Biotechnology

Biology Major

Biotechnology Concentration

The Biotechnology concentration provides a solid background in both Biology and Chemistry. This concentration emphasizes laboratories. Students are strongly encouraged to gain experience through undergraduate research and/or internships.


Requirements

  • student shining light into a petri dishBIOL 101 Seminar for Entering Majors (1 cr)
  • BIOL 150 Introduction to Biology I: Cells (4 cr)
  • BIOL 160 Introduction to Biology II: Organisms (4 cr)
  • BIOL 240 Genetics (4 cr)
  • BIOL 302 Applied Statistics in Biology 1 (cr)
  • BIOL 320 Microbiology (4 cr)
  • BIOL 360 Biochemistry (3 cr)
  • BIOL 390 Biostatistics (3 cr)
  • BIOL 410 Biotechniques (4 cr)
  • BIOL 420 Bioinformatics (3 cr)
  • BIOL 480 Cell & Molecular Biology (4 cr)
  • CHEM 150 Introduction to Chemistry I (4 cr)
  • CHEM 152 Introduction to Chemistry II (4 cr)
  • CHEM 201 Organic Chemistry I (4 cr)
  • CHEM 202 Organic Chemistry II (4 cr)
  • CSCI 243 Database Development (3 cr)
  • PHYS 131 General Physics I (4 cr)
  • PHYS 132 General Physics II (4 cr)
  • MATH 232/232H Intro to Statistics (3 cr) or or MATH 232H Honors: Introduction to Statistics
    Total Credits: 65

MCLA in 4

MCLAin4 LogoA sample 4-year plan showing a possible sequence of courses in this concentration.

Research and Internships

Students interested in biotechnology careers should consider conducting independent research while at MCLA, and motivated students are encouraged to apply for off-campus research opportunities such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs. Internships and other experiences may also be pursued in specific areas of interest. Strong students may be invited to serve as teaching assistants, conducting tutorials or assisting with labs in the department.

Certification and Application Exams

Students interested in graduate school should plan to take the GRE’s general test and biology subject test.  Study materials for these examinations are provided in the Biology department.

Advising

A faculty advisor will meet with each student at least once per semester, and information about specific internships, research opportunities, upcoming courses, and other topics is provided to enrolled students on the Biology Department’s Canvas page.

Careers & Outcomes

Biotechnology, a relatively new concentration, has had only one graduate to date; this student is working as a laboratory technician and has been accepted to graduate school.