Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Biotechnology \u2013 Three to Four Year Duration\nThe Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Biotechnology is a suitable foundation for admission to professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, and veterinary medicine. It also prepares students to launch a career in biotech or for graduate studies in biotechnology or another life sciences discipline. \n
The curriculum at this level takes a more in-depth approach to the subject matter described in the associate degree section above. In addition, the biotech bachelor\u2019s program places greater emphasis on technical laboratory proficiency in applying fundamental knowledge of biology and microbiology.
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Beyond the core coursework described in the associate degree section, biotechnology bachelor\u2019s students take courses in advanced fundamentals and applications, such as these:
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\n- Developmental Biology
\n- Microbial Physiology
\n- Medical and Veterinary Immunology
\n- Medical and Veterinary Virology
\n- Engineering Properties of Biological Materials with Laboratory
\n- Livestock Breeding and Genetics
\n- Dairy Microbiology with Laboratory
\n- Principles of Crop Improvement with Laboratory
\n- Infectious Disease Laboratory
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Master\u2019s Degree in Biotechnology \u2013 One to Two Year Duration
\nDoctoral Degree in Biotechnology \u2013 Three to Five Year Duration
\nWhile graduate programs may require completion of some compulsory coursework, biotechnology master\u2019s and doctoral students focus their studies on supervised research of topics related to their thesis or dissertation. Different schools will offer different options based on the research areas supported by their faculty members. The areas described below are some of the more common examples.
\n
Medical Sciences
\nExamples of research:
\n- the development of drugs for the treatment of cancer and psychiatric disorders
\n- novel antibiotic innovation
\n- design and development of sensors for application to disease diagnosis
\n
Biological, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
\nExamples of research:
\n- the search for and discovery of commercially significant natural products
\n- the production of crops with novel traits
\n- the role played by micro-organisms in the turnover of pollutants and the production of novel compounds, including pharmaceuticals and pesticides
\n
Marine Science and Technology
\nExamples of research:
\n- the development of novel antibiotics and omega-3 oils from plankton
\n- the industrial applications of marine organisms, such as the development of environmentally friendly antifouling coatings (specialized paints applied to ships\u2019 hulls to slow the marine growth on the underwater area, protecting the structure from corrosion and abrasion and keeping ships looking good)
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.393938-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-07T15:44:06.806635-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 262, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Biotechnology", "summary_markdown": "**[Biochemistry](/degrees/biochemistry-degree/)** \r\nThe focus of biochemistry is the chemical processes and reactions that occur in living matter. Biochemists apply principles of both biology and chemistry to issues in many different sectors, including the environment, medicine and health, industry and manufacturing, agriculture, biofuels, and marine science. \r\n\r\n**[Biology](/degrees/biology-degree/)** \r\nA general biology degree program may include subjects like animal biology, invertebrate biology, vertebrate biology, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, microbiology, and ecology. \r\n\r\n**[Biomedical Engineering](/degrees/biomedical-engineering-degree/)** \r\nSimply stated, biomedical engineering uses engineering to solve health and medical problems. For example, a biomedical engineer might look for chemical signals in the body that warn of a particular disease or condition. \r\n\r\n**[Clinical Laboratory Science](/degrees/clinical-laboratory-science-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in clinical laboratory science prepare students to work as laboratory technicians, who use chemicals and other substances to test body fluids and tissues for the purpose of diagnosing diseases. The curriculum combines chemistry, biology, and medicine.", "content_markdown": "**[Genetics](/degrees/genetics-degree/)** \r\nGenetics is concerned with how traits such as hair color, eye color, and risk for disease are passed or inherited from parents to their children, and how these inherited traits differ from person to person. At the center of the study of genetics is the genetic code or \u2018genome.\u2019 This genetic information is made up of a chemical called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and is stored in almost every cell in the body. \r\n\r\n**[Microbiology](/degrees/microbiology-degree/)** \r\nMicrobiology is the study of all living organisms that are too small to see with the naked eye. These \u2018microbes\u2019 include bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa, and algae. \r\n\r\n**[Molecular Biology](/degrees/molecular-biology-degree/)** \r\nThe field of molecular biology is concerned with genetics, with the structure and the relationships between four molecules in the body: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, nucleic acids. \r\n\r\n**[Pharmaceutical Science](/degrees/pharmaceutical-science-degree/)** \r\nPharmaceutical science is concerned with the discovery and development of new drugs and therapies. The main categories of the field are drug discovery and design, drug delivery, drug action, clinical sciences, drug analysis, cost effectiveness of medicines, and regulatory affairs.", "content_html": "
Genetics
\nGenetics is concerned with how traits such as hair color, eye color, and risk for disease are passed or inherited from parents to their children, and how these inherited traits differ from person to person. At the center of the study of genetics is the genetic code or \u2018genome.\u2019 This genetic information is made up of a chemical called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and is stored in almost every cell in the body.
\n
Microbiology
\nMicrobiology is the study of all living organisms that are too small to see with the naked eye. These \u2018microbes\u2019 include bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa, and algae.
\n
Molecular Biology
\nThe field of molecular biology is concerned with genetics, with the structure and the relationships between four molecules in the body: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, nucleic acids.
