Overview of the Combined BS/MS Program in Biotechnology

 Microarray: Each spot contains DNA from a different gene. The colors give information about how each gene is used under different conditions: red indicates increased expression, green indicates reduced expression, and yellow indicates no change. This technology allows thousands of genes to be analyzed at once

     The University of Nevada is proud to offer an exciting and highly innovative accelerated five-year combined BS/MS degree program in biotechnology.  This program, which will accommodate 20 students per year, is offered jointly by the Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Science, and the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources.  This new multidisciplinary program will provide the student with a broad-ranging, cutting edge education in the rapidly evolving field of Biotechnology by combining faculty from the Departments of Biology, Animal Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Veterinary Medicine.  Dr. Graça Almeida-Porada, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate studies for the Animal Biotechnology department is the Director for the new BS/MS Biotechnology Program.  The objective of our Biotechnology program is to meet the growing student interest in both career-directed education and biotechnology.  Because there is presently a shortage of MS degree level scientists in the biotechnology work force, the University of Nevada, Reno has responded by offering an interdisciplinary, combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Biotechnology. 

      Specifically, the program will aim to produce well-trained young scientists with theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and “real world” experience based on both academic research experiences and industry internships.  Graduates of this program will have numerous career opportunities in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries around the globe. The biotechnology program has strong institutional support because it will benefit our students and because the development of an indigenous biotechnology industry is a high priority in northern Nevada’s plan for economic diversification.