Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology

Program Overview

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The Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology at IQS equips students with a solid understanding of the biochemical and molecular foundations of living organisms. Through a blend of lectures, laboratory work, and project-based learning, students develop expertise in the production of biotechnological products and drugs for improved human health. The program emphasizes practical experience through internships and study abroad opportunities, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in the biotechnology industry, research, and academia.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology at IQS is a four-year program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that govern the functioning of living organisms. The program focuses on discovering the biochemical and molecular foundations that determine the functioning of living organisms. Students will also become experts in the production of biotechnological products and drugs with applications across various areas with the aim of improving human health and life.

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Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Discover the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that determine the functioning of cells, tissues, and living beings.
• Develop expertise in the industrial production of biotechnological products to detect and cure diseases, develop medical devices, and improve human health and life.

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Outline:

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Structure:

• The program spans four academic years.
• It consists of 240 ECTS credits.
• The program starts in September 2024.
• The timetable is Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm.

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Course Schedule:

• First Year:
• General Chemistry I (6 ECTS)
• General Chemistry II (6 ECTS)
• Applied Mathematics I (7 ECTS)
• Fundamentals of Physics (6 ECTS)
• Cell Biology and Genetics (6 ECTS)
• Software Applications (4 ECTS)
• Thermodynamics and Kinetics (5 ECTS)
• Plant and Animal Biology (4 ECTS)
• Microbiology (5 ECTS)
• Laboratory 1+2 (Chemistry and Biology) (6 ECTS)
• Applied Statistics (5 ECTS)
• Second Year:
• Fundamentals of Process Engineering (6 ECTS)
• Organic Biological Chemistry (5 ECTS)
• Molecular Biology (5 ECTS)
• Structure and Function of Biomolecules (5 ECTS)
• Biochemical Analysis and Bioassays (5 ECTS)
• Laboratory 3 (Biochemistry) (4 ECTS)
• Bioreactors (5 ECTS)
• Metabolism and Regulation (5 ECTS)
• Business Management and Economics (5 ECTS)
• Applied Mathematics II (5 ECTS)
• Laboratory 4 (Molecular Biology) (4 ECTS)
• Third Year:
• Bioinformatics (6 ECTS)
• Protein Engineering (5 ECTS)
• Separation and Purification Processes (5 ECTS)
• Molecular Physiology (5 ECTS)
• Ethics (5 ECTS)
• Laboratory 5 (Bioreactors and Bioprocesses) (4 ECTS)
• Oral and Written Communication (3 ECTS)
• Genomics, Proteomics, and Metabolomics (5 ECTS)
• Advanced Experimental Techniques (5 ECTS)
• Therapeutic Targets and Pharmacology (5 ECTS)
• Cell Cultures (4 ECTS)
• Immunology (4 ECTS)
• Laboratory 6 (Biotechnologies for Health) (4 ECTS)
• Fourth Year:
• Biocatalysis and Biotransformation (5 ECTS)
• Biomedical and Biomaterial Technologies (5 ECTS)
• Elective 1 (5 ECTS)
• Elective 2 (5 ECTS)
• Elective 3 (5 ECTS)
• Integrated Laboratory (5 ECTS)
• Bioenterprise Creation and Entrepreneurship (4 ECTS)
• Interdisciplinary Seminars (3 ECTS)
• Elective 4 (5 ECTS)
• Internship (6 ECTS)
• Final Degree Project (12 ECTS)

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Modules:

• Electives:
• Bioprocess Engineering Track:
• Plant Biotechnology
• Biotechnological Products and Drugs
• Simulation and Analysis of Bioprocesses
• Biotechnology for Health Track:
• Plant Biotechnology
• Tissue Engineering
• Transgenic Animals and Gene Therapy
• Access to the Master's Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Track:
• Structural Determination
• Biotechnological Products and Drugs
• Transgenic Animals and Gene Therapy
• Access to the Master's Degree in Analytical Chemistry Track:
• Structural Determination
• Biotechnological Products and Drugs
• Quality, Safety, and Environmental Management
• Final Degree Project:
• The Final Degree Project (TFG) involves students conducting an individual research project or innovative industrial application.
• The project is supervised by a professor from the degree program.
• Students can conduct the TFG at IQS or other institutions like universities, research centers, or companies in the chemical or biotechnological sectors.

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• The program incorporates a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, laboratory work, and project-based learning.
• Students engage in up to three hours of laboratory work per day from the first year onwards.
• Faculty:
• The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified professors with expertise in biotechnology and related fields.
• Unique Approaches:
• The program emphasizes practical learning through extensive laboratory work and internships.
• Students have the opportunity to study abroad.

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Biotechnology companies across various sectors: Industrial Biotechnology, Agroindustry, Environment, Energy, Food Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Diagnostics, Biomedicine, and more.
• Government or teaching positions.
• Opportunities:
• The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the biotechnology field.
• IQS Career Services offers guidance and support to students in finding internships and jobs.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates of the Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology are well-prepared to contribute to the advancement of biotechnology and its applications in various industries.

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Other:

• Recommended Secondary School Baccalaureate Electives: Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Languages: The first academic year is taught in Spanish.
Subsequent years are trilingual: Spanish, Catalan, and English, depending on the language skills of students and faculty.
• Facilities: IQS provides students with access to over 8,700 m2 of laboratories and workshops equipped with the latest technologies.
• Internships: All students are required to complete an internship in a research center or company in the biotechnology sector.
• Leadership Team: The program is led by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members.
• Quality and Accreditations: The Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology has been accredited by AQU Catalunya, ensuring the quality of the program.