The biotechnology program is designed to serve those students interested in pursuing a career in research or higher academic degrees. Majors will be well-equipped to compete for employment in major pharmaceutical or industrial laboratories, governmental laboratories, or not-for-profit research institutions and will be competitive for academic placement in graduate degree programs. In accordance with the general mission of the University, courses are taught from a Christian worldview.
The biotechnology program provides students with a scientific background and laboratory experience necessary for employment in biotech and pharmaceutical industries, for advanced studies in applications of biotechnology such as biochemistry or molecular biology, or to pursue advanced professional degrees (MD, MBA, law) with an emphasis in biotechnological issues. Career opportunities in the field of biotechnology include university teaching and research or biomedical research in hospitals, academic, governmental, or industrial research laboratory settings. Students taking business courses, along with their biotechnology training, would also represent ideal candidates for jobs in management, sales, or marketing in biotechnological or pharmaceutical industries. The biotechnology program is an ideal preparatory tool for students planning to go to graduate school or another professional degree program, or those students interested in pursuing a career as a research associate.
Possible Careers
The possibilities for careers in the field of biotechnology are endless, depending on how you plan to apply the education you have received. Career paths in biology include research, health care, environment/conservation, education, forensics, politics/lobbying, business and industry, mathematics, communication, art and computer science/informatics.
Professional Degree Programs
- Medical school
- Dental school
- Veterinary school
- Podiatry school
- Chiropractic school
Research
- Graduate School – Click on “Biology-Related Fields of Study” to see available programs at accredited schools.
- Laboratory Research Technician
- Laboratory Equipment Development or Sales
- Technical Support for Laboratory Equipment or Supplies
- Forensics (Biology or Biotechnology major with minor in Criminal Justice is recommended)
Health Care
A wide range of health-related careers can be explored here.
Education
- Teaching Middle School/High School
- College Professor
- Educators at Science or Nature Center
- Science Writing and Communication
Computer Science
- Bioinformatics
Research Opportunities
Several research opportunities exist for undergraduate students. Local companies that offer internship opportunities to students include:
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
- Monsanto
- Pfizer
- St. Louis Science Center Internship Opportunities
There are several large research universities in the St. Louis area that also may hire students to work in research laboratories as research technicians or undergraduate assistants. Interested students should routinely check the human resources websites of these universities:
- Washington University – Click on “Research” in the “Job Category” tab and click “Search.”
- Saint Louis University – Click on “Research” in the “Job Category” tab and click “Search.”
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Biotechnology Bachelor’s Requirements
B.S. in BIOTECHNOLOGY
Required Biotechnology (BIOT) Courses: 14-17 hours
BIOT 213 Introduction to Biotechnology
BIOT 211 Biotechnology Laboratory
BIOT 301 Biotechnology Seminar
BIOT 313 Experimental Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
BIOT 323 Bioethics
BIOT 483-486 Biotechnology Internship or Independent Research
Required Biology (BIOL) Courses: 18-19 hours
BIOL 113+111 General Biology I and Laboratory*
BIOL 123+121 General Biology II and Laboratory **
BIOL 343+341 Genetics and Laboratory
BIOL 423 Cell Biology
One course from the following:
BIOL 373+371 Microbiology and Laboratory
BIOL 353 Embryology
BIOL 363 Pathophysiology
BIOL 443 Advanced Human Physiology
Required Chemistry (CHEM) Courses: 24 hours
CHEM 133+132 General Chemistry I* and Laboratory
CHEM 143+142 General Chemistry II** and Laboratory
CHEM 313+312 Organic Chemistry I and Laboratory
CHEM 323+322 Organic Chemistry II and Laboratory
CHEM 443+441 Biochemistry and Laboratory
Required Mathematics (MATH) Courses: 7 hours
MATH 164 Calculus I*
MATH 243 Probability and Statistics**
OR
MATH 343 Statistical Methods**
Required Physics (PHYS) Courses: 8 hours
PHYS 213+211 General Physics I and Laboratory
PHYS 223+221 General Physics II and Laboratory
Required Business Division Course: 3 hours
MGMT 303 Management Concepts and Practices
OR
MRKT 313 Introduction to Marketing
Total Required Hours: 74
*Also satisfies general education requirements
**Also satisfies B.S. degree requirements