| Shippensburg
University
Department of Biology BIOTECHNOLOGY CONCENTRATION |
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What is biotechnology? Biotechnology is a collection of techniques that uses living organisms or substances from those organisms for specific applications. Our ancestors used biotechnology when they first began to breed animals and plants, and to make wine and cheese. Now, major techniques of biotechnology include the manipulation of DNA, immunochemical analyses, and cell culture. These and other technologies are drawn from advances made in recent years in the fields of genetics, immunology, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, and other life sciences. What careers are available in biotechnology? Careers in biotechnology are available at all levels of education and experience. Individuals with a background and interest in biotechnology can work in a variety of jobs in industrial, government and academic settings. These jobs can be in research, product development, production, quality control, technical writing, sales, education or administration. Individuals in these positions are involved in solving problems ranging from the medical to the ecological. Some of the many career areas include: Medicine: discovering new drugs, creating new vaccines, testing for diseases, gene therapy Agriculture: creating
biological alternatives
to chemical pesticides, developing disease- and insect-
Environment: bioremediation of wastes, analysis of endangered species populations Forensics: detection and analysis of samples at crime scenes Food Science:
production of
food products and dietary supplements, analysis of foods for
nutrients,
Animal Science:
genetic improvement
of livestock, creation of improved treatments for disease The Biotechnology Concentration in Biology Students in the biology program at Shippensburg University have the option to concentrate in Biotechnology. Students earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology that will provide them with a broad background in biology, chemistry and physics. In addition, students in the concentration take a series of courses specifically related to biotechnology. Courses in cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and a biotechnology laboratory course are included in this series. Students must also complete either an internship or a faculty-sponsored independent research project. A listing of the courses required for the Biotechnology
concentration,
and a suggested four year plan can be found at http://www.ship.edu/~wjpatr/Biotechnology_Curriculum.html
Pre-Forensic Science Option For students interested in forensics, we
now offer a pre-forensic science option that provides the educational preparation required for entry
into graduate programs in forensic science throughout the
country. The
coursework defined in this program is in accordance with guidelines
established by the A
listing of the courses required for the Pre-Forensics option can be
found at
Opportunities for student research Students at Shippensburg University are frequently involved in research projects under the supervision of a biology faculty member. Students frequently present their research at state and regional scientific conferences. Facilities and equipment used by students for their research include a fluorescence-based DNA sequencer, a chromatography system for purifying and analyzing proteins and nucleic acids, an imaging system for analysis of DNA and protein separations, thermal cyclers for PCR, equipment for electrophoretic analysis of DNA, RNA and proteins, tissue culture facilities, scanning electron microscope, a greenhouse, and an animal care facility. Some examples of student research can be found at
A listing of Biology faculty and their research interests
can be
found at
What are the internship possibilities? Student internships are highly recommended. They are
available
through medical facilities, government laboratories such as NIH, and
private
industry. Summer internships are usually paid positions.
Internships
during the school year can be either part-time or volunteer postions.
Why attend Shippensburg University? Science classes are small at Shippensburg University.
Laboratories
for biology classes normally have only 12 to 16 students per section,
and
are taught by experienced college professors, not graduate
students.
Faculty-directed student research is greatly encouraged, and students
are
able to get direct, hands-on experience with setting up experiments,
using
sophisticated instrumentation, and analyzing and presenting results.
Where can I get more information about biotechnology at Shippensburg University? For more information contact: Department of Biology
lhelli@ship.edu or wjpatr@ship.edu Back to the
Biology Department
page
Links to various biotechnology topics and information about jobs in biotechnology can be found at: Biotechnology Topical Resources Biotechnology
Career Information Links
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