Biotechnology, B.S.

Description

This four-year B.S. degree in Biotechnology is designed for students who plan to seek employment in the Biotechnology industry upon graduation. Students also have the option of continuing their studies by applying to the accelerated, one year M.S. Biotechnology Graduate Program (see link), or through a Ph.D. program. 

The Biotechnology bachelor’s program focuses heavily on coursework in the molecular biological sciences and provides a research experience in an academic and/or industrial setting. Participation in authentic research gives students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge while gaining technical skills and real-world experience. At the end of their junior year, students may apply for the optional, accelerated one year M.S. Biotechnology program (see link). Students accepted into the accelerated program have the option of enrolling in 1-2 approved graduate-level courses for each semester of their senior year.

This program is not recommended for students wanting to enter medical, dental school or other allied health professions (instead, see B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology). Students who are currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biology or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology cannot double major in combination with the B.S. Biotechnology program. 

Contact Information

Freshman and Sophomore Students
CABNR Student Center 
(775) 784-1634
student_center@cabnr.unr.edu
Junior, Senior and Transfer Students

Dr. Christie Howard
Advisor and Biotechnology Program Director 
(775) 784-6243
cjhoward@cabnr.unr.edu

Transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno

Use the transfer agreement  and the degree planner (available by clicking  at the top right of this page) to build your plan for graduation with your advisor. Course substitutions not identified on the transfer agreement require UNR advisor approval.

If a major-to-major transfer agreement is not available for your transfer institution, please check the General Core agreement  if available. If neither is available, access established transfer course equivalencies to assist in your planning.

Graduation Requirements

I. Silver Core General Education Requirements (27-30 units)

NOTE: Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter of this catalog for information regarding the “Core English and Math Completion Policy  .”

Students in this major must meet all Silver Core Objectives (CO1 through CO14). Courses satisfying Core Objectives are designated (e.g., CO9) in General Catalog curricula and course description.

II. Additional Silver Core Requirements (14 units maximum)

Students must take courses that satisfy the following Core Objectives. Some or all of these Silver Core Objectives may be satisfied in the Major Requirements (Section IV). Refer to the Core Curriculum  chapter in this catalog.

III. Additional College Requirements (0 units)

IV. Major Requirements (69-70 units)

• BCH 110 - Success Strategies in Biochemistry (2 units)
• BCH 280 - Independent Study (1 to 3 units)
• BCH 303 - Biochemical Analysis (3 units)
• BCH 400 - Introductory Biochemistry (4 units)
• BCH 405 - Molecular Biology (3 units)
• BCH 406 - Molecular Biology Laboratory (3 units)
• BCH 480 - Independent Study (1 to 3 units)
• BCH 487 - Systems-Based Approaches in Biochemistry (3 units)
• BIOL 190 - Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology (3 units)
• BIOL 191 - Introduction Organismal Biology (3 units) CO4
• BIOL 300 - Principles of Genetics (3 units)
• BIOL 315 - Cell Biology (3 units)

•  

• BIOL 453 - Immunology (3 units) OR
• MICR 453 - Immunology (3 units)

•  

• BIOT 447 - Research (2 to 4 units) CO14 (6 units required)
• BIOT 495 - Seminar (1 unit)
• CHEM 341 - Organic Chemistry for Scientists and Professionals I (3 units)
• CHEM 342 - Organic Chemistry for Scientists and Professionals II (3 units)
• CHEM 345 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2 units)

•  

• PHYS 180 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (3 units) CO4

• AND

• PHYS 180L - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory I (1 unit) CO4L

• OR

• PHYS 151 - Gen Physics I & Lab (4 units) CO4L

•  

• PHYS 181 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (3 units) CO4

• AND

• PHYS 181L - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory II (1 unit) CO4L

• OR

• PHYS 152 - General Physics II & Lab (4 units) CO4L

•  

• STAT 152 - Introduction to Statistics (3 units) CO2 OR
• APST 270 - Introduction to Statistical Methods (4 units) CO2

•  

• Upper division AGSC, BIOL, CHEM, CHE, EE, NRES, NUTR, MATH, MICR, CS electives (6 units)

V. Minor Requirements (0 units)

VI. Electives (3-13 units)

VII. Recommended Schedule

VIII. Related Programs

• Biotechnology, B.S. and M.S. 
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S.  
• Biochemistry, Ph.D. (Interdisciplinary)