Program Description
Biotechnology may be broadly defined as the application of principles of molecular and cell science in the production of biologically important or industrially useful products. Therefore, students in the Biotechnology major will
One very important strength of this major is the extensive laboratory experience each student receives. In the General option, students are very strongly encouraged to consider Cooperative Education with industry as an integral part of their curriculum. In addition to the General option in Biotechnology, the major also offers the Clinical Laboratory Science option.
Biotechnology is broadly defined as the application of principles of molecular and cell science to the production of biologically important or industrially useful products. Topics in biotechnology include genetic engineering, pharmaceutical development, and bio-manufacturing.
In order to be eligible for entrance to the Biotechnology major, a student must have:
For the Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology, a minimum of 125 credits is required:
15 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major.This includes: 9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses.
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
To graduate with a B.S. degree in Biotechnology, a grade of C or better is required in 9 credits of any BIOTC, B M B, or MICRB 400-level course except BMB442, BMB443W, BMB445W, BMB448, BMB488, BMB496, MICRB421W, MICRB422, MICRB447.
To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
This option provides both the academic and clinical preparation for students interested in a career as a clinical laboratory scientist. Positions are found in hospital, physician-office, reference, industrial, and research laboratories. To complete baccalaureate degree requirements, students enter a ten-month clinical practicum (MICRB405A, MICRB405B, MICRB405C, MICRB405D, MICRB405E, MICRB405F) at an affiliate hospital for the senior year. (Current affiliations are with Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College and Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia.) Students are recommended for a fixed number of hospital positions on a competitive basis. Cumulative grade-point average and hospital school admission requirements serve as criteria for recommendation. The B.S. degree is awarded at the first commencement following completion of the clinical practicum.
PROFESSOR Loida Escote-Carlson, in charge
The integrated B.S. in Biotechnology-Master of Biotechnology degree program is designed to enable qualified undergraduate students in the B.S. Biotechnology program to graduate in five years with the Master of Biotechnology degree. The requirements of the Master of Biotechnology degree are designed to prepare students for diverse career opportunities in the burgeoning biotechnology industry. The integrated B.S. Biotechnology-Master of Biotechnology program will enhance the preparation and qualifications of B.S. Biotechnology students seeking entry-level positions in biotechnology and related industries. At the same time, students develop a practical knowledge of the laboratory techniques that underlie current research in the life sciences that will serve as excellent preparation for those students in the Master of Biotechnology program who later decide to pursue further graduate degrees.
A maximum of 12 credits will be cross-counted towards the B.S. and Masters degrees, from the following courses:
Total credits required: 125GENERAL EDUCATION: 46 credits (15 of these are included in the REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR)REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR: 94-95 creditsPrescribed courses: 67 creditsAdditional courses: 6-9 creditsSupporting courses and related areas: 18-21 credits
Total credits required: 30 (18 of which must be from 500-level courses)Required courses: 16-19 creditsElectives: 11-14 credits
The objectives of the universitys academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisees unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
Jennifer KeeferAcademic Adviser239 Ritenour BuildingUniversity Park, PA 16802814-863-5487jls227@psu.edu
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2020-21 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contain suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of C or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of C or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of C or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of C or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of C or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of C or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
This major has two options: Clinical Laboratory Option or General Option. Graduates from the General option frequently accept positions in the bio-pharmaceutical industry or with newly-emerging biotechnology companies bringing new products to market. Graduates from the Clinical Lab Science Option are prepared to complete the certification exam necessary to work as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in a hospital or other medical laboratory.
