- 70% of the biotechnology and molecular bioscience elective courses have a hands-on laboratory component.
- Through the Biotechnology Club you will develop leadership, networking, and communication skills and engage in professional and outreach activities.
- The Genomics Lab includes an Illumina MiSeq where undergraduate students sequence and annotate whole-genomes of a variety of organisms.
- Recent biotechnology graduates are employed at Pfizer, Inc., Roswell Park Cancer Institute, The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Merck & Co., Johns Hopkins Medicine, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
The biotechnology degree prepares you to immediately assume challenging positions in research, development, and management in the fields of plant biotechnology, human genetics, agriculture, food products, pharmaceuticals and vaccine development, environment and energy, forensic science, and genetic counseling. Meaningful research projects preparing you to gain valuable experience for full-time employment or to pursue graduate study.
The advanced nature of the third- and fourth-year courses, as well as the opportunity to participate in faculty-sponsored undergraduate research, provide a sound foundation to those students wishing to pursue a master's or doctoral degree. The major also can be designed to include the education necessary for the pursuit of a career in the medical field.
Specialized areas of emphasis include recombinant DNA, microbial and plant genetic engineering, mammalian and plant tissue culture, monoclonal antibody production and purification, large-scale fermentation techniques (bacterial and mammalian cell), and methods for characterization and separation of proteins and nucleic acids in yeast, bacterial, viral, and plant systems.
As a student enrolled in the biotechnology and molecular bioscience program at RIT you'll be exposed to dynamic professors who are leaders in their fields both in the classroom and in the laboratory.
Plan of Study
Building on a core of biology, chemistry, math, and liberal arts, the courses in this major are taught from a molecular bioscience perspective and are focused on the central genetic dogma of molecular biology. The curriculum explores the rapidly-expanding field of genetic engineering and almost unlimited potential that controlled genetic experiments hold for improving the quality of life. Specialized areas of interest include recombinant DNA, mammalian and plant tissue culture, and monoclonal antibody production.
Real World Experiences
Undergraduate research is strongly encouraged and strengthens your preparation for graduate study or employment. You're encouraged to participate in undergraduate research experience under the guidance of faculty mentors. You're also encouraged to apply for summer research internships both here at RIT and at other institutions.
You also have the option to pursue cooperative education experience in research, lab support, or data analysis in private businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Biotechnology and molecular biosciences students have worked at pharmaceutical companies, academic research laboratories, biotechnology companies, and national laboratories.
Nature of Work
Do you want to learn about the natural world on a molecular level? Do you want to learn how cells and living organisms can be harnessed to improve scientific knowledge and human health? Biotechnology is the area of science that uses living systems to create products and new technologies. Biotechnologists play important roles in biomedical research, agriculture, food safety, pharmaceutical and vaccine development, and more.
Advantages
The biotechnology and molecular bioscience program prepares our graduates for post-secondary education, employment in biotech and research laboratories, and for medical school.
Pre-Vet Advising Program
Occupations in veterinary medicine are expected to grow three times faster than all other occupations between 2016 and 2026. If you're interested in caring for animals, conducting research related to animal illnesses, or working with livestock in university or government settings, the Pre-Vet Advising Program at RIT can help you reach your career goals. Learn more about RIT's personalized Pre-Vet Advising Program and how it can help you maximize your candidacy for admission to veterinary schools.
Premedical and Health Professions Advisory Program
Medical schools and graduate programs in the health professions (such as physician assistants, physical therapy, and occupational therapy) welcome applications from students majoring in a wide range of academic programs. Acceptance into these programs requires the completion of pre-med requirements such as course work in biological and physical sciences, a strong academic record, pertinent experiences in the field, and key intrapersonal and interpersonal capabilities. Learn more about how RIT's Premedical and Health Professions Advisory Program can help you become a competitive candidate for admission to graduate programs in the medical and health professions.
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Today's careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT's Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
+1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor's degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.
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