ACADEMIC PROGRAMS COMMITTEE

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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE
ACADEMIC SENATE AP-016-089 Program for Applied
Biotechnology Studies (PABS) Master of
Biotechnology (MBt)
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BACKGROUND There is a looming shortage in the
supply of a technically trained workforce in
California and in the nation. The Professional
Science Masters (PSM) degrees have been
recognized as a solution to this problem.
Accordingly, the Biological Sciences Department
has submitted a proposal to introduce a
multi-campus and collaborative Program for
Applied Biotechnology Studies and a Master of
Biotechnology. The PSM degree will be awarded by
the Biology Department on each of the
participating campuses (CPP, CSUF, CSULA). Each
Campus will have a coordinator. RESOURCES
CONSULTED Jill Adler-Moore, Nancy Buckley,
Winny Dong, Jean Gipe, Don Hoyt, Cordelia
Ontiveros, Mandayam Srinivas.
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DISCUSSION This is a unique program that has
implications not only in California, but also
nationwide. This program has already been
approved at the other participating campuses.
The CSU Chancellors Office is committed to
supporting the development of PSM programs at
select CSU campuses based on the positive results
of surveys that demonstrate regional workforce
needs and students interest. The Sloan
Foundation is supporting the CSU Chancellors
Office initiative to coordinate the development
of new PSM programs in three regional areas
within the California Innovation Corridor in
Northern California, in San Diego, and in the Los
Angeles Basin, to which this program belongs.
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Discussion (contd) The PABS curriculum will
focus on preparing graduates for the workforce in
biotechnology companies where knowledge of
molecular and cellular biology, mathematical
modeling, mining of biological database
engineering concerns in the production of
biomedical products. Students with bachelors
degrees in molecular or cellular biology,
biochemistry, applied mathematics, engineering,
computer science or business and an interest in
working in companies involved in these areas are
candidates for acceptance into the program.
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RECOMMENDATION The Academic Programs Committee
recommends approval of the referral AP-016-089
Program for Applied Biotechnology Studies (PABS)
Master of Biotechnology (MBt).