The biotechnology field is far-reaching and ripe with opportunity. Built on a solid foundation of biology and chemistry, this innovative bachelor’s degree program combines the study of applied molecular and cellular biology. Students will master a broad range of lab skills applicable to biology and biotechnology, including applied research skills at an advanced level that will prepare them for a career or graduate studies in molecular biology, biotechnology, and bioscience fields such as medicine. Southern’s biotech program offers in-demand courses such as bioinformatics and genomics. The degree also is an excellent choice for pre-med students.
Students generate hypotheses, design approaches to test them and interpret the data from those tests to reach valid conclusions. Additionally, students develop oral and written communication skills relevant to professional positions in the biotechnology workforce. The program includes a number of course-embedded authentic research experiences and research experience for undergraduates (REU’s) in regional biotechnology companies is competitively available.
This program requires more Chemistry and Math than the Biology, B.A., and Biology, B.S. programs. Beyond the first year, the required biology courses are all molecular and cellular biology focused. Students earn a Minor in Chemistry with this degree.
Biotechnology students participate in a required internship at a local company such as Alexion, Isoplexis, Quantum BioPower, The Jackson Laboratory, Synovel Laboratory, Archillion, and more.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to demonstrate both a theoretical and a practical mastery of biology. Students may also choose to specialize in a particular field within biology.
- Students will be able to demonstrate mastery of the scientific method and scientific primary literature, the design and application of experiments, and evaluation of content information.
- Students will be able to demonstrate appropriate laboratory techniques and mastery of basic laboratory skills in multiple fields of biology.
- Students will be able to demonstrate a practical mastery of the importance of and contributions of biology history to both the historical component and modern applications.
- Students will be able to demonstrate mastery of the art of critical thinking, associated cognitive skills in the formulation of a problem, data gathering and analysis, and interpretation of results to address practical questions in biology.
- Students will be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the issues and involvement of biology in modern society.
Accreditation
Future accreditation by the American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology is being pursued for this program.