Biotechnology

Overview

Biotechnology is a subject area that has enormous implications for the future of the 21st century. It already has a significant impact on our lives, and will continue to revolutionize the ways in which we diagnose and treat disease, lengthen the life span, feed the planet, and remediate the environment. Our nationally recognized Biotechnology program prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the biotechnology industry.

Current graduates may be found in a variety of biotechnology companies, working as Lab Technicians, Manufacturing Associates, Quality Control and Quality Assurance Technicians, and as Validation Consultants.

To learn more about potential earnings visit:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

For more information about the outlook and trends for the Biotechnology industry please visit: www.bls.gov

Total Overall Credits: 27-29

Admission Requirements

1. Complete an application for the program.
2. Provide proof of high school completion or equivalent.
3. Provide an official copy of prior college transcripts, if appropriate.
4. Successful completion of high school algebra, biology and chemistry with a grade of C or better
5. Placement into ENGL110G/111G or higher

Program Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Understand the role of biotechnology in human experience, past and in the present

• Understand the “benchtop to bottle” process of bringing a biopharmaceutical or other biotechnology-based product to market

• Understand the Central Dogma, and its role as the theoretical foundation of modern biotechnology

• Understand and be able to apply the scientific method

• Understand and be able to execute a wide variety of laboratory techniques in microbiology, biochemistry and molecular genetics, including (but not limited to) solution preparation, gene cloning, DNA extraction and amplification, library construction, hybridization, forensic analysis, cell culture, and protein production, purification and verification

• Generate and maintain accurate lab documentation, including laboratory notebooks, batch records and log books

• Understand and adhere to the documentation guidelines of cGMP, when required

• Analyze and draw conclusions from generated scientific data, and present findings in a formal laboratory report.

• Understand the basic principles of genomics, proteomics and systems approaches in biotechnology

• Conduct basic bioinformatics-based analysis.

• Use critical thinking and principles of logic to analyze ethical issues raised in the practice of biotechnology.

• Qualify for entry level work in the biomanufacturing sector of the biotechnology industry.