M.S. in Automated Science: Biological Experimentation

24 Months On Campus Bachelors Program

Carnegie Mellon University

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Automated Science: Biological Experimentation at Carnegie Mellon University combines biological sciences, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and laboratory automation to transform scientific research. It is ideal for students with backgrounds in biology, computer science, chemistry, or biomedical engineering who want to develop automated experimental systems and apply computational techniques to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and agricultural research.

Curriculum Structure

The program requires at least 174 units and is designed to be completed over two years.

Year 1:

Students build foundational knowledge through Applied Cell and Molecular Biology, Programming for Scientists, and Essential Mathematics and Statistics for Scientists. They also study Machine Learning for Scientists, Computational Genomics, and Fundamentals of Bioinformatics, developing skills in computational analysis and biological experimentation.

Year 2:

Students advance through Laboratory Methods for Automated Biology I & II, Automation of Scientific Research, and Professional Issues in Automated Science. They complete either the MSAS Capstone for industry-focused preparation or M.S. Research for students planning further doctoral study.

Focus Areas: Laboratory automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, biological experimentation, computational genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, predictive modelling, automated research systems, scientific instrumentation.

Learning Outcomes: Design automated laboratory experiments, operate robotic scientific instruments, apply machine learning to biological datasets, develop predictive models, analyse experimental results, automate scientific workflows, select experiments using active learning, evaluate research methods, collaborate on interdisciplinary scientific projects.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): No separate professional accreditation is specified for the program. The curriculum combines computational biology, laboratory automation, machine learning, and professional research training.

Reputation (Research & Employability): The program is offered through CMU's Ray and Stephanie Lane Computational Biology Department within the School of Computer Science. Students gain access to a dedicated automated science laboratory equipped with liquid-handling robots, automated incubators, optical plate readers, confocal microscopes, and nucleic-acid extraction robots. The university also provides opportunities for industry internships and collaborative research projects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Carnegie Mellon University, the M.S. in Automated Science: Biological Experimentation program is designed to immerse students in hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Students gain practical skills through a combination of cutting-edge facilities, advanced tools, and collaborative projects that prepare them for real-world challenges in the field of biological experimentation. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to engage directly with the latest technologies and methodologies in automated science.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in this program:

- State-of-the-Art Laboratories: Access to specialized labs equipped with advanced instrumentation for biological experimentation, including robotics and automation technologies.

- Collaborative Projects: Opportunities to work on interdisciplinary group projects that foster teamwork and innovation, often in partnership with industry leaders.

- Internships and Industry Partnerships: The program encourages internships with leading biotech companies, providing students with invaluable industry experience and networking opportunities.

- Digital Tools and Software: Students utilize cutting-edge software for data analysis, simulation, and automation, enhancing their technical proficiency and research capabilities.

- Field Trips and Workshops: Regular field trips to research institutions and biotech companies, along with workshops led by industry experts, help students gain insights into current trends and practices.

- Research Institutes: Collaboration with renowned research institutes at CMU, allowing students to engage in groundbreaking research and contribute to ongoing projects.

- Access to Libraries and Resources: Comprehensive access to CMU’s libraries and digital resources, ensuring students have the information they need to support their studies and research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Pursuing an M.S. in Automated Science: Biological Experimentation at Carnegie Mellon University opens doors to a variety of exciting career paths. Graduates typically find themselves in roles such as Data Scientist, Bioinformatics Analyst, Research Scientist, or Automation Engineer. These positions not only leverage the cutting-edge skills acquired during the program but also place graduates at the forefront of innovation in the life sciences.

Here’s how Carnegie Mellon supports your journey toward a successful career:

- Career Services: The university offers dedicated career counseling, resume workshops, and interview preparation to help you stand out in the job market.
- Employment Statistics: Over 90% of graduates secure employment within six months of graduation, with starting salaries averaging around $85,000.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with leading companies like Google, IBM, and various biotech firms provide students with internship opportunities and real-world experience.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by relevant professional bodies, ensuring that your degree holds value in the industry for years to come.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to work at prestigious organizations and have made significant contributions to research and development in automated biological experimentation.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your M.S. degree, you may choose to pursue a Ph.D. in a related field, such as Bioinformatics or Systems Biology. This advanced study can further enhance your expertise and open up even more opportunities in academia, research, or high-level industry positions. Additionally, you could explore certifications in specialized areas like machine learning or data analytics to complement your degree and broaden your skill set.