Kent State University Catalog 2010 - 2011

Biotechnology - B.S.

COLLEGE:	College of Arts and Sciences
DEPARTMENT:	Department of Biological Sciences 256 Cunningham Hall Tel: 330-672-3613 Fax: 330-672-3713 Web: http://www.kent.edu/cas/biology/ Department of Chemistry 208 Williams Hall Tel: 330-672-2032 Fax: 330-672-3816 Web: http://www.kent.edu/cas/chemistry

Resources:

DESCRIPTION:	The interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology provides a strong academic foundation in biological sciences and chemistry, practical training in the various biotechnologies and a solid understanding of their application in industry and biomedicine. The science of biotechnology extends across many areas of biology and chemistry and provides cutting-edge technology tools for modern biology and biomedical research. The curriculum includes a research experience at Kent State and/or an internship at a biotechnology company. Biotechnology graduates have employment opportunities in biomedical research and in the rapidly growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:	This U.S. biotechnology industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting biotechnology research and experimental development. Biotechnology research and experimental development involves the study of the use of microorganisms and cellular and biomolecular processes to develop or alter living or non-living materials. This research and development in biotechnology may result in development of new biotechnology processes or in prototypes of new or genetically-altered products that may be reproduced, utilized, or implemented by various industries. Biotechnology establishments in the U.S. numbered about 26,000 in 2007 and include the following subsectors: Agricultural Biotech, Industrial Biotech, Medical Devices Equipment & Supplies , and Pharmaceuticals and Related Manufacturing. In 2008, 141,721 biotechnologists were employed in these areas, an increase of 4.6 % over the previous year. Bioinformatics is an important area of biotechnology. Bioinformatics tools are applied to visualize, analyze, manipulate or interpret molecular data. Bioinformatics technicians, for example, use principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. Biotechnology majors will also pursue careers in a variety of chemical, biological, or biomedical areas in industrial or academic settings in which biotechnology methods are applied. Careers in biotechnology include laboratory technician, biologist, process supervisor, research specialist, research & development scientist, process development technician, quality control technician/analyst, research technician/associate/assistant, bioinformatics technician, and others.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:	General Admissions for Freshman Students: Students most likely to be admitted and succeed at the Kent Campus are those who have graduated with at least 16 units of the recommended college preparatory curriculum in high school, who have achieved a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), and whose composite ACT score is 21 or better (980 combined critical reading and math SAT score). For more information on admissions, visit the Admissions website for new freshmen. General Admissions for Transfer Students: Generally, a transfer applicant who has taken 12 or more semester hours with a college cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted. An applicant who has taken fewer than 12 semester hours will be evaluated on both collegiate and high school records. For more information on admissions, visit the Admissions website for transfer students.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:	Minimum 121 total credit hours and 42 upper-division hours for graduation. Minimum 2.00 GPA overall and 2.00 GPA in major required for graduation.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT:	Yes
PROGRAM FEE:	None
STUDY ABROAD/AWAY OPPORTUNITIES:	There are many study abroad/away opportunities, for more information contact the Office of International Affairs.