Biotechnology, B.S.: 183 units

Offered by: College of Science, Biological Sciences Department

The Biotechnology major is an interdisciplinary program which provides students with a strong background in both biology and chemistry. It provides the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to understand the numerous industrial applications of biological phenomena, while emphasizing the study of cell and molecular biology. Students can select their upper division electives from six clusters: (1) Physiology; (2) Molecular Biology and Genetics; (3) Microbiology and Pathology; (4) Biochemistry and Molecular Separation Techniques; (5) Agriculture; and, (6) Business. Twenty units must be chosen from one of these clusters (referred to as the student’s primary cluster) and an additional 7 units from the other five clusters. This will allow the individual to specialize in a particular area. An important feature of this major is an internship in a biotechnology laboratory for practical experience in the field. This program also satisfies the admission requirements for various graduate and preprofessional schools. This major requires admission to the Biological Sciences Department and completion of the units indicated below. The Biological Sciences Department also offers a curriculum leading to the Master of Science in Biology with emphasis in Biotechnology.