Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BS)

Please refer to the Four-Year Plan for departmental recommended path towards graduation.

Program Educational Goals:

The curriculum of the Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology BS program assures student-oriented instruction in the theory and practice of competencies important in the Biotechnology sector. The capstone experience of your curriculum will be the practical internships which comprise a significant part of your senior year coursework. Students complete extensive hands-on laboratory course work designed to give them proficiency in current molecular techniques utilized in a wide range of biotechnology fields and includes, in addition to the “standard molecular biology techniques,” cell and tissue culture; protein expression, purification, and characterization; molecular diagnostics; and mutation detection. Laboratory class sizes are kept small to ensure adequate guidance in developing hands-on skills. In addition, the curriculum includes theoretical basic science course work such as: systems biology/bioinformatics, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, histology, flow cytometry, and microbial and human genetics. Course work in regulatory issues and ethics are also included. Students utilize state of the art equipment and are taught by experts in their respective fields, from both academia and industry. The curriculum provides preparation for those seeking to sit for the MB(ASCP) certification exam and conforms to the curriculum standards set forth for programs in biochemistry and molecular biology by the NSF & ASBMB. Alternatively, graduates will be well prepared to join graduate and a variety of professional programs.

To accomplish the educational goals of the program and some of the general education goals of the University, the curriculum incorporates cognitive, psychomotor and affective competencies. Students are expected to demonstrate entry- level proficiency for the following competencies. After successfully attending lectures, completing assignments, performing analyses in student laboratories, and participating in practical internships (practicum), the student will be able to:

Utilize scientific principles (e.g., molecular biology, bioinformatics, immunology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, etc.), laboratory principles, and methodologies as they apply to the biotechnology sector.
Perform laboratory procedures with accuracy.
Evaluate problems that impact experimental procedures and take corrective action.
Operate laboratory equipment properly, troubleshoot, and perform preventive and corrective maintenance.
Utilize proper techniques in the performance of all laboratory experimentation.
Interpret accurately laboratory test data and determine their significance.
Using statistical analysis, evaluate laboratory data.
Apply principles of continuous assessment to all laboratory functions.
Utilize principles of quality assurance and quality improvement for all phases of operations.
Comply with established laboratory safety regulations and regulations governing laboratory practice.
Communicate, through oral and written skills, effectively and professionally to enable consultative and educational interactions with fellow scientists, the public, and regulatory agencies in order to function successfully as a member of the research team.
Demonstrate ethical behavior and professionalism and maintain confidentiality of laboratory information.
Develop skills and knowledge to be life-long learners.
Apply principles of educational methodology to educate colleagues, trainees and users of laboratory services.
Interpret and evaluate published scientific studies utilizing knowledge of research design.
Apply principles and concepts of laboratory operations to critical pathways and laboratory decision making, performance improvement, dynamics of research settings in relationship to laboratory operations, human resource management, and financial management.
Demonstrate a commitment to the future of the biomedical laboratory profession through involvement in professional organizations.