Mar 28, 2024  
2009-2011 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2009-2011 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biotechnology Major, BS


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Degree requirements: 2301 (Principles of Biology) and BIO 1315 Introduction to Biotechnology are the prerequisites to all biology courses above the freshman level. Potential majors must earn a C or better in both BIO 2301 and BIO 1315.  The degree programs in the Department of Life Sciences are unrestricted majors, and any student eligible for admission to the University is eligible to declare Biotechnology as their potential major.  However, all potential majors should submit the required formal application to the department during the second semester of their sophomore year for sanctioned program candidacy.  Approval of students in the major program also requires completion of a minimum of 14 semester hours in biology prior to submitting  the required formal application to the Department. To satisfy the major requirement, a grade of C or better must be earned in each biology and chemistry course taken. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 is required to earn an undergraduate degree in Biotechnology.  There is a foreign language requirement that can be met by successfully completing two foreign language courses at the elementary level or higher.  Majors must complete a minor program in a discipline that differs from Biotechnology.

The Bachelor of Science degree program in Biotechnology will prepare graduates for entry-level positions in drug discovery and development sciences, advanced biotechnology laboratory methodologies, and regulatory and managerial policies related to the approval process for new chemical entities and devices. Our students will be sought after for positions in bio-manufacturing, environmental remediation, food sciences, and biopharmaceutical sectors of the biotechnology industry. The Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology will provide detailed training in recombinant DNA technology, proteomics, receptor-based assays, bioanalysis, molecular modeling, and a basic understanding of social and ethical issues surrounding new product development.  The biotechnology degree program is built upon the success of WSSU in establishing one of the first Bachelor of Science degree programs in molecular biology in North Carolina.

The Biotechnology program will include a molecular biology concentration as an option beginning in fall 2010.

Outcomes

Students should be able to demonstrate:

  1. Understanding of basic biological principles and the diversity of life.
  2. Knowledge of specialized areas of biology.
  3. Knowledge of technical skills needed to conduct biological research.
  4. Ability to read scientific texts and literature with comprehension.
  5. Critical thinking skills.
  6. Basic computer literacy.

 

Bachelor of Science Degree in Biotechnology


Freshman


Sophomore


Junior


Senior


Total Hours: 127 Semester Hours


(GE) General Education Core Requirements

NOTES: Sophomore and Senior Level Assessment Examinations required. University degree requirements stipulate that a minimum of 40 SH for 3000- and 4000-level courses be completed and that a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 be achieved in all coursework.

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