About this program

In this four-course certificate program, we’ll investigate the foundational science behind drug development and learn about biopharma’s latest advancements. You’ll examine organisms’ fundamental molecular and cellular processes and study disease processes that allow diseases to develop. Finally, we focus on drug development from discovery & design to filing with regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA) for approval of new treatments and devices.

Designed for

Professionals who work in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and related fields, along with those looking to enter the industry.


What you’ll learn

  • The molecular and cellular processes that occur in living organisms, including DNA replication, gene expression and regulation, protein biochemistry and signal transduction
  • The mechanisms by which selected pharmaceuticals treat or cure diseases
  • The key factors involved in the transformation of small molecules, proteins and genes into therapeutic products
  • The routes for advancing drug product candidates from lab bench and selection through clinical trials and market launch
  • The possible paths for device development, testing and approval

Earn credit toward your master’s degree

By completing this certificate program, you can earn up to 12 credits toward degree requirements should you later be accepted into the Master of Pharmaceutical Bioengineering. To use these credits, you must obtain graduate nonmatriculated status before you register for the first course of the certificate program.

Deadline for applications is September 13

Complete the courses listed below to earn the certificate. You may be able to take individual courses without enrolling in the certificate program; check the course pages for details.

Molecular & Cellular Biology (PHARBE 500)
Pathophysiology (PHARBE 505)
General Pharmaceutics I (PHARBE 502)
PHARBE 503 Pharmaceutics II

Certificate in Basic Bioscience

Rashmi Ghayal

“ The Basic Biosciences Program is a very well structured, comprehensive program with great instructors! It covers the entire Pharma lifecycle from concept to market. This certification gave me the confidence I needed to restart my career in the pharma industry after a very long break.”

– Rashmi Ghayal, graduate of the basic biosciences certificate program.

Learning Format


Online icon

Online With Real-Time Meetings

Combine the convenience of online learning with the immediacy of real-time interaction. You’ll stream courses online and interact with your instructors and fellow students via chat, web conferencing or phone, all in real time.


Attend an online info session

Join an upcoming information session to learn more about the program, curriculum and instructors.

Upcoming Information Sessions:

2024 information sessions will be posted winter quarter

Meet the Instructors


Sarah Snyder

Srah Snyder

Roberta J. Wong, PHARM.D.

Roberta J. Wong