University General Course Catalog 2024-2025 
    
    Nov 22, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2024-2025

Biotechnology, B.S.


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 senior year, students may apply for the one year M.S. Biotechnology program (see link). Seniors with a 3.0 or higher 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).

Program 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 by preparing a written thesis or similar document, and delivering an oral presentation of their work. (C)
  • conduct laboratory-based research in the context of biotechnology, including developing and testing hypotheses, and interpreting data. (QR)
  • evaluate molecular biosciences literature by reviewing and discussing relevant publications. (CT)

Contact Information


Academic Advising

All students should contact:

CABNR Student Center in FA 236
(775) 784-1634
student_center@cabnr.unr.edu

Faculty Advisors

  • All students should contact their faculty advisor prior to their junior year to secure research laboratory placement. 

Dr. Karla Hernandez - karlah@unr.edu
Dr. Marina MacLean - mmaclean@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

I. Core General Education Requirements (27-33 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 (3 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


D. Ethics - CO12


E. Capstone Integration & Synthesis - CO13


F. Application - CO14


III. Additional College Requirements (0 units)


IV. Major Requirements (81-83 units)


B. Research Experience (10 units Minimum)


Independent Study and Research units-when selecting the number of units for independent study and research, keep the following in mind:

1 unit= 3 hours/week OR 45 hours/semester

2 units= 6 hours/week OR 90 hours/semester

3 units= 9 hours/week OR 135 hours/semester

4 units= 12 hours/week OR 180 hours/semester

NOTE: These are the minimum required hours, and it is crucial for each student to communicate with their principal investigator regarding the specific number of hours required for their position.

  • (1 to 3 units)
  • *(2 units required; up to 6 units total allowed with a maximum of 3 units per semester)

  • (1 to 3 units)
  • *(2 units required; up to 6 units total allowed with a maximum of 3 units per semester)

  • (2 to 4 units) CO14
  • *(6 units required; up to 9 units total allowed with a maximum of 4 units per semester)

D. Statistics (3 units)


E. Stem Electives (8-10 units)


The following courses can be used to fulfill the STEM ELECTIVE requirement: 

NOTE: No more than 4 units of 100 or 200 level courses can be used to fulfill this requirement

V. Minor Requirements (0 units)


VI. Electives (1-9 units)


VII. Recommended Schedule


A. First Year


B. Second Year


C. Third Year


D. Fourth Year


Fall Semester (16 units)


Spring Semester (14-15 units)


VIII. Related Programs