Biotechnology

  What is Biotechnology ?

The field of biotechnology is defined as the manipulation of living organisms or their parts. The goal of biotechnology is to either produce or study a useful product, such as a drug, from a living organism to ultimately benefit society. Biotechnicians assist scientists who conduct research in medicine and agriculture. They may help improve early detection of cancer, help find a cure for AIDS or produce higher quality formula for infants. Biotechnicians may also be involved in forensics and paternity DNA testing. Those who work in pharmaceutical or medical diagnostics companies help develop and manufacture medicinal pharmaceutical preparations. 

  Success Factors

Students who are successful in this major are detail-oriented and like working in a laboratory environment.  Biotechnicians must be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Strong science and math skills and a desire to continually learn new things are required.

  Career Possibilities

The biotechnology industry is rapidly expanding and is always in need of technicians. Students completing the program can expect to be employed in laboratories working in biomedical and cancer research, molecular and cell biology, pharmaceutical research and production, forensic DNA analysis or genomics. Job opportunities exist in government, industry and universities. The opportunity for permanent employment is enhanced by the optional biotechnology internship.

  Majoring in Biotechnology

The biotechnology certificate at Raymond Walters College is a one-year program that offers students who have a bachelor's degree an opportunity to gain the skills needed to become an active member of a laboratory research team. The program is designed to prepare students for the day-to-day tasks of working in a biological research or production laboratory.  Students will gain both a theoretical understanding of chemical and biological principles as well as an intensive, hands-on experience in basic chemistry and biological laboratory skills. Students will learn essential laboratory techniques in molecular biology, cell biology, protein chemistry, microbiology and cell culture. In addition, students will learn to manage data and follow safe laboratory practice.

  Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this program. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently confirmed or enrolled, you can check your degree requirements online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the Course Applicability System (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.

Prerequisite: bachelor's degree

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
Biotech I:  Protein Separation Lab	28BIOL243	5
Biotech II:  Molecular Biology Lab	28BIOL244	5
Biotech III:  Cell Culture Lab	28BIOL245	5
Laboratory Data Management	28BIOL175	3
Biotech Seminar	28BIOL231	2
Molecular Genetics & Bioinformatics		3
Bio-organic Chemistry Lecture	28CHEM204	4
Applied Chem. Analysis I	28CHEM221 & 231	5
Introduction to Laboratory Robotics	28CHEM241	3
Microbiology I	28BACT281	5
Biotech Internship*	28BIOL279	1-5*
Total		40-45

 *Optional internship

  UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students having completed this program are employed in labs throughout the Cincinnati area, including UC's Genome Research Institute, Children's Hospital Research Foundation and P&G.  Biosciences as a field is expanding in the country and in the Cincinnati area. Local employers are eager to hire more graduates of RWC's well-established  programs.

  Special Programs

Students of the biotechnology certificate have the opportunity to participate in an optional internship during their final quarter. The internship will be performed in a biomedical research or pharmaceutical laboratory in the local area. The internship will be for a maximum 20 hours/week and is expected to be paid. Students participating in the internship will gain hands-on work experience while earning credit toward the certificate, as well as make valuable contacts for future employment opportunities.

To qualify for the biotechology internship, students must have completed all the sophomore-year biology and chemistry courses, except Biotech III (28BIOL245), with a minimum 2.5 grade point average.

  Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree in science-related field required.

  Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Students changing majors from other programs or colleges within UC will be considered based on the same criteria as outside transfers.

  International Student Requirements

Students who did not graduate from a high school in the United States and do not have permanent residence in the United States must take the TOEFL.  The program requires a minimum overall TOEFL score of 515 (paper-based test) or 187 (computer-based test) or 66 (Internet-based test).  Those with permanent residency must take the math and English placement tests.

  Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the degree, students must fulfill the requirements of the program and must have at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. 

  Application Deadlines

Students may enter the program during any quarter. Many courses are sequential, however, and are offered only one quarter per academic year. Entering during winter or spring quarter may extend the length of the program.

  Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University of Cincinnati Raymond Walters College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.