1. Program objective

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) and we expect our graduates to attain in 4 years after graduation:

• Prepare our graduates for continuing their education and for gaining employment in the field of biotechnology or related profession;
• Instill in our graduates a desire to participate in lifelong learning activities that will further their careers and their impact on society;
• Encourage our graduates to serve their profession and community.

The PEOs was generated based on the analysis of the vision and mission of the University and the demand from industry. They were discussed and determined by the School’s Scientific Committee (which includes the members of Management Board, Representatives of Stakeholder and Lecturers). Therefore, our PEOs have been reflecting the requirement of the University and response to the need of regional and country manpower in biotechnological fields. The PEOs are documented both on the website the Department of Biotechnology and in BTIU Undergraduate Student Handbook. The PEOs show highly consistency with the mission of The University and School of Biotechnology (Table 1 ).

Program’s objectives, school’s objectives and university’s missions & visions

Professional knowledge

• Knowledge of political arguments: to complete political training course (10 credits)
• Language level: TOEFL score of 575 is required for graduation
• Computer and Information Technology skills: to be capable of utilizing global network information, especially online database provided by VNU; acquiring office-related computer software skills for purposes of reports, seminar presentations and undemanding calculations; employing one common statistics software for data analysis and one applied software for gene technology or bioinformatics.
• Professional skills

Learners firmly hold basic knowledge of

• Biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology
• Genetic engineering (gene modification and gene transformation)
• Cell and tissue culture for plant and animal
• Immunology, biosynthesis and protein modification

Learner is capable of performing at least one of key biotechnology applications, obtained during training period at International University, as followings:

• In biomedical (molecular diagnostics, pharmaceutical material production, and quality assessment)
• In agriculture (animal and plant breeding enrichment, high-tech utilization for productivity improvement)
• In industrial production and environmental solution (using microbial biotechnology).

Learner can rapidly approach novel and advanced technologies related to the above areas.

Expected learning outcome

Standard output of the Bachelor's program in Biotechnology sector is based on the training objectives and the provisions of ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) in conjunction with the provisions of the National University of HCM.

BSc. Biotechnology Curriculum indicates the following expected learning outcomes:

a.    An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics and science;

b.    An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;

c.    An ability to have a sense of chemical, biochemical analysis, synthetic approach to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability;

d.   An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;

e.    An ability to identify, formulate and solve problems in Biotechnology;

f.     An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;

g.    An ability to communicate effectively;

h.    The broad education necessary to understand the impact of biotechnological solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context;

i.      A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;

j.      A knowledge of contemporary issues;

k.    An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern technological tools necessary for biotechnological practice;

l.      A knowledge of probability and statistics, including applications appropriate to the Biotechnology program and objectives; and knowledge of mathematics through calculus, basic sciences, Bio-statistics and analytical approach necessary to analyze and design experimental tools and analysis;

m.       A knowledge of bioinformatics, typically including advanced biology, biochemistry and computer Bio- simulation.

2. Skills

• Basic skills in molecular biotechnology (to work in a biotechnology laboratory, to use of common equipments, and to maintain safety issues); basic skills in research organization and development.
• Good communication and presentation skills, competent English usage in learning and working
• Capacities on collecting and processing data, and making decision
• Collaborative skills and task management

3. Opportunities for jobs and promotion:

An engineer, graduated from Biotechnology program atInternationalUniversity, can work for example as:

• Experts in biotechnology applied companies specialized in pharmacy, agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, food industry and microbial products used for environmental issues.
• Technicians in high-tech diagnostic and examination centers
• Researchers and managers in institute laboratories of biotechnology, molecular biology, basic and applied biology.
• Lecturers in biotechnology, applied biology at universities, colleges or high school
• International and domestic companies involved in Biotechnological production and trading;
• Universities, research institutes with mandate in modern Biotechnological research;
• Pursue postgraduate studies inViet Namor overseas
• Organizations, agencies for food services, food quality and safety management, environmental and public health.
• Governmental agencies for industrial biotechnology and intellectual property management

4. Facilities and laboratories

Facilities

• An up-to-date library with 400,000 books
• Direct access to international journals via the subscription of the Central Library of Vietnam National University – HCM city
• Most updated, advanced textbooks, currently used in theUSuniversities and other developed countries
• Detailed syllabi prepared for a credit system, in consultation with programs of the world renowned universities
• Fee access to Internet by the University’s WIFI system

Laboratories

• Cell biology Laboratory (Budget: 3 Billion VND)
• Biomedicine and Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory (Budget: 5.1 Billion VND)
• Plant Biotechnology Laboratory (Budget: 1.7 Billion VND)
• Cell Reprogramming Laboratory (Budget: 10 Billion VND)
• Biotechnology Laboratory Complex