Biology, Biotechnology Concentration, B.S.

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The biotechnology specialization emphasizes cell and molecular biology, and students who follow this track receive a solid foundation in both biology and chemistry. Graduates are well prepared to pursue employment in biotechnology or to enter graduate programs in biotechnology and cell and molecular biology.

Program Requirements

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the emphasis in biotechnology: 73.
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: C- or higher.

Biology (36-37 credit hours)

All of the following are required. In addition to those requirements, biotechnology students are required to take two additional BIO courses with prefix number 200 or higher (either two lecture courses or a lecture course and the accompanying lab course; these courses cannot also count as the capstone). Note: Students may substitute Problems in Biology (BIO 441 ) or Internship (BIO 443 ) for one upper level BIO laboratory course. Students should meet with their faculty advisor ahead of time to learn more about this option.

BIO 105 - Biological Principles I: Cellular Biology Credits: 3
BIO 106 - Laboratory Biology Credits: 1.5
BIO 107 - Biological Principles II: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ecology Credits: 4.5
BIO 201 - Genetics Credits: 3
BIO 311 - Microbiology Credits: 3
BIO 282 - Microbiology Laboratory Credits: 2
BIO 413 - Applied Biostatistics Credits: 3
BIO 431 - Principles of Immunology Credits: 3
BIO 432 - Immunology Laboratory Credits: 2

One pair of courses from the following combinations:

BIO 409 - Cell and Molecular Biology Credits: 3
BIO 410 - Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory Credits: 2
CHY 461 - Biochemistry I Credits: 3
CHY 462 - Biochemistry Laboratory I Credits: 2
CHY 461 - Biochemistry I
Credits: 3
CHY 463 - Biochemistry II Credits: 3

Additional required courses:

In addition, the biology major must satisfactorily complete all of the following courses. Students also must fulfill the University Core Curriculum requirements, including a Capstone course in the major.

Major Courses that Satisfy Core Requirements

Students are encouraged to explore Core courses that also count towards their major or minor. Courses listed below are part of this major and also satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements. Course lists that satisfy each requirement can be found on the Core Curriculum webpage.

Writing, Reading, and Inquiry 3: BIO 421 Biology Seminar
Quantitative Reasoning: MAT 152 Calculus A
Creative Expression:
Cultural Interpretation:
Science Exploration: BIO 107 Biological Principles II: Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ecology
Socio-cultural Analysis:
Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship:
Culture, Power, and Equity:
International:
Engaged Learning:
Capstone: BIO 421 Biology Seminar

USM Core Requirements

Students must complete all Core and degree requirements as part of the Graduation Requirements. For more information, see Academic Policies.

The USM Core Curriculum provides a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal arts education that fulfills general education requirements. It is designed to help students become globally aware, purposeful, and lifelong learners.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fulfilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.