Biotechnology Certificate

1. List course requirements

The Certificate in Biotechnology requires 15 credits of graduate level course work consisting of:

1. 9 credits of graduate level course work in the biological sciences comprised of three classes, spread over at least two of the five following areas: Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Physiology and Microbiology (see list below).
2. 6 credits of graduate level courses in fields related to biotechnology including bioinformatics, engineering, chemistry, agriculture, food safety, health sciences and statistics (see approved list below).

2. Advisement

All students will develop a plan of study in consultation with their advisor upon matriculation into the program.

3. Give procedure for petitions for variance in degree requirements

(e.g.,course substitution policies, completion deadlines, etc.)

4. Define any grade minimums in courses that are different from University policy.

Only graduate courses completed with a grade of B or higher fulfill the biological sciences core and the biotechnology-related course requirements for the Certificate in Biotechnology. Students receiving a B- or lower in a required core course are subject to dismissal from the program. However, they may file an appeal to the Department of Biological Sciences Graduate Affairs Committee for approval to retake the course and remain in the program. If the appeal is not approved, the Graduate Affairs Committee will recommend to the Office of Graduate Studies that the student be dismissed from the program.

5. Identify any courses, which may not be used towards the degree

Only courses listed in the curriculum may count towards the degree unless a variance is granted by the Graduate Affairs Committee, Department of Biological Sciences.

6. Identify expectations of facility of expression in English (oral and written) as part of the degree requirement.

Aside from the TOFEL admission requirement for foreign applicants, there are no specific requirements. However, successful completion of the degree will require fluency in both written and spoken English.

1. Academic load

It is expected that the Certificate in Biotechnology will be primarily a part-time program or pursued along with another graduate degree. As such, the only enrollment requirement is that matriculated students must enroll in at least one certificate class per academic year and the certificate must be completed within five years.
Normal progress towards degree is reviewed for all students in the program at the end of every academic year and is assessed based on grades and participation in program activities.

2. Grade requirements

(general and specific).

Only graduate courses completed with a grade of B or higher fulfill the biological sciences core and the biotechnology-related course requirements for the Certificate in Biotechnology. Students receiving a B- or lower in a required core course are subject to dismissal from the program. However, they may file an appeal to the Department of Biological Sciences Graduate Affairs Committee for approval to retake the course and remain in the program. If the appeal is not approved, the Graduate Affairs Committee will recommend to the Office of Graduate Studies that the student be dismissed from the program.

3. Thesis/dissertation progress timetable guidelines.

N/A

4. Thesis/dissertation defense guidelines.

N/A

5. Forms required

Upon completion of the Certificate requirements, the Director of the program will submit the approved plan of study form to the Office of Graduate and Professional Education for audit. The University will state on the student’s transcript that the Certificate in Biotechnology was awarded. A diploma for the certificate program is not awarded to the student.

6. Identify consequence for failure to make satisfactory progress.

Students failing to make satisfactory progress towards degree will be identified by the graduate affairs committee in consultation with the student’s academic advisor/program director. Recommendations for dismissal are made by the Department chair of Biological Sciences to the University of Delaware Office of Graduate studies.

Students who feel that they have been graded inappropriately or receive what they perceive as an unfair evaluation by a faculty member may file grievances in accordance with University of Delaware policies. Students are encouraged to contact the Department’s Graduate Program Director prior to filing a formal grievance in an effort to resolve the situation informally.