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Illustrative Biotechnology Course Sequence

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These course sequence models are provided as examples of ways to meet all the graduation requirements of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and the Biotechnology Curriculum in the specific options within four years. This is only an illustrative tool to show you an example of how to meet the requirements and does not substitute for faculty advising. You must consult with your faculty advisor before registration for classes. The examples shown here (even though "OR" is shown in some cases) do not cover all the possibilities, just some of the most common ones. There may be other sequences that satisfy the requirements.

Important Notice for All Biotechnology Majors

Please be aware of course and grade requirements as prerequisites for core biotechnology courses:

  1. Molecular Genetics (11:126:481; offered fall semester only). Prerequisite: grade of C or better in Genetics 01:447:380 (offered in fall, spring and summer semesters)
  2. Molecular Genetics Laboratory (11:126:482; offered spring semester only). Prerequisite: grade of C or better in Molecular Genetics (11:126:481); additional prerequisite: General Microbiology 11:680:390 (offered in fall, spring, and summer)
  3. Methods and Applications in Molecular Biology (11:126:427; offered fall semester only). Prerequisite: grade of C or better in Molecular Genetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory

Based on past experience, students doing poorly in prerequisite courses are not capable of comprehending course material. Therefore, any student who does not meet the appropriate grade requirement(s) will be deregistered from the relevant course prior to the start of each semester.

Prerequisite Structure

TO STAY ON TRACK FOR A 4 YEAR PROGRAM, THE FOLLOWING COURSES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE DESIGNATED JUNCTURES:

  1. General Biology (2 semesters) - BEFORE FIRST SEMESTER OF SOPHOMORE YEAR
  2. Genetics - BEFORE FIRST SEMESTER OF JUNIOR YEAR
  3. General Microbiology - BEFORE THE SECOND SEMESTER OF JUNIOR YEAR
  4. Molecular Genetics and Molecular Genetics Lab - BY THE END OF JUNIOR YEAR

Biotechnology Options (2019 version; pre-2019 here)

Animal Biotechnology Option
Bioinformatics Option
Bioscience Policy and Management Option
General Biotechnology Option
Microbial Biotechnology Option
Plant Biotechnology Option

Animal Biotechnology Option
 
  Fall Term Spring Term
F
I
R
S
T

Y
E
A
R
  1. 01:355:101 Expository Writing (3)
  2. 01:119:115 General Biology (4)
  3. 01:160:161 General Chemistry (4)
  4. 01:640:1xx Calculus I (4)
Total Semester Credits: 15
Cumulative Total Credits: 15
  1. 01:119:116 General Biology (4)
  2. 01:119:117 General Biology Laboratory (2)
  3. 01:160:162 General Chemistry (4)
  4. 01:160:171 Introduction to Experimentation (1)
  5. 01:640:1xx Calculus II (4) OR 01:960:401 Basic Stats for Research (3)
    OR
  6. 11:126:111 Ethical and Scientific Challenges in Biotechnology (3)
Total Semester Credits: 14 or 15
Cumulative Total Credits: 29–30
S
E
C
O
N
D

Y
E
A
R
  1. 01:447:380 Genetics (4)
  2. 01:160:307 Organic Chemistry (4)
  3. 01:750:193 Physics for the Sciences (4) or equivalent *
  4. 01:640:1xx Calculus II (4) OR 01:960:401 Basic Stats for Research (3)
  5. OR, if already taken:
  6. Course fulfilling SEBS core requirement (3)
Total Semester Credits: 15-16
Cumulative Total Credits: 44 - 45

*Physics lab is required for biotechnology majors, and must be added to Gen. Physics.
  1. 11:680:390 General Microbiology (4)
  2. 01:160:308 Organic Chemistry (4)
  3. 01:750:194 Physics for the Sciences (4) or equivalent *
  4. Courses fulfilling SEBS core requirements (3)
  5. OR:
  6. 11:126:111 Ethical and Scientific Challenges in Biotechnology (3) if not yet taken
Total Semester Credits: 15
Cumulative Total Credits: 59-60

*Physics lab is required for biotechnology majors, and must be added to Gen. Physics.
T
H
I
R
D

Y
E
A
R
  1. 11:126:481 Molecular Genetics (3)
  2. 11:115:403 Biochemistry (4)
  3. Animal Biotechnology Option Elective (3)
  4. 11:126:383 Nucleotide Sequence Analysis (3)
  5. Courses fulfilling SEBS Core requirements (3)
Total Semester Credits: 16
Cumulative Total Credits: 75-76
  1. 11:126:482 Molecular Genetics Lab (4)
  2. 11:115:404 Biochemistry (3)
  3. Animal Biotechnology Option Elective (3)
  4. 11:067:492 Molecular and Cellular Physiology (3)
  5. 01:355:302 Scientific and Technical Writing (3)
Total Semester Credits: 16
Total Credits: 91-92
F
O
U
R
T
H

