Program Requirements for Biotechnology Majors (71 credits: 57 credits plus 14 credits of science electives)
The B.S. Biotechnology program aims to prepare students for a career in the broad field of biotechnology. As biotechnology encompasses molecular research, genomics, DNA forensics, bioinformatics (biocomputing), chemistry, and environmental bioremediation, as well as administration, management, patent law, and other “business” areas, graduates will be positioned to compete for a wide range of positions. Moreover, graduates will receive the foundation for application to and success in graduate, professional (e.g. Medical, Veterinary), law, or business schools.
The specific goals of the program are to prepare students with professional training and technical skills, in addition to providing students with the ability to critically evaluate biotechnology advances and applications in the healthcare field, pharmaceutical industry, and environment.
For the first two years of study, the B.S. Biotechnology course curriculum parallels that of other Science Department programs. This sequence is designed to provide the fundamental technical and intellectual expertise. The major will provide specialized Biotechnology program courses during the third and fourth years that include a Senior Research project. A minimum of 57 credits and 14 science elective credits for a total of 71 science credits is required for degree completion.
There is an optional 5th year program which provides the opportunity to earn an M.S. in Biotechnology degree (non-thesis). Students must apply and be accepted to this optional program in their junior year, and then take their senior year courses at the graduate (500) level. Details of this program are included in the Graduate Catalog.
The required courses are:
MATH 211: MATH 211/212 is recommended for pre-professional and graduate schools. Other Science elective courses can be taken with the permission of the department chairperson.
Science Electives (minimum of 14 credits selected from):
MATH 212: MATH 211/ 212 is recommended for pre-professional and graduate schools. Other Science elective courses can be taken with the permission of the department chairperson.