University General Course Catalog 2022-2023 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2022-2023 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE. CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.

Biotechnology, B.S.


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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 earn a second major in Biotechnology. 

Student Learning Outcomes


Students will be able to:

  • demonstrate extensive knowledge in the areas of biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology.
  • effectively communicate research results in both oral and written form.

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 Transferology to assist in your planning.

Graduation Requirements


  • Total Units | 120
  • Cumulative GPA | 2.0
  • University GPA | 2.0
  • Major GPA | 2.0
  • Residency Requirement | 30 Upper-Division Units at UNR
  • Major Residency Requirement | 15 Upper-Division Units in the major at UNR
  • Upper-Division Requirement | 40 Upper-Division Units
  • Half Program Units/4 Year Institution | 60 Units

I. 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 Core Objectives (CO1 through CO14). Courses satisfying Core Objectives are designated (e.g., CO9) in General Catalog curricula and course description.

A. Composition & Communication; Critical Analysis & Use of Information (3-6 units) - CO1, CO3


B. Quantitative Reasoning (4-7 units) - CO2


D. Cultures, Societies, & Individuals (3 units) - CO6


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO6 courses .

E. Artistic Composition, Interpretation, & Expression (3 units) - CO7


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO7 courses .

F. History & Culture; Constitution (6 units) - CO5, CO8


Refer to the Core Curriculum  chapter in this catalog.

II. Additional Core Requirements (14 units maximum)


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

A. Science, Technology & Society - CO9


B. Diversity & Equity - CO10


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO10 courses .

C. Global Context - CO11


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO11 courses .

E. Capstone Integration & Synthesis - CO13


F. Application - CO14


III. Additional College Requirements (0 units)


IV. Major Requirements (69-70 units)


V. Minor Requirements (0 units)


VI. Electives (3-13 units)


VII. Recommended Schedule


A. First Year


B. Second Year


C. Third Year


D. Fourth Year


Fall Semester (16 units)


Spring Semester (13-14 units)


VIII. Related Programs


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