Y
E
A
R
  1. 11:126:401 Seminar in Biotechnology (1.5)
  2. 11:126:427 Methods and Applications in Molecular Biology (4)
  3. 11:115:313 Introductory Biochemistry Lab (1)
  4. 11:126:497 Research in Biotechnology (3)**
  5. SEBS Core curriculum requirements (6)
Total Semester Credits: 15.5
Cumulative Total Credits: 106.5-107.5

** An appropriate SPIN placement approved by the Undergraduate Program Director, or a George H. Cook Scholars project can substitute for Research in Biotechnology.
  1. 11:067:430 Animal Microtechniques and Tissue Culture (4)
  2. Animal Biotechnology Option Elective (3) OR 11:126:498 Research in Biotechnology (3)
  3. SEBS Core Curriculum requirement (3)
  4. Open elective(s) to reach 120 total credits
Total Semester Credits: 12.5+
Cumulative Total Credits: 120

** An appropriate cooperative education placement, approved by the Undergraduate Program Director, or a George H. Cook Scholars project can substitute for Research in Biotechnology.

Total credits for graduation: 120

Bioinformatics Option
 
  Fall Term Spring Term
F
I
R
S
T

Y
E
A
R
  1. 01:355:101 Expository Writing (3)
  2. 01:119:115 General Biology (4)
  3. 01:160:161 General Chemistry (4)
  4. 01:640:1xx Calculus I (4)
Total Semester Credits: 15
Cumulative Total Credits: 15
  1. 01:119:116 General Biology (4)
  2. 01:160:162 General Chemistry (4)
  3. 01:119:117 General Biology Laboratory (2)
  4. 01:160:171 Introduction to Experimentation (1)
  5. 11:126:111 Ethical and Scientific Challenges in Biotechnology (3)
Total Semester Credits: 14
Cumulative Total Credits: 29
S
E
C
O
N
D

Y
E
A
R
  1. 01:198:111 Introduction to Computer Science (4)
  2. 01:160:307 Organic Chemistry (4)
  3. 01:750:193 Physics for the Sciences (4) *
  4. 01:960:401 Basic Stats for Research (3)
  5. OR
  6. Course fulfilling SEBS core requirement (3)
Total Semester Credits: 15
Cumulative Total Credits: 44

*Physics lab is required for biotechnology majors, and must be added to Gen. Physics.
  1. 01:198:112 Data Structures (4)
  2. 01:160:308 Organic Chemistry (4)
  3. 01:447:380 Genetics (4)
  4. 01:750:194 Physics for the Sciences (4)*
Total Semester Credits: 16
Cumulative Total Credits: 60

*Physics lab is required for biotechnology majors, and must be added to Gen. Physics.
T
H
I
R
D

Y
E
A
R
  1. 11:126:481 Molecular Genetics (3)
  2. 11:680:390 General Microbiology (4)
  3. 11:115:403 General Biochemistry (4)
  4. 01:960:401 Basic Stats for Research (3) if not yet taken
    OR
  5. Course fulfilling SEBS core requirement (3)
Total Semester Credits: 14
Cumulative Total Credits: 74
  1. 01:126:482 Molecular Genetics Lab (4)
  2. 11:115:404 General Biochemistry (3)
  3. 01:355:302 Scientific and Technical Writing (3)
  4. 11:126:383 Nucleotide Sequence Analysis (3)
Total Semester Credits: 13
Cumulative Total Credits: 87
F
O
U
R
T
H

Y
E
A
R
  1. 11:126:401 Seminar in Biotechnology(1.5)
  2. 11:126:427 Methods and Applications in Molecular Biology (4)
  3. 11:126:497 Research in Biotechnology (3) **
  4. 11:126:485 Bioinformatics (3)
  5. 11:115:313 Introductory Biochemistry Lab (1)
  6. SEBS core curriculum Requirements (3)
Total Semester Credits: 15.5
Cumulative Total Credits: 102.5

** An appropriate cooperative education placement, approved by the Undergraduate Program Director, or a George H. Cook Scholars project can substitute for Research in Biotechnology.
  1. 11:126:484 Tools for Bioinformatic Analysis (3)
  2. SEBS core curriculum requirements (9)
  3. General biotechnology elective or programming course or Research in Biotechnology (3)
  4. Open elective(s) to reach 120 credits
  5. Total Semester Credits: 15
    Cumulative Total Credits: 117.5

