Program Overview
Master of Science in Nanobioscience
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Nanobioscience program at the University at Albany is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the innovations that drive lifesaving advances in medicine and life sciences. By earning an MS in Nanobioscience, students will acquire the intellectual fluency and technical ability to succeed in a dynamic, interdisciplinary career in research, development, therapeutics, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, or academia.
Program of Study
The program of study includes a comprehensive portfolio of courses that provide fundamental knowledge in the design and manipulation of nanomaterials and nanofabricated systems towards biological applications. Students will earn credits through master's level research, seminars, and other nanoscale science and engineering courses.
Foundations of Nanotechnology Course Sequence
- Chemical Principles of Nanotechnology
- Foundations of Nanotechnology I, II, III & IV
Nanobioscience Courses
- Six credits relevant to the selected track as advised.
Master's Level Research
- Research in Nanoscale Science OR
- Thesis in Nanosciences and Nanoengineering
Seminar or External Courses
- Three credits as advised.
Research and Facilities
As a student in the College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering (CNSE) at UAlbany, students will enjoy access to the Albany NanoTech Complex, the most advanced nanotech center in North America. Gain hands-on experience inside an unmatched 1.65M square-foot facility that houses a powerful ecosystem for education, development, tech acceleration, business incubation, and prototyping.
Available internship and research opportunities, many of which happen in cooperation with Albany NanoTech's numerous onsite corporate partners, including IBM, GlobalFoundries, Samsung, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML, and Lam Research, can lead to transformative career opportunities.
In the nanobioscience program, students will join faculty and students in collaborating on ground-breaking research driving nanotechnology applications in medicine and life science. Areas of research include:
- Human stem cell-derived neurons and neural circuitry therapeutics that represent a new frontier in spinal cord injury repair.
- Bio-hybrid devices that combine electronic and photonic components with cells, tissues, and organs to advance understanding and treatment of a wide range of conditions and diseases.
- Biosensors for detecting diseases and infections such as COVID-19 and Lyme disease.
Career Outcomes
With the skills and knowledge gained by earning a master's in nanobioscience at UAlbany, students will be primed for working in fields that boast the most exciting applications of nanoscience innovation: biology, biomedicine, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
In these fast-growing fields offer ample career opportunities in research and development, applied engineering, and academia. Or follow in the footsteps of past nanobioscience master's students and pursue doctoral studies at the University at Albany or another prestigious U.S. or international institution.
Potential Job Titles
- Applications Engineer
- Gene Therapist
- Biochemical Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Director of Research
- Gene Therapist
- Nanobiologist
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Engineer
- Tissue Engineer
- Research & Development Engineers
- Research Scientist
- Tissue Engineer
- University Professor
Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
- Departmental Assistantship Consideration
- Fall: February 1
- Spring: October 1
- No Departmental Assistantship Consideration
- Fall: February 1
- Spring: October 1
Required Application Materials
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three academic or professional letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- GRE General Test score is strongly recommended but not required. The department evaluates all aspects of the application, therefore a minimum score is not identified.
International Students
- This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program.
- Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.
Student Learning Objectives
- Depending on the chosen track, students will have:
- The intellectual fluency and technical ability to analyze and investigate the fundamental properties of a given nanoscale biological process or phenomenon and apply that learning to hypothesis formulation for the conception or construction of a functional nanobiological system or architecture.
- The ability to approach biological and biomedical challenges from a nanoscale phenomenological perspective.
- The ability to communicate, both written and orally, to professional audiences.
Supplemental Degree Programs
Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.
- Supplemental Program: Africana Studies CGS
- Supplemental Program: Community College Leadership CGS
- Supplemental Program: Demography CGS
- Supplemental Program: International Education Management CGS
Program Outline
The Master of Science in Nanobioscience is a program designed to equip students with knowledge and skills in the multidisciplinary field of nanotechnology and its applications in the life sciences.
- Develop the ability to design, fabricate, characterize, and assess the performance of nanomaterials and nanosystems for biological applications.
- Foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration necessary for success in nanobiotechnology research and development.
- Prepare graduates for leadership roles in a wide range of professional careers within the field of nanobiotechnology and related life sciences.
Program Description:
The program combines theoretical and hands-on learning experiences, encompassing diverse topics such as:
- Biocompatibility and Toxicology: Assessment of nanomaterials' biological impact and potential toxicity.
- Nanomedicine: Applications of nanomaterials in medicine, including diagnostics, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program consists of three core components:
Foundations of Nanotechnology Course Sequence
Offers fundamental knowledge in nanotechnology, covering nanomaterials, fabrication techniques, characterization methods, and relevant applications in biosystems.
Nanobioscience Courses
Students select six credits of relevant courses, focusing on their specific areas of interest within the program.
Master's Level Research
This essential component allows students to actively engage in original research projects related to their thesis or research paper under the guidance of expert faculty.
Course Schedule:
The program typically follows a semester-based schedule, with courses offered in various formats, including lectures, seminars, and laboratory sessions. The specific course schedule may vary depending on the semester and student's individual program plan.
