Certificate and Clusters

Biotechnology Certificate

Biotechnology is the use of biological processes, systems, or organisms for technological, industrial, or manufacturing purposes. With the continued steady growth in biotechnology and medical research, a certificate in biotechnology can give students a competitive edge in graduate school or your career.

Students intending to pursue the biotechnology certificate should meet with the undergraduate coordinator to create an academic plan before meeting with the academic advisor for the certificate.

NOTE: Courses with S/F grades may not be applied to the biotechnology certificate.

Biology Course Requirements (Four Courses)

Four of the following:

  • BIOL 110L: Principles of Biology I with Lab or BIOL 112 Perspectives of Biology I with lab
  • BIOL 111L: Principles of Biology II with Lab or BIOL 113 Perspectives of Biology II with lab
  • BIOL 198: Principles of Genetics
  • BIOL 250 or 250L: Introduction to Biochemistry or BIOL 252: Principles of Biochemistry
Computer Technology Course Requirement (One Course)

Select one of the following:

  • BIOL 208: Introduction to Programming for Biologists
  • CSC 161: Introduction to Programming
  • CSC 171: Introduction to Computer Science
  • ECE 114: Introduction to Computers and Programming
  • Approved equivalent
Microbiology Course Requirement (One Course)

MBI 220: Introduction to Microbiology

Laboratory Requirements (Two Courses)

Select one from group 'A':

  • MBI 221W: Microbiology Laboratory
  • BIOL 268: Laboratory in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology

Select one from group 'B':

  • BCH 308: Biochemistry Laboratory
  • MBI 221W: Microbiology Laboratory
  • BIOL 268: Laboratory in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
  • ####395: Independent Research (four credits)

Clusters

The department offers two clusters, both in the natural sciences academic division.

Biological Principles (N1BIO002)

This cluster provides students with an overview of the principles of biology.

Understanding the Biological World (N1BIO003)

This cluster specifically targets humanities and social sciences majors with no pre-med interests who would like to develop a working knowledge of biology.