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Biotechnology

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THE MAJOR	WHO SUCCEEDS	CAREERS	INTERNSHIPS	WEBSITES

THE MAJOR
The Biotechnology major is an interdisciplinary program offered jointly by the College of Science & Mathematics and the College of Integrated Science & Technology.

For more information on careers, graduate school, and the job/internship search, visit our Science & Math majors' site.

JMU Concentrations: Research, Industry, Custom

Admission and Progression Standards for this major:

Click on the link to learn more about the admission and progression standards of this major: http://www.jmu.edu/advising/snapshots/SSBIOT.shtml

Description of Major:
In cooperation with the Department of Integrated Science and Technology and the Department of Chemistry, the Department of Biology offers a four year, interdisciplinary B.S. degree program for a major in Biotechnology. Biotechnology majors must complete 47-53 credit hours of science foundation courses, 17 credit hours of biotechnology transition and core courses, and 15 credit hours of concentration courses including a capstone experience. With the advice and approval of a concentration adviser, each student selects the courses for his or her concentration area. Three broad areas of concentrations are suggested to serve a spectrum of student needs and desires.

Tell me more about this field of study.
Biotechnology is the practice of using plants, animals and micro-organisms such as bacteria, as well as biological processes - to some benefit. For example, in industry, medicine and agriculture, biotechnology is used to produce foods, medicines, test for diseases and remove waste. It can also be used to solve problems and conduct research. Over time biotechnology has formed the basis of learning about people and diseases. Biotechnology has also underpinned the development of medical treatments.

Tell me more about specializations in this major.
A research concentration would prepare students for graduate school or entry into a research laboratory. An industry concentration would prepare students for entry into the biotechnology industry. A custom concentration can be assembled for a specialized area of study such as bioinformatics, genomics or agricultural biotechnology.

What common major or minor combinations from other departments complement this major?
Complimentary majors and minors include: Chemistry, Environmental Management, Geology, Geographic Sciences, Health Sciences, Integrated Science and Technology, Justice Studies, Mathematics, Nutrition, Physics, Pre Medicine, Pre Veterinary Medicine, Psychology, Pre-Forensic Studies, Pre-Pharmacy, or Technical and Scientific Communication.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS
Those students who show good motivation to learn in regular classes, who talk with their advisor and choose appropriate course work to develop a meaningful program of study, those who show ability in doing precision work, who work well under pressure, who are naturally curious, and those who devote a portion of their curriculum to serious research. In addition, flexibility appears to be a key trait for anyone entering the job market in the future. While the educational requirements for biotechnology tend toward specialization, the actual jobs developing for the 21st century place a premium on adapting to change, moving into new settings, and combining diverse areas. For instance, a typical research project in the pharmaceutical industry lasts only a few years, after which a scientist might be asked to tackle an entirely different project.

CAREERS
Many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. However, some graduates choose nontraditional career paths that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.

Bioinformatician
Biochemist
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
Biotechnical Scientist
Clinical Scientist
Compliance Investigator
Consultant
Criminologist
Environmental Health & Safety Tech
Food Scientist
Forensic Scientist
Industry Researcher
Information Resources Specialist
Lab Manager

Microbiologist
Pharmaceutical Formulator
Pharmaceutical Salesperson
Pharmacy Technician
Product Developer
Professor
Quality Control Analyst
Regulatory Affairs
Research Associate
Researcher
Scientific Director
Scientific Sales Representative
Senior Scientist
Technical Writer
Toxicologist

Who employs Biotechnology graduates?
Agricultural Industries, Aquariums, Biotechnology Firms, Chemical Companies, Colleges and Universities, Cosmetic Companies, Environment and Pollution Control Agencies, Federal and State Government Laboratories (Department of Agriculture, Fish & Wildlife Service, National Institutes of Health), Food Companies, Hospitals, Medical Centers, Pharmaceutical Companies, Private Research Firms, Public Health Facilities, and Zoos.

INTERNSHIPS AND PRACTICA THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT
Practicum, internships, and other forms of individual study are available to all students majoring in Biotechnology. Students should contact faculty coordinators in their areas of interest to gain further information. The Career and Academic Planning Resource Center, located in 303 Wilson Hall, also has information on Biotechnology internships.

WEBSITES
Biological Scientists: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos047.htm
Biotech Career Advice: http://www.biotechinstitute.org/careers/pursue_biotech_career.html
Biotech Careers: http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/science/biotechnology-major.htm
Biotechnology Career Profiles: http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/CC/CP/
Biotechnology Career Profiles: http://www.biotechinstitute.org/careers/career_profiles.html
Career Voyages – Biotechnology: http://www.careervoyages.gov/biotechnology-main.cfm
Careers in Biotechnology: http://www.biotech.iastate.edu/biotech_info_series/bio2.html
What is Biotechnology?: http://www.bio.org/speeches/pubs/er/technology_collection.asp

A broad range of resources on career fields, internships, and job search information is also available in the Career and Academic Planning Resource Center located in 303 Wilson Hall.