AS in Biotechnology
Northern State University
Key Information
Campus location
Aberdeen, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 28,000 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* estimated yearly total for international students; USD 17,677 - estimated yearly total for residents
Introduction
Biotechnology is the study of technology based on biology, especially pertinent to agriculture, food science, and medicine.
Biotechnology is a fascinating combination of genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and cell biology. Biotechnology is applied in many fields, including chemical engineering, information technology, and biorobotics.
Biotechnology is used to improve agricultural crops, conduct recombinant DNA procedures, and produce and improve pharmaceuticals.
A strong background in biotechnology is a valuable employee asset in U.S. clinical and research laboratories.
NSU is a member of South Dakota Biotech, an association that directly links Northern to more than 65 companies and organizations in the state and to the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) both nationally and globally.
At NSU, we encourage you to explore your individual interests, work closely with professors on research projects, and present your research results at state, regional, and national meetings as well as in publications.
Program Outcome
- Students will demonstrate, both verbally and in writing, knowledge of scientific theory related to biotechnology techniques. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
- Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific results effectively (orally and in writing) with appropriate audiences with regard to the field of biotechnology. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
- Develop and apply the knowledge of biotechnology/biology sciences to distinguish between observations, inferences, relationships, and testimonials under investigation. (Cross-curricular Skill: Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills)
- Demonstrate the ability to use sound ethical reasoning when discussing biological science and the use of biotechnological techniques. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
- Students will demonstrate the technical background knowledge needed to support biotechnology research activities. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem-solving)
- Students will demonstrate verbally and in writing knowledge of the fields of biotechnology (including the historical development of the field and various disciplines in which biotechnology is utilized such as medical, agricultural, environmental, energy, forensics, and business) and applications of genomics. (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
Curriculum
First Year Fall
- IDL 190, Freshman Seminar 2
- BIOL 151/L, General Biology I 4
- CHEM 112/L, General Chemistry I 4
- BIOL 235/L, Introduction to Biotechnology 3
- MATH 114/L, College Algebra* 3-4
First Year Spring
- CHEM 114/L, General Chemistry II 4
- ENGL 101, Composition I 3
- BIOL 245/L, Cell Culture Techniques 3
- Arts and Humanities Course 3
- SPCM 101, Fundamentals of Speech* 3
Second Year Fall
- MICR 231/L General Microbiology** 4
- Behavioral/Social Sciences Course 3
- BIOL 240/L, Biotechnology Lab Methods and Techniques 3
- ENGL 201, Composition II 3
- General Education Elective Course 3
Second Year Spring
- BIOL 343/L, Cell and Molecular Biology** 4
- BIOL 294, Internship 2
- BIOL 250/L, Introduction to Bioinformatics and Proteomics 3
- Elective Course 3
*Fulfills a General Education Requirement. Other course options may be available.
**Fulfills a major requirement. Other course options may be available.
***Fulfills a general elective. Other course options may be available.
Career Opportunities
Demand for graduates in biotechnology is increasing and expected to continue, due to laboratory, research center, and hospital growth. Northern’s biotechnology program prepares students for entry-level positions that will meet the growing needs of the biotechnology industry nationwide.
Many biotechnology graduates seek employment in laboratory settings assisting researchers in a variety of areas, including pharmaceuticals and medical research, as well as governmental and legal issues. Potential job titles include environmental engineering technician, agricultural and food science technician, biological technician, environmental health and safety technician, chemical technician, and medical or clinical laboratory technician.
NSU's AS degree in biotechnology pairs well with a BS degree in biology, environmental sciences, or chemistry.
Internships
NSU biotechnology students are required to complete a 2-credit internship, which provides invaluable hands-on experience that complements their academic coursework. This internship is a key component of NSU's biotechnology degree, giving students a competitive edge at hiring time.
NSU partners with local and regional companies, including Glacial Lakes Energy LLC, Avera St. Lukes Hospital, South Dakota Department of Public Health, Huron School District, and Redfield Energy LLC to offer internship experiences.
Other regional businesses supporting biotechnology student internships include South Dakota Wheat Growers Association, AlphaGenix, Monsanto, Braasch Biotech LLC, PharmaCline, Exemplar Genetics, 3M, Dow AgroSciences, and Cibus.
Northern's biotechnology program relies heavily on hands-on experimentation and lab techniques along with the mandatory internship. Because of this practical training and the need for qualified workers in this field, students may have the opportunity to obtain permanent employment at their internship site.