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Degree Requirements: Biotechnology

New Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Major in Biotechnology
Indiana University – Bloomington

Objectives

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biotechnology is a new degree major that will provide students with fundamental training in basic scientific principles as well as specific concepts, techniques, and applications used in biotechnology. This preparation will enable students to pursue careers in or related to Biotechnology and the Biomedical Sciences,  including Graduate School, Professions Schools, and Industry.

Timing

  • Freshmen may declare major starting in Fall, 2004.
  • New courses required in the Junior Year of Major will be offered starting Fall, 2006.
  • Earliest graduation date: May, 2008.

Highlights of New B.S. Biotechnology Degree Major

  • Joint degree program between Biology and Chemistry Departments with participation and input from faculty in other divisions, such as the Law School.
  • New Lecture (6 hours) and Laboratory Courses (4 hours) in Biotechnology emphasizing small molecules and large biomolecules.
  • New course (3 hours) on Societal Issues of Biotechnology, including aspects of intellectual property taught by Law School faculty.
  • Internships in industry encouraged as well as independent research experience in IUB laboratories.
  • Lecture series with guest speakers discussing topics in Biotechnology and Biotechnology-related jobs in industry and academia.
  • New elective courses in Biotechnology emphasizing drug discovery and development and metabolic manipulation and bioremediation that will be part of the curriculum for new planned M.S. Degree Biotechnology, which is pending approval.
  • Opportunity to continue training and obtain M.S. Degree in Biotechnology in one additional year after the B.S. Biotechnology Degree, pending approval of the M.S. Biotechnology degree  program (target date 2004).

Curriculum

A total of 122 credit hours are required to complete the B.S. in Biotechnology. The requirements are distributed as follows in this basic model with slight variations possible depending on course selections.

General Education (29)

  • Writing (6)
  • Foreign Language (11)
  • Mathematics Fundamental Skills (fulfilled by requirements listed below)
  • Arts and Humanities (6)
  • Social and Historical Studies (6)
  • Natural Sciences (fulfilled by major)

Chemistry (18)

  • Inorganic Chemistry (10)
  • Organic Chemistry (8)

Mathematics (7)

  • Calculus (4)
  • Statistics (3)

Physics (10)

Biotechnology and Related Fields (43)

  • General Biology (3)
  • Biochemistry (6)
  • Molecular Biology (3)
  • Microbiology (6)
  • Biotechnology (13)
  • Advanced Biotechnology, Biology, and/or Chemistry (12)

Electives including internships and independent research (15)

Minimum Total credit hours: 122

Employment Possibilities

Students who obtain the B.S. in Biotechnology will be prepared to: (1) obtain employment in biotechnology and related industries, including the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries; (2) enroll in graduate programs (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Biotechnology or related fields such as Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry; (3) pursue advanced professional degrees (M.D. (Medicine), M.B.A (Business), J.D. (Law), with emphasis on Biotechnology issues.

Director: Malcolm E. Winkler, Ph.D., Professor of Biology

Assistant Director: Nancy G. Magill, Ph.D., Lecturer