2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Biotechnology (B.S.)



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Program Coordinator/Contact

Volker Brözel, Department Head
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Alfred Dairy Science Hall 228
605-688-6141

Program Information

This interdisciplinary program helps prepare students in fundamental sciences so that they may successfully compete for career opportunities in the growing life sciences industries. Graduates with expertise in biotechnology fill increasing demand from employers utilizing technologies such as molecular biology, genetic engineering, tissue culture, reproductive intervention, and biomass conversion in a variety of applications, such as vaccine and pharmaceutical development, agronomic seed production, livestock breeding, genetic diagnostic testing, identity and parentage verification, criminal forensics, biorenewable product development, or biomedical research.

Students may choose this major for preparation for admission to professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. The program provides an excellent background for students entering graduate school in a life sciences discipline.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Biotechnology major, students will:

  • demonstrate understanding and application of evolution; biological structure and function; biological and biochemical pathways and transformations of energy and matter; and biological systems for producing value added products.
  • apply the process of science.
  • demonstrate understanding of and application of quantitative reasoning; information flow, exchange, and storage in living systems; relationship between science and society.
  • tap into the interdisciplinary nature of science.
  • communicate and collaborate with other disciplines.
  • prepare a professional quality technical report.
  • demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts in genetic engineering and related methods of genetic transformation, screening, DNA characterization, and genetic cloning.
  • demonstrate the ability to perform as part of a multidisciplinary team in group activities.

Academic Requirements

A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be maintained in the major courses.

Course Delivery Format

Program coursework is on-campus, in classroom and laboratories, as well as field-based settings. Additional coursework is available at off-campus attendance centers. Limited coursework is available online.

Requirements for Biotechnology Major: 120 Credits


 Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences

System General Education Requirements


Department of Biology and Microbiology Requirements


  • 25 semester credits must be upper division (300 and above), with the exception that MATH 125 and 225, Calculus II and III, may be counted as five credits toward the total.
  • Students must complete a minimum of 33 credits from the natural sciences. Refer to departments offering the degree for specific course listings.

Capstone Requirement


Students will complete at least 2 credits from the following courses.  Prefixes may vary with approval by program coordinator.

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences

System General Education Requirements 34 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 74 Credit Hours
Electives** 12 Credit Hours

**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

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