Biotechnology Program

Dr. Leonard J. Sciorra, Coordinator

The Biotechnology Program is housed within the Department of Applied Science and Technology. The Department offers a major in Biotechnology with an emphasis on the biomedical aspects of Biotechnology. Student training is multidisciplinary, with course work in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics as well as an internship at The Institute of Human and Molecular Genetics at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School.

Requirements for Biotechnology Major

Degree of Bachelor of Science

Twelve of the required credits for the major count towards the Core Curriculum Requirements.

BI-183General Biology I 13
BI-185General Biology I Lab1
BI-184General Biology II 13
BI-186General Biology II Lab1
CH-131General Chem and Qualitative Analysis 13
CH-131LGen Chem and Qualitative Analysis 1 Lab1
CH-132General Chem and Qualitative Analysis 23
CH-132LGen Chem and Qualitative Analysis 2 Lab1
CH-251Organic Chemistry I3
CH-251LOrganic Chemistry I Lab1
CH-252Organic Chemistry II3
CH-252LOrganic Chemistry II Lab1
CH-442Biochemistry I3
CH-442LBiochemistry 1 Lab1
CH-443Biochemistry II3
CH-443LBiochemistry II Lab1
BC-390Spec Topics: Biological Chem (Capstone)3
BI-240Cell and Molecular Biology4
BI-240LCell & Molecular Bio Lab0
BI-350Genetics4
BI-350LGenetics Lab0
BT-420Biomedical Applications of DNA Tech3
BT-429Special Topics in Biotechnology3
BT-440Research in Biotechnology I2
BT-441Research in Biotechnology II2
MA-143Differential Calculus 24
MA-144Integral Calculus 24
PC-185General Physics I3
PC-187General Physics Laboratory I1
PC-186General Physics II3
PC-188General Physics Laboratory II1
Total Credits69
1

May count towards the Core Natural Science Requirement.

2

May count towards the Core Mathematics Requirement.

Special Note on the Core Requirements for Biotechnology Majors

1

The recommended values course is PL-254 Contemporary Issues in Bioethics.

Special Note on Requirements Biotechnology Major Requirements

1

Students are strongly encouraged to take MA-273 Multivariable Calculus I followed by CH-365 Physical Chemistry I.

Courses

BT-110. Science Goes to the Movies. 3.00 Credits.

This course considers the evolution of the science behind the movies - the technical advances that have made modern movie making possible and how the treatment of science, scientific discovery and inventions have evolved particular movie genres. Lectures and movie clips will be used to illustrate the above.

BT-130. Technology in the 21st Century. 3.00 Credits.

This course will discuss the history, development and scientific breakthroughs that have led to the amazing devices and technologies available to humans today. Particular attention to the people, time and places involved in the development of inventions like TV, radio, computers, phones, transmission of electric power, movies, and some of the many advances in genetics and medicine.

BT-140. How Stuff Works. 3.00 Credits.

This course will illustrate how the many devices we use in everyday life were invented and how they work. Devices like the radio, TV, microwave, smart phones, computers, etc. will be used as examples.

BT-150. The Gene - Mystery of Inheritance. 3.00 Credits.

A Historical and Scientific Journey into the Mystery of Inheritance: In the past 150 years, the concept of the Gene - the molecular particle that contains the information of inheritance - has enriched human understanding of genetics. We now have the tools to control some aspects of genetics and even alter our own evolution. This course will explore this scientific journey - using the contributions of the many scientists who have written a story that is changing living history itself.

BT-301. Medical Immunology. 3.00 Credits.

An examination of the basics of immunology from the molecular to the cellular and organism level. A discussion of interactions in the healthy and disease states and the use of immunotherapy in medicine and the future of diagnostic immunology in health care. Prerequisites: BI-240.

BT-420. Biomedical Applications of DNA Tech. 3.00 Credits.

This course will focus on the use of current DNA technologies for biomedical applications. Specific emphasis will be placed on the use of these technologies in gene transfer, gene identification, genomics and gene therapy. Prerequisites: BI-240 BI-350 CH-252.

BT-429. Special Topics in Biotechnology. 3.00 Credits.

This course will explore current and new technologies developments in biotechnology. It will include the use of computer image analysis, nuclear transplantation, confocal microscopy, and protein separation technology and micro-array hybridyation. Ethical parties will be considered. Prerequisites: BI-240 BI-350 CH-252.

BT-440. Research in Biotechnology I. 2.00 Credits.

This laboratory course will include experience in clinical cytogenesis, molecular and biochemical genetic testing, bioinformatics, micro array chip technology, PCR and various other applications of biotechnology techniques for clinical and research work. Prerequisites: BI-240 BI-350 CH-252; Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.

BT-441. Research in Biotechnology II. 2.00 Credits.

This laboratory course builds on the previous course (Research in Biotechnology I) and expands the student's knowledge and skills in clinical cytogenesis, molecular and biochemical genetic testing, DNA microscopy, chip technology, PCR and various other applications of biotechnology techniques for clinical and research work. Prerequisites: BT-440 BI-240 BI-350 CH-252.