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About the program

 

The “Cell and Molecular Biotechnology” Bachelor’s degree program focuses on practical training to educate highly qualified professionals in the fields of modern biology and biotechnology. The program provides fundamental knowledge in cell and molecular biology, mathematics, bioinformatics, chemistry, and biotechnology. Scientific activity is an obligatory element of the educational process. With the guidance of esteemed academic scientists, students embark on their scientific journey early in their studies, aiming to make a significant impact. The program is designed for students aspiring to pursue careers in cell biology, molecular biology, mathematics, bioinformatics, chemistry, and biotechnology.

Advantages of the program and features of the educational process

The educational program “Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology” is aimed at practical training of highly qualified specialists in the field of modern biology and biotechnology. The program equips students with fundamental knowledge in cell and molecular biology, mathematics, bioinformatics, chemistry, and biotechnology. Furthermore, it nurtures their ability to conduct research and apply practical solutions to a wide range of scientific challenges within these fields.

The competitive advantages of the program

  • proficient academic personnel: prominent scientists at the forefront of modern molecular and cell biology, biotechnology, along with renowned university professors, are engaged in the educational process. Some courses are delivered in English;
  • practice-oriented approach to education: the program focuses on acquiring practical skills for working in a modern laboratory. A broad array of modern biotechnology disciplines is offered, alongside an opportunity for students to participate in internships at research organizations and biotechnology companies;
  • active research work: students are actively involved in the research activities within various research laboratories. Many students will publish their first scientific paper in leading international and national scientific journals by the end of their studies;
  • profound practical training in bioinformatics data analysis: upon completion of the program, students possess fundamental skills in Python programming, as well as the ability to analyze data from diverse genomes and high-throughput sequencing results. Students participate in bioinformatics research at the faculty laboratories and write scientific articles for leading international and national scientific journals.
  • individual educational trajectory and interdisciplinary approach: senior students shape their academic path by choosing electives alongside core subjects. These optional courses reflect personal interests and career aspirations, creating a tailored educational journey. This customized approach allows learners to pursue specialized knowledge while building a foundation in required fields. The interdisciplinary approach in education encompasses fundamental biological disciplines as well as related fields, including bioinformatics, biomedicine, and the commercialization of scientific research, among others.
  • availability of international partners and the opportunity to take part in the international student mobility programs of NRU HSE: the chance to participate in a part of training at a foreign university, engage in seminars, summer or winter schools held by partner universities. 

 

Program content

The program has been designed with careful consideration of the current knowledge in biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, and related sciences, as well as the universal and professional skills that are in demand in the labor market. Furthermore, the program draws upon the scientific and pedagogical expertise of esteemed biology, chemistry, and mathematics educators from the National Research University Higher School of Economics, along with specialists actively involved in scientific research within the institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The structure of the Bachelor’s degree program “Cell and Molecular Biotechnology” includes the following educational modules:

 

Professional module (Major) serves as the foundation for future professional endeavors and entails a comprehensive examination of core subjects in mathematical sciences, physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as specialized subjects in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, and other elective disciplines.

 

Professional disciplines: include the study of:

  • Mathematical Sciences and Physics (Linear Algebra, Mathematical Analysis with Fundamentals of Differential Equations, Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics, Physics);
  • Chemistry (General and Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry):
  • Biological Sciences (Structural and Evolutionary Botany, Invertebrate Zoology, Vertebrate Zoology, Biochemistry, Histology, Human Physiology with the Basics of Biophysics, Immunology);

 

Basic (specialized) disciplines include:

  • Biological Sciences in general (Genetics, Microbiology, Virology, Theory of Evolution, Research Methods of Biological Macromolecules and Ecology,)
  • Cell and Molecular Biology (Cell Biology: Fundamentals of Bioprocesses, Molecular Biology, Embryology, Genetic Engineering and Bioengineering, Cell Signaling Pathways, Bioenergetics, Bioinformatics for High Throughput Sequencing, Matrix Processes in Biology, Noncoding RNA and Epigenetics)
  • Biotechnology (Biotechnology, Biotechnology Market in Russia, Design, Control and Management of Biotechnology Manufacturing and Biotechnology Startups and Funding)
  • Biomedical Sciences (Introduction to Medical Biotechnology, Human Neurobiology and Molecular Oncology).

 

Practical module cultivates both universal and professional competencies in students. It equips them with the ability to tackle practical issues in their chosen professional field. This module encompasses professional, project, and pre-graduation practices, along with the completion of a final qualification project.

Project seminars serve as a means of support for students’ research and project activities. They foster collaborative efforts among students to analyze existing issues, generate innovative ideas for their resolution, and execute projects within their respective professional domains.

 

Data Culture module’s primary objective is to enhance students’ skills in operating within the digital realm and utilizing digital tools, encompassing digital literacy, algorithmic thinking, programming, data analysis, and artificial intelligence techniques. The program includes an independent exam in digital literacy, an independent exam in data analysis (basic level), an independent exam in programming (basic level), as well as the study of Bioinformatics and Data Analysis using Python.

 

General courses focuses on the development of outlook and critical thinking, mastering the tools and methods of related sciences.It encompasses both mandatory and supplementary general disciplines, such as Life Safety, Physical Education, Philosophy, Legal Literacy, Economics, Fundamentals of Russian Statehood, and History of Russia.

 

Additional profile (Minor) in the second and third years of study gives you the opportunity to take non-core disciplines for your educational program. It provides you with the most necessary knowledge and skills in your chosen additional specialty.

 

The English Language module is aimed to enhance the student’s preparedness and proficiency in professional English communication.The program includes mandatory internal and independent examinations in English, as well as preparation and defense of Project Proposal on the topic of the final qualification work. Additionally, the educational program provides an opportunity to study English Language and Academic Writing in English as an elective.

 

Final State Certification module enables the assessment of a student’s proficiency level in their educational program and includes the Defense of the final qualification work.

 

Where will the graduates of the program work?

Bachelor's degree program “Cell and Molecular Biotechnology” is focused on training graduates for professional research and applied activities in the field of biology and biotechnology.

Graduates of the program will have comprehensive knowledge and competencies in life sciences, will be able to continue their studies and work in:

  • leading Russian and foreign research institutes and universities;
  • laboratories and R&D departments of scientific and medical organizations and centers, educational organizations of higher education;
  • modern biotechnology companies;
  • scientific clusters of biotechnological, agro-biotechnological and pharmaceutical companies aimed at introducing genetic technologies into practice;
  • commercial structures aimed at introducing biotechnological scientific developments into production;
  • biotechnology and technology start-ups, where knowledge of biotechnology and bioengineering, skills in solving applied problems and developing knowledge-intensive technologies and products, and experience in project work are required.

 

Furthermore, upon the completion of their Bachelor’s degree, graduates may proceed with their studies in the Master’s program at the National Research University Higher School of Economics or other prestigious Russian and international universities.