The Master’s Degree in Synthetic Biology contributes to society by training professionals who are capable of designing tools that allow for the optimization of resources and processes, providing added value in the development of products or through the generation of tools that contribute to the understanding of the molecular processes of biological systems.
The curriculum includes courses that lay the scientific foundations for the manipulation of genetic material. Likewise, it trains students in the use of molecular techniques and computer tools that allow to optimize the construction of molecular blocks and systems with a specific application. Additionally, it provides the necessary tools to venture into technological innovation and research, allowing students to use critical thinking about the reality of the use of cutting-edge molecular techniques for the development of the country.
Finally, the micro-curriculum will provide students with the theoretical-practical support essential for the understanding and application of genetic constructions in a host to obtain a product and understand the different physiological processes key to carry out their degree work as base to generate an application in the medium or long term.
Thus, the project presented articulates the different levels of learning with investigative skills and teaching based on problem solving, combining the characteristics and challenges of all curricular levels due to advances in relevance, quality, access, inclusion and the need to implement research and innovation.
AT A GLANCE
DEGREE AWARDED: Master in Synthetic Biology
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION: Spanish
DURATION: four (4) semesters
Face-to-face modality
LOCATION: Patrimonial Campus of Yachay Tech University, San Miguel de Urcuquí
SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday
RESOLUTION OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION COUNCIL: RPC-SO-25-No.574-2020
REGULATION FOR THE ADMISSION TO POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS: RCIFI-S0-011 No. 0320-2021
ADMISSION PROFILE
The applicant for the Master’s Program in Synthetic Biology must have an undergraduate degree in majors related to Science or Engineering: Medical, Biological, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Food, Agriculture, Chemistry, related engineering or the equivalent in their country of origin.
The program will accept professionals in other fields who can prove experience in research and development in Synthetic Biology.
Applications from students in the last semester of their undergraduate programs will be accepted, as long as they submit the degree or certificate before starting the master’s degree.
REQUIREMENTS
The Synthetic Biology Master’s Program of Yachay Tech University will select its students in compliance with the premises of non-discrimination, as stated in the Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador and the Organic Law of Higher Education (LOES). Applicants must have completed studies at national or international universities or polytechnic schools, recognized by SENESCYT, under a face-to-face modality, with a duration of no less than four (4) years.
Applicants must:
- Have an undergraduate degree, duly registered by the governing body of public policy for higher education according to the admission profile.
- In the event that the degree was obtained abroad, in order to enroll in the program, the student must submit said degree to the University, duly apostilled or legalized by consular means.
- Have studied at national or international universities or polytechnic schools duly recognized by the Ecuadorian Educational System under a face-to-face modality, with a duration of no less than four years.
- Attend an interview by the Admission Committee designated by the postgraduate authorities for orientation purposes in order to learn more in depth about the Master’s program, the professional profile and the applicant’s motivation to apply to the program. (1/3)
- Evidence indicating said motivation will be subject to a prior interview, carried out by the Ad Hoc Committee appointed by the School of Biological Sciences and Engineering. (2/3)
- The academic competences developed during the undergraduate program will be subject to a preliminary interview by the committee appointed by the School of Biological Sciences and Engineering. (3/3)
- In the event that the Admission Committee deems it convenient, pertinent recommendations will be issued to reinforce/strengthen the applicant’s knowledge in technical-scientific areas. These procedures guarantee equal access to Higher Education.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from professors demonstrating the student’s academic performance.
- Color photocopy of the citizenship card (nationals) or color photocopy of the passport, refugee card (valid) and updated study visa, in the case of foreign students.
- Updated passport size photograph in JPG/PDF format (white background).
- Signature of the Code of Honor and Ethics of the University.
- Language proficiency in English corresponding to at least level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
- In addition, compliance with the admission processes or requirements that the University may implement in the exercise of its university autonomy.
The program will accept graduates in other areas who can prove experience in research and development in Synthetic Biology. For this, the Admission Committee will issue recommendations to reinforce/strengthen the applicant’s knowledge in technical-scientific areas.
IN ORDER TO SCREEN AND EVALUATE APPLICATIONS, APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS IN A FOLDER:
- Application letter addressed to the President of the Academic Selection Committee
- Letter of Motivation addressed to the President of the Academic Selection Committee
- Two (2) letters of recommendation, sent via email to maestriabiologiasintetica@yachaytech.edu.ec
- A passport size photo
- Color copy of the ID for Ecuadorians/residents, or passport for foreign applicants.