Bioscience Policy and Management Option
 
  Fall Term Spring Term
F
I
R
S
T

Y
E
A
R
  1. 01:355:101 Expository Writing (3)
  2. 01:119:115 General Biology (4)
  3. 01:160:161 General Chemistry (4)
  4. 01:640:1xx Calculus I (4)
Total Semester Credits: 15
Cumulative Total Credits: 15
  1. 01:119:116 General Biology (4)
  2. 01:119:117 General Biology Lab (2)
  3. 01:160:162 General Chemistry (4)
  4. 01:160:171 Introduction to Experimentation (1)
  5. 11:126:111 Ethical and Scientific Challenges in Biotechnology (3)
Total Semester Credits: 14
Cumulative Total Credits: 29
S
E
C
O
N
D

Y
E
A
R
  1. 01:160:307 Organic Chemistry (4)
  2. 01:447:380 Genetics (4)
  3. 11:373:121 Principles and Applications of Microeconomics (3)
  4. 01:640:1xx Calculus II (4) OR 01:960:401 Basic Stats for Research (3)
Total Semester Credits: 14-15
Cumulative Total Credits: 43-44
  1. 11:680:390 General Microbiology (4)
  2. 01:160:308 Organic Chemistry (4)
  3. 01:160:311 Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2)
  4. 11:373:241 Introduction to Management (3)
  5. 11:373:404 Bioscience Policy (3)
Total Semester Credits: 16
Cumulative Total Credits: 59-60
T
H
I
R
D

Y
E
A
R
  1. 11:126:481 Molecular Genetics (3)
  2. 11:115:403 Biochemistry (4)
  3. 11:373:231 Introduction to Marketing (3)
  4. 01:355:302 Scientific and Technical Writing (3)
  5. SEBS core requirements (3)
Total Semester Credits: 16
Cumulative Total Credits: 75-76
  1. 01:126:482 Molecular Genetics Lab (4)
  2. 11:115:404 Biochemistry (3)
  3. 11:126:383 Nucleotide Sequence Analysis (3)
  4. SEBS core requirements (3)
Total Semester Credits: 13
Cumulative Total Credits: 88 - 89
F
O
U
R
T
H

Y
E
A
R
  1. 11:126:401 Seminar in Biotechnology (1.5)
  2. 11:126:427 Methods and Applications in Molecular Biology (4)
  3. 01:750:193 Physics for the Sciences (4)
  4. 11:115:313 Introductory Biochemistry Lab (1)
  5. 11:126:497/498 Reasearch in Biotechnology (3) **
  6. 11:373:403 Innovation and Entrepreneurship (3)
Total Semester Credits: 16.5
Cumulative Total Credits: 104.5 - 105.5

*Physics lab is required for biotechnology majors, and must be added to Gen. Physics.

** An appropriate cooperative education placement, approved by the Undergraduate Program Director, or a George H. Cook Scholars project can substitute for Research in Biotechnology.
  1. 01:750:194 Physics for the Sciences (4) or equivalent *
  2. Management Option Elective (3)
  3. SEBS core requirement (6)
  4. Open elective(s) to reach 120 credits
Total Semester Credits: 13
Cumulative Total Credits: 117.5-118.5

*Physics lab is required for biotechnology majors, and must be added to Gen. Physics.

General Biotechnology Option
 
  Fall Term Spring Term
F
I
R
S
T

Y
E
A
R
  1. 01:355:101 Expository Writing (3)
  2. 01:119:115 General Biology (4)
  3. 01:160:161 General Chemistry (4)
  4. 01:640:1xx Calculus I (4)

Total Semester Credits: 15
Cumulative Total Credits: 15

  1. 01:119:116 General Biology (4)
  2. 01:160:162 General Chemistry (4)
  3. 01:160:171 Introduction to Experimentation (1)
  4. 01:119:117 Gen. Biology Lab (2)
  5. 01:640:1xx Calculus II (4) OR 01:960:401 Basic Stats for Research (3)
  6. OR
  7. 11:126:111 Ethical and Scientific Challenges in Biotechnology (3)

Total Semester Credits: 14 - 15
Cumulative Total Credits: 29 - 30
S
E
C
O
N
D

Y
E
A
R
  1. 01:447:380 Genetics (4)
  2. 01:160:307 Organic Chemistry (4)
  3. 01:750:193 Physics for the Sciences (4)
  4. 01:640:1xx Calculus II (4) OR 01:960:401 Basic Stats for Research (3)
    OR, if already taken:
  5. Course fulfilling SEBS core requirement (3)

