MBA Coursework
As part of the Master of Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) curriculum, students are encouraged to take 9 credit hours of MBA elective courses to complement their biotechnology-focused education. These electives allow students to tailor their learning experience based on their career interests and gain valuable business and management skills that are essential for leadership roles in the biotech industry.
BUS 554 - Project Management
Throughout this course, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of project management principles, including portfolio management, project prioritization, and aligning projects with business strategy. I have learned how to use tools like Microsoft Project and ProjectLibre for scheduling, as well as key methodologies such as Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Critical Path Method (CPM) to effectively plan and manage projects. Additionally, I have developed skills in risk management, resource allocation, and Earned Value Management (EVM) to track project performance. Exposure to Agile development principles and hands-on experience with case studies have enhanced my ability to work in virtual teams, analyze project challenges, and apply best practices in real-world scenarios. This course has strengthened my ability to manage projects efficiently, making me better equipped to handle complex tasks in professional settings.
MBA 562 - Research Methods in Marketing
This course introduced me to core marketing research techniques used to identify business problems, collect data, and translate it into meaningful insights for decision-making. Throughout the semester, I gained a solid understanding of key research concepts and learned how to apply them to real-world marketing scenarios. I also developed hands-on skills using tools like Qualtrics for survey design and SPSS for data analysis, which helped me understand how to handle datasets, run statistical tests, and interpret results effectively. In addition to that, I learned how to structure research questions, choose appropriate methodologies, and evaluate the reliability and validity of data. Working on real-world cases strengthened my ability to connect research findings to practical marketing strategies. Overall, the course helped me build a solid foundation in both the theoretical and applied aspects of marketing research.
MBA 585 - Current Topics in BioSciences Management
Through this course, I developed a comprehensive understanding of business processes and strategies across the global biosciences value chain. I explored the realities of research and development, including the challenges of innovation, risk, and time-to-market, as well as the full product life cycle from discovery to commercialization. The course provided in-depth knowledge of key components such as intellectual property strategy, regulatory trials, and government approval processes. I also gained insight into downstream functions including manufacturing, sourcing, supply chain logistics, sales, marketing, and customer engagement. Overall, I learned how these interconnected functions work together to successfully bring a biotechnology-based product from concept to market.