The MSc in Biotechnology is intended to meet the needs of a broad range of professionals whose basic learning and knowledge are in medical, agricultural and life sciences. The potential users of the MSc Biotechnology would be natural and applied scientists, teachers, agriculturists, medical, paramedical and technical professionals.

The programme is designed to provide the necessary skill sets, knowledge and hands-on experience in contemporary biotechnology which would ultimately contribute to the higher learning, capacity building and career advancement.

Programme Objectives

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the theories and techniques of molecular biology, bioinformatics and biotechnology;
• Apply current tools of biotechnology to solve problems related to the environmental conservation, crop genetic improvement, nutrition, human and animal health; bioprocessing industries;
• Develop practical industrial applications within existing industries or new venture (entrepreneurship) activities;
• Exercise individual judgment and initiative in biotechnological principles and applications;
• Analyse the social & environmental impacts of biotechnology;
• Develop a research question in a specialized area of biotechnology and evaluate this research with appropriate justification*;
• Compose, execute and present a suitable high quality research project in biotechnology*.

*Not applicable for the Postgraduate Diploma (PG) programme. 

Entry Requirements

• First degree from a recognized University in biology/ biochemistry/agriculture or other natural sciences, medicine and veterinary science,
• Candidates applying for the programme should have completed and secured a minimum “B” grade in at least three (3) of the following undergraduate courses or their equivalents,
• Genetics * Microbiology
• Molecular biology * Microbial Biotechnology
• Plant Biotechnology
• Agriculture, or Botany/Geography

• Persons without adequate coverage of these areas may be required to pursue and pass appropriate qualifying courses (as mentioned above) before admission into the MSc or diploma programme;
• Students enrolled in the PG Diploma can apply to transfer to the MSc programme before completion of their coursework. Students granted permission to transfer would be required to pay the additional fees and complete the additional coursework.
• The MSc research project can be either 9 or 12 credits, the latter being a more extensive detailed research project. For students choosing the 9-credit project, the difference in 3 credits must be made up with an elective. Although students may opt to do either research project, only those that complete the 12-credit research project will be eligible for consideration for entry into the PhD program.

Duration of Programme

• Full-time study:          1.5 years (18 hrs/wk)
• Part-time study:         2.5 years (9 hrs/wk)

Areas of Research

1. Plant Biotechnology
2. Molecular Genetics
3. Plant Molecular Biology
4. Plant Tissue Culture
5. Molecular Plant Virology
6. Bioengineering of tuber crops 
7. Management of Diabetes through the use of Glycemic Indices of Indigenous Caribbean Food