Program Information

Description:
Biotechnology is best defined as the exploitation of biological systems or processes. Although this is not an entirely new concept, the current biotechnology boom is the result of recent developments in molecular biology knowledge and techniques.

The Biotechnology career program is recommended for individuals with a strong interest in biology, biochemistry and molecular genetics. Emphasis will be on the molecular biology concepts, techniques, and instrumentation that are basic to understanding the application of biological systems. Graduates of this program may be employed in health care and pharmaceutical companies, microbiological and environmental testing companies, food processing industries, and any university or industry laboratory engaged in molecular biology research and development. Students who are not seeking immediate employment have the option of transferring to a four-year institution to pursue an advanced degree.

Recommended Preparation: Students who plan to complete this program in two years should have successfully completed high school biology with a grade of B or better and high school chemistry with C or better, and three years of high school mathematics including trigonometry; high school physics is recommended.

(Housed in Biology Department)

Distribution Requirements	Credit Hours
FIRST SEMESTER
BIO 155 General Biology I	4
CHE 151 Principles of Chemistry I	4
ENG 101 College Composition OR ENG 200 Advanced Composition	3
MATHEMATICS ELECTIVE*	3-4
SOCIAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE	3
Total	17-18
SECOND SEMESTER
BIO 156 Genereal Biology II	4
CHE 152 Principles of Chemistry II	4
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE	3
MATHEMATICS ELECTIVE*	3-4
Physical/Health Education	1-2
Total	15-17
THIRD SEMESTER
BIO 221 Principles of Biochemistry	4
BIO 209 General Microbiology	4
BIO 225 Bioanalytical Techniques I	4
PROGRAM ELECTIVE**	3-5
Physical/Health Education	1
Total	16-18
FOURTH SEMESTER
BIO 230 Molecular Genetics	4
BIO 226 Bioanalytical Techniques II	4
BIO 227 Biotechnology Seminar	1
SOCIAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE	3
PROGRAM ELECTIVE**	3-5
Total	15-17
TOTAL CREDITS	63-70

* MTH 160 or MTH 165 or higher.
** PROGRAM ELECTIVES to be chosen from the following: CHE 251, CHE 252; CRC 101 or CIS 121 or equivalent; PHY 145, PHY 146 or higher. Final selection of courses should be made only after consulting with program advisor.