Area
natural Sciences
Sub-Discipline
Other Natural Sciences
Austral University of Chile
- City: Valdivia,
- Commune: Valdivia,
- Region: Los Ríos Region
goals
I) To develop in the student the ability to autonomously execute and communicate processes leading to the generation of new biotechnological products and biochemical diagnosis in the productive sector.
II) To train graduates with up-to-date theoretical knowledge and who possess the ability to join research laboratories in Biochemistry.
III) To train graduates in a broad spectrum of Biochemistry with the ability to pursue Doctoral programs in Science.
Applicant Profile
To apply for postgraduate studies at the Austral University of Chile, interested parties must apply through the online application platform (https://secure12.uach.cl/Postgrado/PostulacionAdmision/). According to the UACh General Regulations for Master's Programs (Annex 3), applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or a Professional Title in fields related to both disciplines, such as Biochemistry, Marine Biology, Science, Medical Technology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy. They must have obtained a grade point average of 5.0 or higher in their undergraduate studies, or its equivalent on other grading scales. The Master's Program in Biochemical Biotechnology offers two admission options. A) The Program accepts undergraduate students in Biological Sciences through the Undergraduate-Postgraduate Linkage Plan. The requirements are in accordance with the University Regulations. Students accepted through this pathway enter the Program's academic track. B) For regular or formal admission, applications must be submitted to the Graduate School of the Faculty of Sciences at least two months before the start of the academic semester, using an application form and attaching the following documents: curriculum vitae, degree certificate, official transcript of grades from the applicant's most recent degree, medical certificate attesting to health compatible with the Program's activities, two letters of recommendation, and a letter of interest in the Program. Admission to the program for those who have applied through this pathway occurs each semester. While the choice of one track or the other depends on the applicant's personal preference, after reviewing the applicant's credentials, the Program Committee will recommend admission to either the professional or academic track. It is typical for applicants who work in the productive sector or who will conduct final research related to a company to enter the Program's professional track.
Graduate profile
The academic graduate profile is designed for professionals who wish to dedicate themselves to basic or applied research focused on the study of new biotechnological tools for solving problems in the areas of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biomedicine, and microbiology. Specifically, graduates will acquire advanced knowledge in protein and DNA technology and the generation of biotechnological products, qualifying them to: (I) conduct applied research for the development of new technologies or molecular diagnostic processes; (II) evaluate and develop products and services in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, aquaculture, forestry, and food industries; (III) apply biochemical technology at the molecular level to environmental preservation and the solution of environmental problems; and (IV) participate in scientific teams that conduct basic or applied research in the field of biochemistry. The professional graduate profile is geared toward professionals already working in industry or with an aspiration to do so. Graduates of the program possess expert knowledge in the evaluation and development of bioproducts, as well as in the development and innovation of biotechnological processes, which qualifies them to enter the workforce in various areas of productive activity.
Lines of investigation
The Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology maintains strong lines of basic and applied research in aquaculture, livestock production, and biomedicine. These activities are carried out jointly with public and private institutions, with which it has collaboration agreements through projects led by academics and registered with the Research and Development Directorate of the UACh (Austral University of Chile). This fosters the development of interdisciplinary groups that offer new courses and lines of research in biotechnology, incorporating proteomics, genomics, and bioinformatics. Graduates will thus acquire a new strength to enter society competitively.
The research lines of the Master's Program in Biochemical Biotechnology are:
1) Development of veterinary markers
2) Markers, therapeutic targets and drug development in pathologies
3) Genotyping and improvement of plant resources with biotechnological and biomedical potential
4) Development and innovation in productive biotechnological processes.
The areas of professional profile development are:
a) Planning and formulation of projects to generate bioproducts
b) Genotyping and improvement of plant resources with biotechnological potential
c) Development and innovation in productive and industrial biotechnological processes
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