Biotechnology

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Biotechnology is most briefly defined as the art of utilizing living organisms and their products for the production of food, drink, medicine or for other benefits to the human race, or other animal species.

Many different majors can be pursued that will have biotechnology application.

Some of these include:

  • Agricultural and Bio systems Engineering
  • Agricultural Education and Studies
  • Agronomy
  • Animal Science
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Biology
  • Botany
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • Genetics
  • Gene cloning
  • Horticulture
  • Plant Pathology
  • Plant biotechnology

In USA

Universities with Biotechnology world wide:

  • University of California
  • University of Maryland
  • UC San Diego
  • University Of Connecticut
  • Florida Institute Of Technology
  • Illinois State University
  • North Carolina State University
  • Stephen F. Austin State University
  • University Of Virginia

In UK

  • University of Aberdeen
  • University of Bath
  • Brunel University
  • University of Essex
  • University of Glasgow
  • University of Greenwich
  • University of Hertfordshire
  • University of Leeds
  • University of Manchester
  • Queen Mary, University of London
  • Robert Gordon University
  • Sheffield Hallam University
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Strathclyde

UK Universities offer broad range of subjects in the field of Biotechnology some of them are listed below-

• Biotechnology
• Genetics/ Molecular Genetics/ Medical Genetics
• Oncology
• Immunology
• Forensic Science
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• Immunology & Immunogenetics
• Biosciences
• Industrial Biotechnology
• Bioinformatics
• Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine
• Molecular Medicine

Career Information for Biotechnology

Many students choose to study the biological or biomedical sciences. While there are a variety of job choices within the field, most biological scientists find themselves using biotechnology. Generally speaking, biotechnology is the use of biological processes, such as the manipulation of living organisms, in product manufacturing or in the technological solutions to biological problems. Biotechnology is a general field that is practiced in nearly all areas of the biological sciences, including pharmacology, medicine, agriculture and many other areas.

List of Biotechnology Colleges and Schools (Source: U.S. News,www.usnews.com):

1. Purdue University

This public university emphasizes reaching out to the community.
Undergraduate Student Body: 8,283; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:18; Tuition Costs: In-State: $4,490, Out-of-State: $10,797; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: Not Listed; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: Not Listed, SAT: More than 40 percent had scores 800-899.

2. Oregon State University-

This public institution has many nationally recognized science programs.

Undergraduate Student Body: 15,713; Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:19; Tuition Costs: In-State: $5,319, Out-of-State: $17,667; Average High School GPA of Incoming Freshmen: 3.5; Test Scores of Incoming Freshmen: ACT: More than 40 percent had scores of 18-23, SAT: More than 40 percent had scores of 1000-1099.

3. Northwestern University-

This private university is ranked overall 12th in the nation by U.S. News.

Master of Science in Biotechnology

Master’s degree programs in biotechnology prepare students to work as biological scientists in the field of biochemistry or biophysics. Applicants to a master’s degree program must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, biotechnology or a related field. Some programs require work experience.

Coursework in a master’s degree program usually covers applied biology and physical science skills, and students learn how to research biological and biophysics processes that control reactions in living organisms. This study provides an overview of cell biology, biological chemistry and genomics. Some graduate programs offer concentrations in bioinformatics, regulatory compliance and pharmaceuticals.

Program Coursework

Graduate coursework will cover patents, ethics and project management principles within the biotechnology field. Coursework may also include:

  • Biotechnology projects
  • Leadership
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Molecular biology

Employment Outlook and Salary Info

Graduates with a master’s degree in biotechnology can work as biophysicists and biochemists; however, those who lead research projects need a doctorate degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that demand for biological scientists will increase by 21% between 2008 and 2018. Those working as biochemists and biophysicists earned median incomes of $82,840 in 2008, and demand for each of these professions is expected to grow by 37% between 2008 and 2018.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology

Doctorate biotechnology programs allow students to learn about biomolecular science, bioengineering or biology in general. Students with a master’s degree can enroll in a Ph.D. program to pursue careers as medical scientists or college professors; however, some programs admit students with only a 4-year degree.

Graduate biotechnology programs provide advanced research skills as well as the ability to present scientific data. Coursework in these programs explore a mathematical approach to genetics, cell biology and organic chemistry.

Program Coursework

At the beginning of a doctoral degree program, students complete courses in biological statistics, chemistry and research ethics. This work is usually applied in a biotechnology externship as well as research rotations. Other course requirements may include:

  • Biotechnology engineering
  • Genetic structure
  • Proteins
  • Molecular biology
  • Advanced calculus

Employment Outlook and Salary Info

The typical requirement to work as a medical scientist or college professor is a Ph.D.; however, some positions only require a master’s degree. Those with a master’s degree can work in applied biotechnology positions or as non-tenured faculty at a university. Students who earn a graduate biotechnology for careers in medical research must become licensed physicians before interacting with patients.

The BLS reports that demand for college instructors will increase by 15% between 2008 and 2018, and that this demand will be created by higher enrollment at colleges. In 2008, median earnings for teachers at the college level were $58,830; however, those with specialized training in law and medicine could earn much more (www.bls.gov)

BLS research indicates that the demand for medical scientists will grow by 40% between 2008 and 2018. This demand is attributable to the growth of the biotechnology industry as a whole along with the creation of new medical therapies. Medical scientists could expect median earnings of $72,590 in 2008 (www.bls.gov)