Singapore–MIT Alliance
The Molecular Engineering of Biological and Chemical Systems (MEBCS) degree programme offers an exciting and innovative curriculum in the field of molecular engineering. Its innovative courses of study integrate a molecular-level understanding of biological and chemical phenomena with advances in process engineering for the life sciences and fine chemical industries. Coursework presents advanced engineering concepts that unite multiple length scales "molecular, microscopic and macroscopic" through a close coupling of biological and chemical sciences. Students will be exposed to state-of-the-art concepts in structured fluids, surface functionalization, microstructure tailoring and materials design in relation to fine chemicals and pharmaceutical synthesis. Students will also study the molecular and cellular aspects of biotechnology, genomics, bioinformatics, proteomics, drug design and delivery that underlie advanced bioengineering.
MEBCS coursework provides a unique curriculum and companion research programme that emphasises molecular engineering as it pertains to advanced materials synthesis and biotechnology. Classes and research are conducted collaboratively with the MIT faculty, and SMA students will also have the opportunity to interact with scientists and engineers at a number of leading research institutes and centres, such as the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), and Bioprocessing Technology Centre (BTC), all of which are internationally renowned for their basic and applied R&D programmes.
|An NUS Masters with SMA Certificate
A professional master's degree programme which prepares graduates for the shaping and solving of complex problems through the development of required skills in critical thinking and analysis and resource management. This one-year programme also focuses on teamwork and leadership, effective communication and technical documentation. The S.M. degree offers students an opportunity to interact with the MIT faculty during the Immersion Programme on the MIT campus. In addition to advanced coursework, students will carry out two six-week-long intensive Industrial Immersion projects under the direct supervision of an SMA Director and in collaboration with participating companies.
An NUS Masters AND NUS/NTU Ph.D. degree with SMA Certificate
A research doctorate degree programme with an emphasis on synthesis skills, engineering design, and interdisciplinary approaches. This degree prepares graduates for dynamic careers in industrial research and development centres, research institutes, or academic departments interested in biological and chemical engineering processes. The Ph.D. degree programme is a commitment of three or more years, with a full semester of study at MIT.
|The SMA programme in MEBCS provides a unique and bold educational opportunity for graduate students interested in pursuing careers at the frontiers of life science and fine chemical technologies. Students attending this programme have ample opportunity to work with some of the most technologically advanced companies in the world through specific industry projects. Through a combination of cutting-edge research and advanced coursework in molecular engineering sciences, graduates are poised to accept high-level professional or research positions in thriving industries, start-up companies, academic institutions, and research centres. The MEBCS programme is designed to prepare future leaders for positions in knowledge-driven industries poised for global economic growth in the new millennium.
Courses are primarily for students with backgrounds in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, biophysics, and/or materials engineering. Careers might include progressive positions in:
This programme equips students with a unified perspective on translating molecular information and discovery into products and processes.
|MA 5401 Molecular and Cellular Aspects of Biotechnology
This introductory course will provide a basic understanding of molecular
biology, cell structure, cell growth and division, and cell regulation by
internal and external signals. The second part will focus on production
of recombinant proteins by cultured animal cells, including the processes
of protein secretion; protein folding; glycosylation and other post-translational
modifications; and protein quality control. It will also address how the
process of receptor-mediated endocytosis can be used to target therapeutic
proteins and genes to specific cells in the body. Genetic engineering of
bacteria and animal cells, including techniques for site-specific mutation
of proteins and for expression of foreign genes in mammalian cells will
be discussed. The generation and use of transgenic animals and plants for
production of recombinant proteins will also be covered.
SMA 5402 Biotechnology Laboratory
The objective of this laboratory component to SMA5401 is to introduce basic
microbiological and biochemical techniques to familiarise students with
biological systems through experiments.