A BS in Biotechnology prepares students for a wide variety of careers, including industry, health related professions, and careers in academic or government labs. Examples of biotechnology related careers are:
Many students with a BS in Biotechnology will pursue graduate education in biotechnology, management, policy or other related disciplines. Penn State students interested in pursuing a MS in Biotechnology can enroll in the integrated undergraduate graduate (IUG) program. IUG students complete a BS and MS with 5 years of coursework, which includes a nine-month internship in industry, government or academia. A BS in Biotechnology also prepares students to pursue higher degrees in the health professions. Opportunities for graduate studies include, but are not limited to, the following:
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
The rest is here:
Biotechnology, B.S. & Penn State
- Biotechnology Research Among Science Returned to Earth - ISS National Lab - May 5th, 2024
- Program to prepare next generation of biotech experts receives renewed funding - The University of Rhode Island - May 5th, 2024
- Designing drugs with reversible activity - Nature.com - May 5th, 2024
- ScienceLIVE helps answer 'What the Heck is Biotech?' for career-minded adults - UMass Medical School - May 5th, 2024
- Boston Micro Fabrication Launches BMF Biotechnology Inc. to Advance Use of 3D BioChips in Pharmaceutical and ... - Morningstar - May 5th, 2024
- Time to leverage intellectual property to drive innovation in seed and biotechnology sectors: Experts - The Times of India - May 5th, 2024
- Vir Biotechnology to Participate in the BofA Securities Healthcare Conference 2024 - Business Wire - May 5th, 2024
- WuXi Biologics withdraws from 2024 BIO convention amid worsening geopolitical tensions - FiercePharma - May 5th, 2024
- Boston Micro Fabrication Launches BMF Biotechnology Inc. to Advance Use of 3D BioChips in Pharmaceutical and ... - Business Wire - May 5th, 2024
- U.S. Biotechnology Market Size to Increase USD 1.79 Trillion by 2033 - BioSpace - April 16th, 2024
- 6 biotechnology universities in the USA developing young talent - Labiotech.eu - April 16th, 2024
- Lee Hsien Loong presided over efforts to retool Singapore's export-driven economy by focusing on advanced ... - NBC Right Now - April 16th, 2024
- UNITY Biotechnology, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results and Business Updates - GlobeNewswire - April 16th, 2024
- Lee Hsien Loong presided over efforts to retool Singapore's export-driven economy by focusing on advanced ... - pdclarion.com - April 16th, 2024
- BIO's top lobbyist heads out the door - FiercePharma - April 16th, 2024
- BIO's top lobbyist exits, signaling reorganization - STAT - STAT - April 16th, 2024
- Biotech Rebound Could Boost This ETF - ETF Trends - April 16th, 2024
- US National Security, China and Biotechnology in 2024 - BioSpace - April 8th, 2024
- How to Invest in Biotechnology (Updated 2024) - Nasdaq - April 8th, 2024
- Self-pigmenting textiles grown from cellulose-producing bacteria with engineered tyrosinase expression - Nature.com - April 8th, 2024
- Genetically encoding colors and images into bioengineered microbial materials - Nature.com - April 8th, 2024
- Ambition and urgency: Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU - EURACTIV - April 8th, 2024
- Scientists create plastic-free vegan leather that dyes itself, grown from bacteria - Phys.org - April 8th, 2024
- For national security, the U.S. must maintain its biotech dominance - STAT - April 8th, 2024
- LLY, REGN, BHVN: Which Biotech Stock Offers the Most Upside? - Yahoo Finance - April 8th, 2024
- Is biotechnology a good career? Here are the pros and cons - Labiotech.eu - March 18th, 2024
- Saving Biology With Blue Biotechnology - The Maritime Executive - March 18th, 2024
- 30 Biggest Biotechnology Companies in the World - Yahoo Finance - March 18th, 2024
- WuXi out of biotech trade group, U.S. and China relations to blame - STAT - March 18th, 2024
- Can Biotechnology Save the Fashion Industry? - EARTH.ORG - March 18th, 2024
- Huber high-precision temperature control solutions for the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology - Labmate Online - March 18th, 2024
- The twelve hottest biotech companies in the Boston area - Labiotech.eu - March 18th, 2024
- Vancouver readies for its position as a global pharma capital as B.C.'s biotech boom takes off - The Globe and Mail - March 10th, 2024
- Here's Why We're A Bit Worried About Unity Biotechnology's (NASDAQ:UBX) Cash Burn Situation - Simply Wall St - March 10th, 2024
- The Top 25 Biotechnology Companies of 2024 - The Healthcare Technology Report. - March 10th, 2024
- Near-cognate tRNAs increase the efficiency and precision of pseudouridine-mediated readthrough of premature ... - Nature.com - March 10th, 2024
- MAIA Biotechnology and Nationwide Children's Hospital Announce Presentation of THIO's Potency in Pediatric Brain ... - Business Wire - March 10th, 2024
- Global Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Distribution Deals Analysis Report and Directory 2024: Breakdown of ... - PR Newswire - March 10th, 2024
- Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Co-promotion and Co-marketing Partnering Trends Report 2024: Analysis of ... - PR Newswire - March 10th, 2024
- INTERNATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY TRUST has a healthy attitude towards paying investors - This is Money - March 10th, 2024
- Where Does Capricor Therapeutics Inc (CAPR) Stock Fall in the Biotechnology Field After It Has Risen 24.73% This Week? - InvestorsObserver - March 10th, 2024
- Biotechnology should be high on the agenda at the Munich Security Conference - The Hill - February 18th, 2024
- Boston is best in the world at biotech. Beijing wants to do it better - WBUR News - February 18th, 2024
- Multiomics Are The Next Step In Biotechnology - Securities.io - February 18th, 2024
- SPARKing academic technologies across the valley of death - Nature.com - February 18th, 2024
- Is Nurix Therapeutics Inc (NRIX) Stock at the Top of the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- Addressing the Threat to U.S. Biotechnology: Concerns Over Genetic Data Security - Medriva - February 18th, 2024
- Where Does SpringWorks Therapeutics Inc (SWTX) Stock Fall in the Biotechnology Field After It Has Gained 12.41% This Week? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- Should Biotechnology Stock Axsome Therapeutics Inc (AXSM) Be in Your Portfolio Wednesday? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- Where Does Candel Therapeutics Inc (CADL) Stock Fall in the Biotechnology Field After It Has Gained 22.38% This Week? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- Is Tempest Therapeutics Inc (TPST) a Leader in the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- Is Immunome Inc (IMNM) a Good Buy in the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- Is Larimar Therapeutics Inc (LRMR) a Leader in the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- US lawmakers, visiting Cambridge, warn of a rising Chinese threat to US biotech - The Boston Globe - February 18th, 2024
- Should Biotechnology Stock Viking Therapeutics Inc (VKTX) Be in Your Portfolio Monday? - InvestorsObserver - February 18th, 2024
- How the push to limit Chinese biotech could threaten U.S. edge - Axios - February 18th, 2024
- What is Biotechnology? Types and Applications - Iberdrola - January 25th, 2024
- BioAro Inc to Host Inaugural Longevity Innovation Forum in Dubai, UAE - Yahoo Finance - January 25th, 2024
- Is Akebia Therapeutics Inc (AKBA) a Bad Choice in Biotechnology Wednesday? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Agricultural Biotechnology Market Projected to Reach USD 64.7 billion, with Advancing CAGR of 9.5% by 2031 ... - Yahoo Finance - January 25th, 2024
- Where Does Immunitybio Inc (IBRX) Stock Fall in the Biotechnology Field After It Is Lower By -9.32% This Week? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Is Lyra Therapeutics Inc (LYRA) Stock at the Top of the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- ZWI Therapeutics Announces Closing of $10M Series A Financing - FinSMEs - January 25th, 2024
- Breaking Barriers: Tiamat Sciences Shatters Norms with All-Female Executive Team - Yahoo Finance - January 25th, 2024
- Can Sana Biotechnology Inc (SANA) Stock Rise to the Top of Healthcare Sector Monday? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Is Cabaletta Bio Inc (CABA) a Leader in the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Should You Buy Sana Biotechnology Inc (SANA) Stock After it Has Fallen 15.41% in a Week? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Why Investors and Media are Calling Biotech Showcase The Place to Be to Start the Year - Business Wire - January 25th, 2024
- Is IGC Pharma Inc (IGC) Stock at the Top of the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Is Summit Therapeutics Inc (SMMT) a Leader in the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Biotech Stocks: The Top 5 To Watch As Shares Trend Down - Investor's Business Daily - January 25th, 2024
- Where Does Tscan Therapeutics Inc (TCRX) Stock Fall in the Biotechnology Field After It Is Lower By -9.81% This Week? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- HRMY: Are These 3 Biotech Stocks Worth Buying? - StockNews.com - January 25th, 2024
- Global Preparative Chromatography Market is projected to reach US$ 2,139.4 Million by 2034 Amid Growing ... - Yahoo Finance - January 25th, 2024
- Is Immunome Inc (IMNM) a Leader in the Biotechnology Industry? - InvestorsObserver - January 25th, 2024
- Should Biotechnology Stock Mink Therapeutics Inc (INKT) Be in Your Portfolio Monday? - InvestorsObserver - May 9th, 2023
- Where Does Ambrx Biopharma Inc - ADR (AMAM) Stock Fall in the Biotechnology Field After It Has Risen 22.18% This Week? - InvestorsObserver - May 9th, 2023
- Should Biotechnology Stock Dermata Therapeutics Inc (DRMA) Be in Your Portfolio Thursday? - InvestorsObserver - May 9th, 2023
- Should Biotechnology Stock Tempest Therapeutics Inc (TPST) Be in Your Portfolio Wednesday? - InvestorsObserver - May 9th, 2023
- Biotechnology - Applications of biotechnology | Britannica - May 1st, 2023