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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 analysis, 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.

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.

Biotechnology Concentration [PDF] - major requirements for Biotechnology students

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.

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-resistant plants
Environment: bio-remediation 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, detection of pathogenic organisms
Animal Science: genetic improvement of livestock, creation of improved treatments for disease

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 fluorescence microscope, 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 and qPCR, equipment for electrophoretic analysis of DNA, RNA and proteins, tissue culture facilities, a greenhouse, and an animal care facility.

What are the internship possibilities?

Student internships are highly recommended. They are available through medical facilities, government laboratories such as NIH, and private industry. Internships can be completed during the summer or during the school year. They can be full-time or part-time and paid or volunteer positions. Links to several popular internship opportunities can be found here. Academic advisors can also help students identify internship opportunities that will help them advance in their career goals.