Program Coordinator/Contact
Radhey Kaushik, 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
- Graduates will demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of fundamental concepts in biology and microbiology.
- Graduates will demonstrate scientific reasoning and problem solving.
- Graduates will demonstrate technical laboratory proficiency in applying fundamental knowledge of biology and microbiology.
- Graduates will tap into the interdisciplinary nature of science.
- Graduates will demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
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.
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