Biotechnology Major

Biotechnology Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology program at Clark University School of Professional Studies is a degree completion program which offers flexibility that students need and in-demand skills that employers seek.  In addition to applying a strong foundation in math and science, students will also gain skills in biotechnology management, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and data management and analytics.  Students in this program will have the option to connect with a mentor with industry experience, thus, expanding their network and career development/advancement opportunities.  In effect, the Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology program at Clark University expands graduates’ opportunities to be competitive for positions in leadership and management in addition to research/lab roles.

Graduates from this program will be able to:

• Apply a strong math and science foundation that is critical to meet the demands of the diverse biopharmaceutical industry
• Assist in leading and managing a biopharmaceutical development project
• Be prepared to enter various regulatory paths in the biopharmaceutical industry with knowledge in QA/QC, GCP, GLP, GMP, and regulatory affairs
• Create tools to analyze data that are essential for decision-making in biopharmaceutical development
• Collaborate in team projects, contribute individually, and communicate effectively within their organization with character and integrity
• Be prepared to enter graduate school in related disciplines, e.g., biotechnology, regulatory affairs.

This program is intended for students who have successfully completed core science courses.  Strong applicants will have completed the following:

• Two semesters of biology with lab
• Two semesters of general chemistry with lab
• One semester of microbiology, immunology, or molecular genetics
• One semester of organic chemistry with lab
• One semester of biochemistry with lab
• One semester of physics with lab (either algebra-based or calculus-based)
• One semester of English
• One semester of statistics

Students who completed additional courses at another college/university may be eligible for additional transfer credits.  Students may transfer up to 16 units (50% of the degree).

Requirements

The BS in Biotechnology requires 32 course units (128 semester hours).

Major Requirements

• 8 science courses with lab (to be completed prior to beginning the BS in Biotechnology program):
  • Two semesters of biology with lab
  • Two semesters of general chemistry with lab
  • One semester of microbiology, immunology, or molecular genetics
  • One semester of organic chemistry with lab
  • One semester of biochemistry with lab
  • One semester of physics with lab (either algebra-based or calculus-based)
• MATH 1150 Statistics (to be completed prior to beginning the BS in Biotechnology program)
• PSYC 1080 Experimental Methods

• 7 Biotechnology Management courses
  • BIOT 1000 Introduction to Biotechnology
  • PA 1000 Introduction to Business or PA 1530 Principles of Management
  • BIOT 1100 Leadership and Management in Biotechnology
  • BIOT 1200 Business Operations Management for Biotechnology
  • BIOT 2400 Project Management in Biopharmaceutical Development
  • COMM 2100 Scientific and Technical Communications
  • PHIL 2000 Bioethical Issues in Biotechnology
• 4 Regulatory Affairs courses
  • BIOT 2000 QA/QC: Quality by Design for Biopharmaceuticals
  • BIOT 2100 Good Clinical Practice: Exploring the Basics
  • BIOT 2200 Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) & Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Establishment for Biopharmaceuticals
  • BIOT 2300 Regulatory Affairs Process for Biopharmaceuticals
• 4 Data Management & Analytics courses
  • CSCI 1800 Introduction to Data Analytics
  • BIOT 1300 Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • CSCI 2150 Database Management
  • CSCI 1090 Python Programming or CSCI 1100 R Programming
• Choose one of the following Communication courses:
  • COMM 1200 Interpersonal Communication or
  • COMM 1210 Effective Speaking & Presenting or
  • COMM 2360 Negotiation, Mediation & Conflict Management
• BIOT 2999 Capstone

Distribution Requirements

Students are required to take 11 course units to meet the liberal arts distribution requirement for a bachelor of science degree. This requirement is designed to give students perspectives on human affairs that are essential to be contributing citizens of the world.  Please note that required major courses may also satisfy a Distribution Requirement; consult with your academic advisor if you have questions.  The 11 units must be distributed as follows:

• English/Verbal Expression- two units - ENG 1000 - Introduction to Composition  & ENG 1150 - Intermediate Composition  
• Humanities - three units, distributed among at least two disciplines. One unit must be met a course on ethics.  Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include: ASL, ART, ARTH, ARTS, ENG (not ENG 1000 or ENG 1150), FILM, GERM, HEBR, JAPN, MUSC, PHIL, and TA.  Students may also take COMM 1210 Effective Speaking and Presenting.
• Science/Mathematics - two units. One in math; one in science.
• Social Sciences - three units, distributed among at least two disciplines.  Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include: CJ, COMM, ECON, GOVT, HIST, LEAD, PSYC, and SOC.
• Technology - one unit.  Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include: CSCI, CSEC

Electives

Electives may be selected from the entire spectrum of courses. Please consult your academic advisor with questions.