The production of a wide variety of goods, including medications, methods of waste management, and even alcoholic drinks, may be accomplished via the use of biotechnology. Undergraduate study in biotechnology is an option, and students who choose this path get the foundational scientific knowledge they need via required classes. Continue reading to learn more about these essential classes and the prerequisites that must be met.
Biology
Students who want to major in biotechnology are obliged to take a certain number of biology courses. The study of cells, bacteria, and viruses, as well as their molecular and cellular components, are all part of more advanced biology programs. These Biotech online courses will get you ready for more advanced study in the fields of biotechnology, biotechniques, and scientific inquiry.
Fundamentals of Chemistry
Studies in atomic structure, electrical configuration, solution concentrations, and reactions are often the first topics covered in general chemistry introductory classes. These classes then go on to more advanced topics such as acid-based chemistry, oxidations, thermodynamics, and quantitative analysis. The topics covered in organic chemistry classes range from alcohol and acids to hydrocarbons and biomolecules. Lab classes include topics such as detecting organic molecules, isolating chemicals, and applying synthetics to real-world problems.
Computational chemistry is an advanced subject that covers the complex chemical and material structures, and it requires a solid grounding in the fundamentals of chemistry. Click here to read more on chemistry. You will gain knowledge in functional theory, empirical methods, and the applications of computational chemistry.
Calculus
Calculus is a branch of mathematics that investigates graphical representations of integrations, functions, and graphs. You may find it helpful to take some introductory pre-calculus classes before beginning this fundamental study in biotechnology. Pre-calculus will provide you with an understanding of applications such as trigonometry, equations, sines and cosines, complex numbers, and mathematical functions.
Physics
The study of general physics includes principles in mechanics and the motion of waves, as well as an investigation of the manner in which the application of very high temperatures may alter materials. The ability to gather data and analyze that data in order to draw a conclusion is something that you will learn via lab work. The basics of electricity and Newtonian mechanics are covered in some of the other physics classes. These classes are designed to get you ready for more advanced study in either physics or electronics.
What Kind of Knowledge Can I Expect to Acquire While Pursuing an Undergraduate Degree?
In a program leading to an associate degree, the emphasis will be placed on the technical abilities necessary for working in a laboratory environment. The curriculum educates students in sterile procedures, tissue culture, DNA and protein protocol, and sterile methods.
You will be able to acquire the skills necessary to carry out experiments, prepare reagents (tps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reagent) for use in the laboratory, deliver both verbal and written lab reports, and assess the influence that biotechnology has had on society. The curriculum may include a wide range of scientific disciplines, from chemistry and biology to microbiology and cell biology to technical computers. In order to graduate from this program, you may be required to complete an internship or a capstone project.
Earning a BS in Biotech might pave the way to a job as a biotech research associate or graduate school. The study of chemistry and biology constitute the bulk of the curriculum. You might also look into the rules and laws that govern the sector as well as computer imaging. You could also consider enrolling in classes of the following kinds:
- Proteomics
- Immunology
- Genomics
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular biology
- Physics
- The study of organic chemistry
What Kind of Knowledge Can I Expect to Acquire While Pursuing a Graduate Degree?
The coursework for a Master of Science in Biological Sciences is heavy on lab work related to DNA analysis, immune system study, and protein purification. There are certain master’s degree programs that have a focus on research using stem cells. The curriculum may include topics such as protein separation, the theory of recombinant DNA, bioinformatics, philosophy of technology management, biomedical technology, molecular biotechnology, molecular biology, and the structure of nucleic acids.
A thesis based on the student’s own original research is often required as part of the curriculum for many master’s degree programs. The programs often include lab sessions and capstone projects as parts of the curriculum.
Research is the primary emphasis of a Biotechnology PhD program. In order to get started on research at the PhD level, you have to first pass tests that test your understanding of important topics in biology. You will also pick coursework that is more specialized in addition to taking fundamental classes.
The following subjects may be considered core areas: biomedical engineering and biotechnology; bioethics; cell and molecular biology; instrumentation; and Biomaterials, molecular biotechnology, BMIS, MRI, CT, and CAT scans, as well as biomechanics, are all examples of possible areas of focus. Under the guidance of an adviser, you are required to do research, write the dissertation, and modify it. Following the completion of your dissertation, you will be required to defend it in front of a dissertation committee.
What Kinds of Jobs Will I Be Qualified for If I Get a Degree in Biotechnology?
The sciences of genetics, agriculture, and medicine are only a few examples of the many scientific subfields that may benefit from biotechnology. You might build new plant hybrids or find treatments for medical conditions if you became a geneticist and studied DNA from plants, animals, and people.
Working on prosthetics and artificial limbs is a common focus for biomedical engineers. If hired, you could work on cutting-edge medical equipment including surgical lasers and imaging systems. You can also consider working as a plant breeder, which entails developing new varieties of plants that are more productive and resistant to disease. Breeders of plants often attempt to improve the usefulness of their products by combining the traits of two different species. It’s possible that the new design will be able to stave off infections, survive in lower temperatures, or provide a more abundant harvest.