- Copy of the undergraduate degree registered in SENESCYT, in the areas of knowledge of Sciences or Engineering: Medical, Biological, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Food, Agriculture or Chemistry. The program will accept professionals in other fields who can prove experience in research and development in Biology and Biomedicine.
- Updated resume with the corresponding digital backups
- Academic record; (in the case of foreign applicants, this document must be duly apostilled)
- Document demonstrating command of the foreign language (English), if established in the Postgraduate Program approved by the Higher Education Council (CES). If the document is required, it must be endorsed by a Higher Education Institution and/or by an Institution recognized by the Technical Secretariat of the National System of Professional Qualifications (SETEC), according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The English Language Program of Yachay Tech University will certify the sufficiency document by the means established for the purpose. In the event that the applicant does not have this document, he/she will be able to take an English proficiency exam or participate in the programs offered by the English Language Program. This option will have a cost, except for those applicants whose native language is English.
curriculum
INVESTMENT
Enrollment: USD 71,32 (nonrefundable)
Registration: USD 600,00
Tuition: USD 6.532,08
PAYMENT METHODS
- Cash / transfer or bank deposit
- Certified or cashier’s check
- Debit / credit card
- Education loan from financial institutions
FUNDING AND SCHOLARSHIPS
The University will provide “Tutor – Teaching and/or Research Assistant” positions for candidates to pursue the master’s degree.
Candidates may opt for education loans financed by financial institutions, for which the postgraduate coordination will provide the necessary documents to support their application.
GRADUATE PROFILE
The graduate of the Master’s Program in Synthetic Biology will be able to:
- Generate a transversal vision of Synthetic Biology, in such a way that it allows for the application of the knowledge acquired in other related areas, such as: Biology, Evolutionary Biology of Development, Biochemistry and Microbiology; among others
- Understand the basic knowledge that allows the development and application of ideas in the field of Biology and related areas
- Master the scientific method in relation to Synthetic Biology
- Generate research papers on the current approach to Biology and its molecular tools.
- Deepen the theoretical aspects, in order to interpret and solve problems in the heterologous expression of genes.
- Apply the knowledge acquired in the areas of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Bioinformatics and the use of host systems to improve the quality of life of the population.
Likewise, the student will develop the following skills:
- Take on responsibilities concerning management, control and strategic planning of techniques, processes and products, in the biomedical, biotechnological, pharmacological and agricultural industries.
- Prepare technical publications in journals and Proceedings to high-impact conferences in their area of competence, both nationally and internationally.
- Take a research, development and innovation job in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, food or agricultural industry
- Merge the benefits of education based on the principles, so that they can translate into greater tangible and intangible benefits for the sustainable development of the Nation
- Manage state-of-the-art technology in the field or in the laboratory
- Prepare studies and advice on both original and adaptation technological development projects.
- Carry out arbitrations, expertise and technical advice to industries, companies or educational institutions regarding Synthetic Biology.
Likewise, the graduate will have broad adaptive capacities to different types and work environments, either autonomously or as part of a multidisciplinary group, which will allow them to:
- Participate with specialists in other branches of science, such as biologists, biochemists, pharmacists, doctors, among others
- Solve industry problems, considering social, political and economic factors
- Demonstrate autonomy and ability to: manage time, projects and specific knowledge of the area
- Proactively participate in research, innovation and technological development teams with the pertinent and honest application of the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in the basic and specialized branches of Biology.
- Convert research results into tangible products such as scientific articles that can be published in recognized and high-impact national and international journals.
- Develop patents with copyright protection in the industry and health sector
- Participate in activities of a strategic and technological nature in relation to Synthetic Biology, which contribute to the sustainable development of the Nation
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Thanks to the high level of this postgraduate program, students will have access to a wide range of professional opportunities, both in the public and private sectors. Likewise, the master’s degree will promote the creation of enterprises, as well as the interaction of the applicability to industrial and strategic processes for the country in sectors such as: environmental, health, food, pharmaceutical, industrial, etc.
CAREER FIELDS
The graduate may enroll in public or private institutions in the sectors of:
- Health
- Education
- Research
- Development of activities of a strategic and technological nature in relation to Synthetic Biology
- Environment
- Consultancies (scientific area, development and implementation of technological projects)
CONTACT
Coordinating Professor of the Master:
Fernando Gonzales, PhD.
maestriabiologiasintetica@yachaytech.edu.ec
Telephone number:
(593) 6 299 9500 ext. 2626
