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PME introduces bio- and immunoengineering specialty for master’s students

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) has launched a new bio- and immunoengineering track within its Master of Science in Molecular Engineering (MSME) program and is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Created to train the next generation of leaders in bioengineering, this new track is designed for recent college graduates and working professionals who want to elevate their career, expand their knowledge of the field, and gain hands-on laboratory experience — all within the span of one academic year.

“This program is ideal for those who want to bring their undergraduate experience to the next level,” said Senior Lecturer Mustafa Guler, who leads the new track. “It’s especially helpful for anyone who wants to make a real impact in the world, whether that be in biopharmaceuticals, immunotherapy, vaccine development, or biotech. Professionals working in the industry will also benefit by growing their knowledge of the newest scientific and technological developments.”

Students enrolled in the bio- and immunoengineering track will complete 10 courses and select from more than 35 offerings, covering topics such as immunoengineering, nanomedicine, stem cell biology, cellular engineering, microfluidics, and systems biology. In addition, students will participate in the Experimental Bioengineering Laboratory, where they will gain hands-on experience in Pritzker Molecular Engineering’s immunoengineering labs.

Immunoengineering, a burgeoning field that combines immunology and biomaterials, is a central effort at PME and the Chicago Immunoengineering Innovation Center (CIIC).

“The expansion of our master’s program to include a bioengineering track reflects the growing interest in this field,” said Matthew Tirrell, dean of PME. “Students will graduate with an increased skillset and knowledge in cutting-edge biomedical engineering techniques and methods, and be prepared to take on leadership roles in this area.”

The Master’s in Molecular Engineering

The Master of Science in Molecular Engineering program was designed using PME’s interdisciplinary approach to education and career training. Students enrolled in the program will develop expertise in a broad spectrum of engineering concepts in addition to those offered by their subject matter track.

“Our society faces many pressing challenges that are complex and multi-faceted,” said Philip Griffin, director of the Soft Matter Laboratory and the MSME’s Polymer Science and Engineering track lead. “The goal of MSME is to equip our students with the critical practical skills and rigorous, holistic academic foundation needed to solve them.”

Also, unique to PME’s graduate program is its support for business and entrepreneurial pursuits, which is provided in conjunction with the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business

With the addition of its newest track, the MSME program provides three subject matter tracks for students: Computational Materials Modeling, Polymer Science and Engineering, and now Bio- and Immunoengineering.

Students following the computational materials modeling track take advanced courses in applied mathematics, thermodynamics, transport, quantum engineering, multiscale materials modeling, numerical methods, machine learning, and statistical data analysis.

Those following the polymer science and engineering track take advanced lecture and laboratory courses studying the chemistry, physics, thermophysical properties, modeling, and processing of polymers and soft materials.

“The Master of Science in Molecular Engineering program provides students with the knowledge and experience they’ll need to solve the challenges facing modern society,” said Guler. “This program will further their careers within the field, and in joining it, they’ll be part of a growing body of professionals seeking to make a positive impact on the world.”

For more information on the Master of Science in Molecular Engineering degree, visit the program website.

For information on the bio- and immunoengineering track, including the full course listing, visit the track website.