The Biotechnology Track
Biotechnology utilizes molecular and cellular biological processes to make commercial products in wide range of fields, from agriculture, heath care, and organic chemistry, to environmental remediation. The biotechnology track within the biology major is designed primarily for students who wish to major in biology as a means to careers in research and development at biotechnology companies. This track also provides training for work in university or medical research laboratories, or for graduate school in biochemistry, molecular biology, or cell biology. Students in the biotechnology track must complete the biology major core of basic science courses at the introductory and intermediate levels. In addition, those in the biotechnology track must complete Organic Chemistry I and II. Advanced work focuses on techniques and areas of biology that are important in the biotechnology industry. All required biology and chemistry courses must be taken with a laboratory.
Required Courses
Basic Science Core (Introductory and Intermediate Courses):
- BIOL 111-112 (General Biology I and II)
- CHEM 115, 116 (Chemical Principles I and II)
- CHEM 117, 118 (Chemical Principles Laboratory I and II)
- Mathematics through at least one semester of calculus (MATH 135 or MATH 140 or 145)
- PHYSIC 107 and 108 with Labs 171-172; or PHYSIC 113 and 114 with Labs 181-182. (Note that Calculus II and Math 141 are prerequisites for Physics 113 and 114.)
- BIOL 210 (Cell Biology)
- BIOL 252 (Genetics)
- BIOL 290 (Population Biology)
- CHEM 251-252; (Organic Chemistry I and II)
- CHEM 255-256 (Organic Laboratory I and II)
Advanced Courses:
- BIOL 334 (Microbiology)
- BIOL 360 (Bioinformatics) or 395 (Biotechnology)
- BIOL 378 (Introduction to Immunology)
- BIOCHM 383 (Biochemistry I)
- BIOCHM 385 (Biochemistry Lab I)
- BIOL 372 (Molecular Biology)