SMA 5403 Molecular Aspects of Materials Design
This course provides a molecular perspective for engineering the properties
of organic, inorganic, and composite systems. It focuses on the atomic-level
energetic relationships that affect structure and interfacial interactions
and give rise to many macroscopic properties. Various thermodyanamic analyses
of aggregation, surface effects, and phase behavior are used to provide
a molecular perspective and insight into the prediction of physical properties,
the design of self-assembling systems, and the tailoring of a material's
properties. Practical case studies are used to demonstrate the relationships
between structure and function across many length scales and to develop
a chemical intuition for the design of complex chemical systems.
|SMA 5411 Molecular Thermodynamics
The goals of this course are to develop a quantitative basis for estimation
of the equilibrium properties of mixtures found in biological and chemical
systems. The course will draw on both classical and statistical thermodynamics
to develop analytical tools for the description of multicomponent solution
phase equilibria in electrolyte and non-electrolyte systems (both monomeric
and polymeric), and in gels, membranes and protein solutions. The conformational
and structural stability of proteins will be covered, as will the thermodynamics
of self-aggregating systems such as micelles, vesicles and other structured
fluids. An introduction to surface thermodynamics (surface tension, adsorption)
will round out the course. Practical examples will be used throughout to
reinforce the fundamental principles introduced in this course.
SMA 5412 Transport and Reaction Processes
The initial portion of this subject will provide a unified introduction
to momentum, mass, and heat transfer. Topics will include diffusion, conduction,
and convection in both homogeneous and heterogeneous media. Diffusional
limitations on the rate of heterogeneous reactions will be explored. The
latter portion of the subject will treat chemical kinetics in some detail
with an emphasis on heterogeneous systems for which adsorption/desorption
phenomena are particularly important. Reactor applications will include
both conventional reactors for which concepts such as the residence time
distribution are important and also physiological systems.
SMA 5413 Kinetics of Biological and Chemical Systems
This course provides a comprehensive treatment of the kinetics of basic
chemical reactions and biological processes. It begins with a fundamental
analysis of reaction order in homogeneous reactions and proceeds with the
kinetics of heterogeneous systems and catalytic reactions. Methods of measuring
and calculating reaction rate constants will be included. After a basic
stoichiometric analysis of biological reaction networks, the course will
discuss kinetics of enzymatic reactions and extensions to kinetic characteristics
of reaction pathways and bioreaction networks. Similarities and differences
between chemical and biological kinetics are discussed along with concepts
of rate-limiting steps and distribution of control among several reactions
in a pathway. The course concludes with applications to the kinetic analysis
of chemical and biological reaction systems in the chemical and bioprocess
industries.
|SMA 5421 Nanostructured Catalysts Design and Organic Synthesis Catalytic
processes are critical to the synthesis of chemicals, materials, and pharmaceuticals.
This subject describes the tailoring of materials with unique pore structures
and nanocrystallinity to provide for designed functionalities in catalytic
applications. Strategies for surface modification and compositional design
targeted towards enhancing catalytic activity, selectivity and stability
will be discussed. The characterization and use of nanostructured catalysts
in organic synthesis will be presented; of particular interest are the synthetic
transformations and catalytic chemistry underlying oxidation/reduction,
hydrogenation, acid catalysis, polymerization, and asymmetric synthesis
of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
SMA 5422 Special Topics in Biotechnology
This course reviews current topics in biology and biotechnology with particular
emphasis on technologies catalyzed by developments in the field of genomics.
These developments are changing the landscape of the chemical and medical
industries through the introduction of biology as the enabling technology
of manufacturing operations and biomedical information upgrade. The course
will provide an in-depth analysis of the scientific fundamentals and technological
extensions of topics like: sequencing and genomics, bioinformatics, expression
phenotyping via DNA microarrays, rational drug design, proteomics technologies
and analysis, drug delivery, and others.
SMA 5423 Bioprocess Engineering
The use of animal cells is now the major way to produce biological therapeutics.
This course will cover the pertinent concepts in the use of animal cells
for production of recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies. Comparison
on the use of bacterial hosts with animal cells for therapeutic protein
production will be considered. Topics will include nutritional requirements
for cell growth, kinetics of cell growth, cell death and product formation.
Bioreactors for suspension and anchorage-dependent cells will also be discussed.
Issues related to process validation and safety in the use of animal cells
will be addressed from a regulatory point of view.
To apply to MEBCS, please submit the following application forms:
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