2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biotechnology Major


Program Coordinator/Contact
Volker Brözel, Department Head
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Alfred Dairy Science Hall 228
605-688-6141
e-mail: biomicro@abs.sdstate.edu
http://www.sdstate.edu/biomicro/
Click here for additional information. 

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.

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 Biological Sciences

System General Education Requirements*: 34


Institutional Graduation Requirements**: 5


Advanced Writing Requirement


Select one of the following courses.

Experiential Learning Requirement


Students will complete at least 3 credits from the following courses.  Prefixes may vary with approval by program coordinator.

Electives: 8-9


Total Required Credits: 120


Curriculum Notes


* The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs) must be completed as part of a student’s first 64 credits.

** South Dakota State University has a 5 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.