The Biotechnology program provides a strong foundation in the principles of biology and chemistry with the option to specialize in a concentration in microscopy or molecular biology. Students will be immersed in cutting-edge, hands-on coursework that builds advanced technical laboratory skills. In combination with courses focused on professional development, communication and collaboration, and internship or research experiences, students will be well-prepared for exciting and in-demand careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, or academics.
Program Requirements
Core Courses I (14 hours)
| BIO 111 | Foundations of Evolution and Diversity | 4(3-3) |
| BIO 112 | Foundations of Cell Biology | 4(3-3) |
| BIO 115 | Exploring Biotechnology | 1(0-2) |
| BIO 211 | Foundations of Genetics | 4(3-3) |
| BIO 215 | Career Pathways in Biotechnology | 1(1-0) |
Core Courses II (8 hours)
Other Requirements I (11 hours)
Other Requirements II (4-8 hours)
Select one of the following options:
Notes: Students selecting Option A in Other Requirements II must select Option 1 in Other Requirements III. Students selecting Option B in Other Requirements II may select any option in Other Requirements III.
Option A (4 hours)
| CHM 342 | Survey of Organic Chemistry | 4(3-3) |
Option B (8 hours)
| CHM 345 | Organic Chemistry I | 3(3-0) |
| CHM 346 | Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Bioorganic Chemistry | 3(3-0) |
| CHM 349 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2(0-6) |
Other Requirements III (3-6 hours)
Select one of the following options:
Option 1 (3 hours)
| CHM 421 | Introductory Biochemistry for Health Sciences | 3(3-0) |
Option 2 (3 hours)
| CHM 520 | Introductory Biochemistry | 3(3-0) |
Option 3 (6 hours)
Other Requirements IV (0 hours)
Capstone Exit Exam and Survey.
This capstone experience may include taking the Biology Major Field test or the BIO-MAPS test, analyzing and interpreting data, and/or completing an exit survey.
Required Courses (3-4 hours)
Select one of the following:
| BIO 403WI | Undergraduate Research | 4(Spec) |
| BIO 495 | Undergraduate Internship in Biology | 1-4(Spec) |
Concentrations
Select one of the following Concentrations:
Microscopy Concentration (11-12 hours)
Required Microscopy Courses (8 hours)
| BIO 331 | Histological Techniques | 1(0-3) |
| BIO 550 | Transmission Electron Microscopy | 4(1-6) |
| BIO 553 | Confocal Microscopy | 3(2-3) |
Microscopy Electives (3-4 hours)
Select one of the following options:
Option 1 (4 hours)
| BIO 552 | Scanning Electron Microscopy | 4(3-3) |
Option 2 (3-4 hours)
Select 3-4 hours from the following:
Total: 54-63 semester hours
Molecular Biology Concentration (14 hours)
Required Molecular Biology Courses (4 hours)
Select one of the following:
Molecular Biology Electives (10 hours)
Select advanced level elective courses from the following:
Total: 57-65 semester hours