Total Semester Credits: 15-16
Cumulative Total Credits: 44-45
*Physics lab is required for biotechnology majors, and must be added to Gen. Physics.
  1. 11:680:390 General Microbiology (4)
  2. 01:160:308 Organic Chemistry (4)
  3. 01:750:194 Physics for the Sciences (4) *
  4. Courses fulfilling SEBS core requirements (3)
    OR:
  5. 11:126:111 Ethical and Scientific Challenges in Biotechnology (3) if not yet taken

Total Semester Credits:15
Cumulative Total Credits: 59 - 60
*Physics lab is required for biotechnology majors, and must be added to Gen. Physics.
T
H
I
R
D

Y
E
A
R
  1. 11:126:481 Molecular Genetics (3)
  2. 11:115:403 Biochemistry (4)
  3. 11:126:383 Nucleotide Sequence Analysis (3)
  4. General Option Elective Course (3)

Total Semester Credits: 13
Cumulative Total Credits: 72 - 73
  1. 11:126:482 Molecular Genetics Lab (4)
  2. 11:115:404 Biochemistry (3)
  3. Required General Option Elective course (3)
  4. 01:355:302 Scientific and Technical Writing (3)

Total Semester Credits: 13
Cumulative Total Credits: 85 - 86

F
O
U
R
T
H

Y
E
A
R
  1. 11:126:427 Methods and Applications in Molecular Bio. (4)
  2. 11:126:401 Seminar in Biotechnology (1.5)
  3. 11:126:497 Research in Biotechnology (3) **
  4. SEBS core curriculum req. (6)
  5. 11:115:313 Introductory Biochemistry Lab (1)

Total Semester Credits: 15.5
Cumulative Total Credits: 100.5 - 101.5
** An appropriate SPIN placement approved by the Undergraduate Program Director, or a George H. Cook Scholars project can substitute for Research in Biotechnology

  1. 11:067:430 Animal Microtechniques and Tissue Culture (4) OR 11:776:452 Plant Tissue Culture (3)
  2. Gen. Option Elective Course (6)
  3. SEBS core curriculum req. (3)
  4. Open elective(s) to reach 120 credits.

Total Semester Credits: 12 -13
Cumulative Total Credits: 112.5-114-5

Microbial Biotechnology Option
 
  Fall Term Spring Term
F
I
R
S
T

Y
E
A
R
  1. 01:355:101 Expository Writing (3)
  2. 01:119:115 General Biology (4)
  3. 01:160:161 General Chemistry (4)
  4. 01:640:1xx Calculus I (4)*

Total Semester Credits: 15
Cumulative Total Credits: 15

  1. 01:119:116 Ge neral Biology (4)
  2. 01:160:162 General Chemistry (4)
  3. 01:119:117 Gen. Biology Lab (2)
  4. 01:160:171 Introduction to Experimentation (1)
  5. 01:640:1xx Calculus II (4) OR 01:960:401 Basic Stats for Research (3)
    OR
  6. 11:126:111 Ethical and Scientific Challenges in Biotechnology (3)

Total Semester Credits: 14 - 15
Cumulative Total Credits: 29 - 30
S
E
C
O
N
D

Y
E
A
R
  1. 01:447:380 Genetics (4)
  2. 01:160:307 Organic Chemistry (4)
  3. 01:750:193 Physics for the Sciences (4)*
  4. 01:640:1xx Calculus II (4) OR 01:960:401 Basic Stats for Research (3)
    OR, if already taken:
  5. Course fulfilling SEBS core requirement (3)

Total Semester Credits: 15-16
Cumulative Total Credits: 44 - 45
*Physics lab is required for biotechnology majors, and must be added to Gen. Physics.
  1. 11:680:390 General Microbiology (4)
  2. 01:160:308 Organic Chemistry (4)
  3. 01:750:194 Physics for the Sciences (4) *
  4. Courses fulfilling SEBS core requirements (3)
  5. OR:
  6. 11:126:111 Ethical and Scientific Challenges in Biotechnology (3) if not yet taken.

