Professional Science Master - Applied Biosciences - Industrial Microbial Biotechnology

The Industrial Microbial Biotechnology (IMB) sub-plan of the PSM in Applied Biosciences GIDP is designed to prepare students for careers in the biotechnology industries where microorganisms are used as either tool for manufacturing chemical or biological products, or as environmental or agricultural agents.

Microorganisms are also used for environmental biotechnology applications, utilizing the unrivaled ability of microbes to biodegrade a wide variety of compounds. Bioremediation of contaminated former industrial sites, clean up after natural disasters like oil spills, or everyday applications like wastewater treatment rely on chemical reactions catalyzed on the spot by live microorganisms.

The Industrial Microbial Biotechnology track will prepare students for gainful employment in the fermentation, biocatalysis, drug discovery and manufacture, agribusiness, chemical manufacture, and environmental biotechnology industries where experts with knowledge of microbiology, microbial genetics and biochemistry are in demand. Just like other PSMAB tracks, the IMB track involves a strong component of developing professional skills and understanding the legal and business environment of these industries, and involves a required internship in a professional biotechnology laboratory environment.