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What is Molecular Biotechnology?

Learn why molecular biotechnology scientists are essential members of modern health care environments.

An area of tremendous growth, molecular biotechnology features the use of laboratory techniques to study and modify nucleic acids and proteins. The practice of molecular biotechnology results from the convergence of many areas of research, such as molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics and cell biology.

Why study Molecular Biotechnology?

The exciting, dynamic and rapidly changing field is fueled by the ability to transfer genetic information between organisms with the goal of understanding important biological processes or creating a useful product.

The tools of molecular biotechnology can be applied to develop and improve drugs, vaccines, therapies and diagnostic tests that will improve human and animal health.

Employment opportunities

Biomedicine and biotechnology have been identified by presidential and congressional commissions as leading growth sectors of the American and world economies in the 21st century.

The U.S. Department of Labor states that significant workforce supply and demand gaps already exist across the country and that this shortage extends across all levels of education. As the impact of molecular biotechnology expands, the need for individuals with the knowledge and experience base for technical and leadership positions in various bioscience/biotechnology-oriented settings will continue to grow.

Molecular Biotechnology at the KU Medical Center

KU's innovative Master of Science in Molecular Biotechnology program is designed to meet the needs of the growing biosciences community through broad-based training and experience in bioscience and biotechnology. The program faculty possess advanced degrees in specializations that are directly associated with molecular biotechnologies and the application of those technologies.

The intensive core curriculum includes biochemistry, molecular genetics, cell structure, cell signaling, research ethics, radiation safety and current issues in biotechnology. Students complete laboratory coursework in a broad range of nucleic acid- and protein-based molecular technologies.

In lieu of thesis-oriented research, students perform practicums in biotechnology research and development settings. This provides students with extensive hands-on experience in a broad range of molecular biotechnologies as well as day-to-day real-life experience in bioscience research and development sectors.

KU School of Health Professions

University of Kansas Medical Center
Department of Clinical Laboratory Science
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Mailstop 4048
Kansas City, KS 66160
913-588-5220 • 711 TTY