2014-15 Catalogs

The biotechnology specialization emphasizes cell and molecular biology, and students who follow this track receive a solid foundation in both biology and chemistry. Graduates are well prepared to pursue employment in biotechnology or to enter graduate programs in biotechnology, cell and molecular biology, and applied medical sciences.

Requirements

The minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University's Core curriculum) required for the emphasis in biotechnology: 74. Students may substitute Problems in Biology (BIO 441) for no more than one of the required AMS courses shown below. Per University policy, students enrolled in AMS courses pay graduate tuition rates. A grade of C- or higher is required for all courses listed below.

All of the following are required:

Biology (30-31 credit hours)
     BIO 105, 106 Biological Principles I: Cellular Biology and Laboratory
     BIO 107 Biological Principles II: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ecology
     BIO 201 Genetics
     BIO 281, 282 Microbiology and Laboratory
     BIO 408 Experimental Genetics
     BIO 409, 410 Cell and Molecular Biology and Laboratory
     or AMS 530, 531 Molecular Biology and Laboratory
     BIO 431 Principles of Immunology
     AMS 551 Immunology Laboratory

Chemistry (26 credit hours)
     CHY 113, 114, 115, 116 Principles of Chemistry I and II and Laboratory
     CHY 251, 252, 253, 254 Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratory
     CHY 461, 462, 463 Biochemistry I and II and Laboratory

Physics (10 credit hours)
     PHY 111, 114, 112, 116 Elements of Physics I and II and Laboratory
     or PHY 121, 114, 123, 116 General Physics I and II and Laboratory

Mathematics (8 credit hours)
     MAT 152 Calculus A
     MAT 220 Statistics for the Biological Sciences

Course Sequence

Recommended Course Sequence

Because the biology curriculum includes many support courses (chemistry, physics, math) that need to be taken in addition to biology courses, the Department offers a suggested plan of study, shown below. There is no guarantee that every course listed will be offered when the student wants the course. Students should consult their academic advisors regularly as well as the Tentative Schedule of Biology courses listed on the Department of Biological Sciences website to establish a graduate planner appropriate to your individual needs.

Note: Total credits must add up to 120, with a minimum of 74 credits required for the biotechnology specialization.Suggested schedule is based on 8 semesters (4 years) with approximately 15 credits per semester. Needing to meet the English or Math proficiency requirements in your first year will alter and possibly lengthen your coursework beyond 4 years. Summer courses can reduce course load during the year.