The University of Massachusetts campuses are offering a new doctorate program in Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology. The goals of this collaboration between the Boston, Lowell, Dartmouth, and Worcester campuses are to promote communication amongst disciplines and to create a team approach towards solving scientific questions.
The program has about 200 faculty members involved with 800 research areas and 300 relevant courses across the campuses. In addition to promoting cooperation within the University network, teamwork with outside facilities is an aim of the program. The 600 biotechnology (or related) companies within eastern Massachusetts provide an excellent opportunity for job placement after graduation and possibly graduate internships.
Students from a broad range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply to any of the four campuses. Particularly strong candidates will have backgrounds in biology, chemistry, engineering, clinical sciences, mathematics, or physics.
Qualified students are accepted immediately into the PhD program and are awarded a Master of Science degree after the completion of 31 credits. Core classes provide students with a solid foundation of multiple disciplines: Introduction to Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, Instrumentation and Laboratory Experience, Mathematics (level dependent on student’s background), Quantitative Physiology, Bioethics, and Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology.
There are many disciplines to specialize within the Biomedical Engineering track such as Biomaterials, Biomedical Information Systems, Biomedical Instrumentation, Biomechanics, Medical Imaging, and Medical Physics/Radiological Sciences. Studying these specialties can train students in tissue engineering, bioinformatics, signal processing, cell imaging, nuclear instrumentation, in addition to other related topics.
Within the Biotechnology track students may specialize in Agricultural Biotechnology, Bioprocessing/Applied Microbiology, or Molecular Biotechnology. These specialties will train students in pharmacology, applied genetic engineering, biochemical applications, and other areas.
One of the main differences with this PhD program in comparison with other PhD programs in the Biological Sciences offered at UMass Boston is the requirement of laboratory rotations prior to specializing in a particular dissertation project. This can help students explore multiple disciplines, projects, and advisors.
Interested student can gain more information at http://www.bio.umb.edu/Programs/GraduatePrograms/PhD_BMEBT.html or you may contact the UMass Boston Director, Dr. Joseph Gindhart of the Biology department.