Total Semester Credits: 15
Cumulative Total Credits: 59 - 60
*Physics lab is required for biotechnology majors, and must be added to Gen. Physics.
T
H
I
R
D

Y
E
A
R
  1. 11:126:481 Molecular Genetics (3)
  2. 11:115:403 Biochemistry (4)
  3. 11:126:383 Nucleotide Sequence Analysis (3)
  4. 11:680:494 Applied Microbiology (4)

Total Semester Credits: 14
Cumulative Total Credits: 73 - 74
  1. 11:126:482 Molecular Genetics Lab (4)
  2. 11:115:404 Biochemistry (3)
  3. 01:355:302 Scientific and Technical Writing (3)
  4. Microbial Option Course from list of 3 (3)
  5. Microbial Option Elective Course (3)

Total Semester Credits: 16
Cumulative Total Credits: 89 – 90
F
O
U
R
T
H

Y
E
A
R
  1. 11:126:401 Seminar in Biotechnology (1.5)
  2. 11:126:427 Methods and Applications in Molecular Biology (4)
  3. 11:115:313 Introductory Biochemistry Lab (1)
  4. 11:126:497 Research in Biotechnology (3) **
  5. SEBS core curriculum req. (6)

Total Semester Credits: 15.5
Cumulative Total Credits: 104.5 - 105.5
** An appropriate SPIN placement, approved by the Undergraduate Program Director, or a George H. Cook Scholars project can substitute for Research in Biotechnology.
  1. SEBS core requirements (6)
  2. Microbial Option Elective Courses (6)
  3. Open elective(s) to reach 120 credits

Total Semester Credits: 12
Cumulative Total Credits: 116.5-117.5
*An appropriate SPIN placement, approved by the Undergraduate Program Director, or a George H. Cook Scholars project can substitute for Research in Biotechnology.

Plant Biotechnology Option
 
  Fall Term Spring Term
F
I
R
S
T

Y
E
A
R
  1. 01:355:101 Expository Writing (3)
  2. 01:119:115 General Biology (4)
  3. 01:160:161 General Chemistry (4)
  4. 01:640:1xx Calculus I (4)

Total Semester Credits: 15
Cumulative Total Credits: 15

  1. 01:119:116 General Biology (4)
  2. 01:160:162 General Chemistry (4)
  3. 01:160:171 Introduction to Experimentation (1)
  4. 01:119:117 Gen. Biol, Lab (2)
  5. 01:640:1xx Calculus II (4) OR 01:960:401 Basic Stats for Research (3)
    OR
  6. 11:126:111 Ethical and Scientific Challenges in Biotechnology (3)

Total Semester Credits: 14 - 15
Cumulative Total Credits: 29 - 30
S
E
C
O
N
D

Y
E
A
R
  1. 01:750:193 Physics for the Sciences (4) *
  2. 01:160:307 Organic Chemistry (4)
  3. 11:776:305 Plant Genetics (4)
  4. 01:640:1xx Calculus II (4) OR 01:960:401 Basic Stats for Research (3)
    OR, if already taken:
  5. Course fulfilling SEBS core requirement (3)

Total Semester Credits: 15-16
Cumulative Total Credits: 44 - 45
*Physics lab is required for biotechnology majors, and must be added to Gen. Physics.
  1. 01:750:194 Physics for the Sciences (4) *
  2. 01:160:308 Organic Chemistry (4)
  3. 11:776:242 Plant Science (3)
  4. SEBS core requirement (3)

Total Semester Credits:14
Cumulative Total Credits: 58 - 59
*Physics lab is required for biotechnology majors, and must be added to Gen. Physics.
T
H
I
R
D

Y
E
A
R
  1. 11:680:390 General Microbiology (4)
  2. 11:126:481 Molecular Genetics (3)
  3. 11:115:403 Biochemistry (4)
  4. Plant Biotechnology Option Elective Course (3)

Total Semester Credits: 14
Cumulative Total Credits: 72 – 73
  1. 01:355:302 Scientific and Technical Writing (3)
  2. 11:126:482 Molecular Genetics Lab (4)
  3. 11:115:404 Biochemistry (3)
  4. Plant Biotechnology Option Elective Course (3)

Total Semester Credits: 13
Cumulative Total Credits: 85 - 86

F
O
U
R
T
H

Y
E
A
R
  1. 11:126:401 Seminar in Biotechnology (1.5)
  2. 11:126:427 Methods and Applications in Molecular Biology (4)
  3. 11:115:313 Introductory Biochemistry Lab (1)
  4. 11:126:383 Nucleotide Sequence Analysis (3)
  5. 11:126:497 Research in Biotechnology (3) **
  6. SEBS core requirement (3)

Total Semester Credits: 15.5
Cumulative Total Credits: 100.5 - 101.5
** An appropriate SPIN placement, approved by the Undergraduate Program Director, or a George H. Cook Scholars project can substitute for Research in Biotechnology.
  1. Plant Biotechnology Option Elective Course (3)
  2. 11:776:452 Plant Tissue Culture and Engineering (3)
  3. SEBS core requirement (9)
  4. Open elective(s) to reach 120 credits.

Total Semester Credits: 15
Cumulative Total Credits: 115.5-116.5