\n
Pharmaceutical Science
\nPharmaceutical science is concerned with the discovery and development of new drugs and therapies. The main categories of the field are drug discovery and design, drug delivery, drug action, clinical sciences, drug analysis, cost effectiveness of medicines, and regulatory affairs.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.396346-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-07T15:45:15.740724-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 262, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "Individuals who study and work in the field of biotechnology develop a set of skills that are transferable to a variety of careers. Among these skills are: \r\n\r\n- Attention to detail \r\n- Investigation, research, analysis, and complex problem-solving \r\n- Technical savvy \r\n- Creativity / innovative thinking \r\n- Product design, development, testing, and modification \r\n- Three-dimensional conceptual ability \r\n- Appreciation for product marketability \r\n- Communication and teamwork skills developed through the need to collaborate with professionals in the medical, scientific, and engineering fields \r\n- Report writing and documentation", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.398732-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-07T15:41:07.834590-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 262, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Biotechnology Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Due to the specific nature of the biotechnology degree, most graduates of the discipline work directly in the growing life sciences industries, filling increasing demand from employers utilizing technologies such as molecular biology, genetic engineering, tissue culture, reproductive intervention, and biomass conversion (plant or animal material used as fuel to produce electricity or heat). Biotech grads apply these technologies in a variety of applications, including: \r\n\r\n- Vaccine and pharmaceutical development \r\n- Biomedical research \r\n- Genetic diagnostic testing \r\n- Bio-renewable product development \r\n- Agronomic seed production \r\n- Livestock breeding \r\n- DNA analysis / parentage testing and verification of identity \r\n- Food science \r\n- Criminal forensics", "content_markdown": "Some of the specific roles held by biotechnologists include: \r\n\r\n- Genetic Engineer \u2013 by manipulating an organism\u2019s genes, genetic engineers can make a plant more resistant to disease or pests, or modify bacteria to carry drugs to targeted tissues \r\n- [Bioinformatics Scientist](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/bioinformatics-scientist/) \u2013 merges biological science and computer science, taking massive amounts of biological data and gaining applicable insights from it \r\n- Biopharmaceutical Specialist \u2013 discovers, designs, manufactures, and commercializes DNA-derived biotech products that include antibodies, vaccines, biosimilars (biologic medical products highly similar to another already approved biological medicine), and cellular immunotherapies \r\n- [Biomedical Engineer](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/biomedical-engineer/) \u2013 designs products such as artificial limbs, internal organs, devices that regulate insulin, and laser systems that can be used in corrective eye surgery \r\n- [Clinical Research Coordinator](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/clinical-research-coordinator/) \u2013 makes sure new medicines are safe through clinical trials and scientific research \r\n- Plant Biotechnologist \u2013 modifies the genetic makeup of a plant to foster more beneficial traits, such as resistance to pests, disease, droughts, and herbicides \r\n- [Animal Scientist](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/animal-scientist/) \u2013 genetically manipulates laboratory animals, such as mice and rats, in the interests of human health and development; studies livestock productivity and welfare \r\n- Biomedical Researcher \u2013 conducts research to improve overall human health; designs and conducts studies to investigate human disease; standardizes drug delivery methods for mass manufacturing and distribution; develops programs with health departments to improve patient outcomes \r\n- [Craft Beer Brewer](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/brewmaster/) \u2013 applies biotechnology to identify the right dosage and strains of yeast, barley, and hops in beer production \r\n- Environmental Biotechnologist \u2013 develops, uses, and regulates biological systems to repair contaminated environments and establish environment friendly processes; looks for natural solutions to environmental hazards", "content_html": "
Some of the specific roles held by biotechnologists include:
\n
\n- Genetic Engineer \u2013 by manipulating an organism\u2019s genes, genetic engineers can make a plant more resistant to disease or pests, or modify bacteria to carry drugs to targeted tissues
\n- Bioinformatics Scientist \u2013 merges biological science and computer science, taking massive amounts of biological data and gaining applicable insights from it
\n- Biopharmaceutical Specialist \u2013 discovers, designs, manufactures, and commercializes DNA-derived biotech products that include antibodies, vaccines, biosimilars (biologic medical products highly similar to another already approved biological medicine), and cellular immunotherapies
\n- Biomedical Engineer \u2013 designs products such as artificial limbs, internal organs, devices that regulate insulin, and laser systems that can be used in corrective eye surgery
\n- Clinical Research Coordinator \u2013 makes sure new medicines are safe through clinical trials and scientific research
\n- Plant Biotechnologist \u2013 modifies the genetic makeup of a plant to foster more beneficial traits, such as resistance to pests, disease, droughts, and herbicides
\n- Animal Scientist \u2013 genetically manipulates laboratory animals, such as mice and rats, in the interests of human health and development; studies livestock productivity and welfare
\n- Biomedical Researcher \u2013 conducts research to improve overall human health; designs and conducts studies to investigate human disease; standardizes drug delivery methods for mass manufacturing and distribution; develops programs with health departments to improve patient outcomes
\n- Craft Beer Brewer \u2013 applies biotechnology to identify the right dosage and strains of yeast, barley, and hops in beer production
\n- Environmental Biotechnologist \u2013 develops, uses, and regulates biological systems to repair contaminated environments and establish environment friendly processes; looks for natural solutions to environmental hazards
\n
", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:38.400905-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-07T15:46:39.150856-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">