Individual Modules:
- Chemical Principles of Nanotechnology
- Foundations of Nanotechnology I, II, III, & IV
- Advanced Nanofabrication Techniques
- Nanobiomaterials Synthesis and Characterization
- Nanobioelectronics and Biosensors
- Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery
- Biocompatible Materials and Toxicology
- Ethics and Societal Impact of Nanotechnology Each module provides in-depth exploration of a specific area within nanobioscience, combining theoretical concepts with hands-on laboratory experiences.
- Laboratory Reports and Presentations: Evaluation of students' laboratory skills, data analysis, and scientific communication abilities through written reports and oral presentations.
- Master's Thesis or Research Paper: Comprehensive assessment of students' research abilities, including hypothesis development, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
Assessment Criteria:
Grading criteria for different assessment methods vary depending on the specific course or project. Generally, assessments are based on accuracy, depth of understanding, critical thinking, analytical skills, scientific reasoning, experimental techniques, and effective communication of results.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures with opportunities for student participation, interactive discussions, and clarification of complex concepts.
- Small-group Seminars: Focused discussions on specialized topics within nanobioscience, fostering in-depth analysis and critical thinking among participants.
- Laboratory Sessions: Hands-on training in advanced facilities, allowing students to develop practical skills in nanofabrication, characterization techniques, and experimental procedures.
- Mentorship and Research Guidance: Close collaboration with faculty mentors during research projects, providing personalized guidance and support throughout the research process.
Faculty:
The program is directed by faculty from the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE), renowned for their expertise in various nanobioscience research areas. The faculty members have extensive experience in teaching, research, and industry collaborations, providing students with access to cutting-edge knowledge and mentorship.
Unique Teaching Approaches:
- Collaborative Problem-solving: Encouraging collaborative learning and teamwork through project-based learning and group assignments.
- Interdisciplinary Perspective: Emphasizing the multidisciplinary nature of nanobioscience, fostering collaborations across various disciplines like chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, and medicine.
- Case-based Learning: Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies of current research findings and industry practices.
- Guest Lectures and Industry visits: Providing exposure to diverse perspectives and real-world applications through lectures by industry professionals and visits to leading research facilities and companies.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in various sectors, including:
- Research and Development: Conducting research in academic institutions, government labs, or private companies related to nanomaterials, nanobiosensors, nanomedicine, and drug delivery systems.
- Technology Development and Commercialization: Applying nanobiotechnology expertise to develop new products, processes, and innovations within the biomedical industry.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Contributing to the design and development of novel drug delivery systems and therapeutic agents based on nanotechnology.
- Clinical Diagnostics and Healthcare: Developing next-generation diagnostic tools, biosensors, and medical devices for early disease detection and personalized medicine.
- Academic Teaching and Research: Pursuing a career in academia to teach nanobioscience related courses and conduct research to advance the field.
Career Opportunities:
Graduates with an MS in Nanobioscience qualify for a range of positions such as:
- Research Scientist
- Nanobiologist
- Applications Engineer
- Gene Therapist
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Engineer
- Tissue Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Biocompatible Materials Specialist
- Nanosafety Engineer
- Director of Research and Development
Career Outcomes:
The program boasts a successful track record in preparing graduates for rewarding careers. Graduates have secured employment in leading companies like IBM, GlobalFoundries, Samsung, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML, Lam Research, and numerous biomedical startups. They pursue careers in various research and development roles, contributing to significant advancements in health care, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Additionally, many graduates continue their academic pursuits by enrolling in doctoral programs at prestigious institutions for further research specialization.
Other:
Available Internship and Research Opportunities:
The program provides access to numerous internship and research opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and build professional networks. Many of these opportunities exist through collaborations with the Albany NanoTech Complex, a world-class nanotechnology research and development center. This state-of-the-art facility provides access to advanced equipment and tools for nanofabrication, characterization, and research, enabling students to conduct high-impact research projects and gain practical skills in using sophisticated technologies.
Global Recognition:
The Master of Science in Nanobioscience is recognized internationally for its excellence in education and research. The program attracts students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a global learning environment that prepares graduates to succeed in an internationalized workforce.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
For all applicants:
- A bachelor's degree in a science or engineering discipline, such as biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, or a related field.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 semester hours of coursework.
- Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
- A personal statement that outlines your academic and research interests, as well as your career goals. The department evaluates all aspects of the application, therefore a minimum score is not identified.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
- English proficiency test scores, if your native language is not English. Accepted tests include TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE Academic.
Additional requirements for international students:
- Financial documentation demonstrating your ability to cover the cost of your education.
Deadlines:
- Fall semester: February 1 (Departmental Assistantship Consideration) / February 1 (No Assistantship Consideration)
- Spring semester: October 1 (Departmental Assistantship Consideration) / October 1 (No Assistantship Consideration)
Language Proficiency Requirements:
The minimum English proficiency score requirements for the MS in Nanobioscience program are:
- TOEFL: 79 (internet-based)
- IELTS: 6.5
- PTE Academic: 58 These scores are recommended for applicants whose native language is not English.