 6680 |
Chemical Aspects of Biological Processes |
Students are expected to have working knowledge of molecular and cellular-based bioengineering and engineering analysis of biomolecular systems when they enter the program; however, course are available to make up missing course work during the MIB program. Each student’s proposed curriculum must be approved by the MIB faculty coordinator.