Biotechnology

The B.S. Biotechnology program aims to prepare students for a career in the broad field of biotechnology. As biotech encompasses molecular research, genomics, forensics, bioinformatics (biocomputing) 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. Med, Vet), law or business school.

Specific goals of the program are to prepare students not only with professional training (technical skills), but also to provide students with the ability to critically evaluate biotechnology advances and applications. We now live in a molecular society, in the post-genomic era, with scientific breakthroughs that affect us all. B.S. Biotech graduates will make a difference in how society uses such advances.

Undergraduates (either first/second year students or transfers) can elect for a 5-year B.S. to M.S. Biotechnology curriculum.

More About This Degree

• Learn more about this program or visit the Science website.
• College: Munley College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Courses: Available courses in this department
• Student/Faculty Ratio: 13:1

The $6.4 million Center for Natural and Health Sciences is equipped with four large laboratories, a newly renovated Biotechnology research lab, an environmental wet laboratory, a greenhouse, three computer laboratories, and a multi-media auditorium.

Biotech graduates will find exciting careers in any of the following areas: Research labs and Biotech labs (e.g.. disease research), Bioinformatics (biocomputing), Management and Administration, Patent Law, Regulatory/FDA Affairs, and Lobbying Groups.

Some of our alumni:

• Rebecca Ryals, earned her Master's degree from Duke University and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree at University of California, Berkeley
• David Bruhn, conducted research in the area of genomics and is currently enrolled in the Molecular and Cellular Biology Program at University of Massachusetts, Amherst
• Laura Wisniewski, participated in a genomic research project at Marywood and is currently pursuing Veterinary Medicine at University of Illinois.

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

• Official SAT and/or ACT scores
• Completed application
• Essay
• Official transcripts
• Letter of recommendation

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B.S Biotechnology

The B.S. Biotechnology program aims to prepare students for a career in the broad field of biotechnology. As biotech 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. We now live in a molecular society, in the post-genomic era, with scientific breakthroughs that affect us all. B.S. Biotech graduates will make a difference in how society will use these innovative and scientific advances.

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 Biotech program courses during the third and fourth years that include a Senior Research Project. A minimum of 57 credits and 18 science elective credits for a total of 75 science credits is required for degree completion.

The required courses are:

Electives (plus a minimum of 18 credits selected from):

**MATH 201/202 is recommended for pre-­professional and graduate schools.

Other Science elective courses can be taken with the permission of the department chairperson.