What is biotechnology?

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms to fulfill practical societal needs such as making and modifying products, improving plants and animals, and developing microorganisms for special uses. It is a rapidly emerging, complex field that was barely known just a couple of decades ago. The field is generally divided into three areas: 1) human health care, 2) agriculture and animal health care, 3) environment/energy management. Genetic engineering, cloning, and medical advances all fall under the biotechnology umbrella. With education beyond a bachelor's degree, it is possible for a biotechnologist to teach, become a doctor, or advance to a managerial level in an area of specialty.

The 38-39 credit Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology program at William Paterson University is housed in the College of Science and Health. In addition to the courses in the major, students have 32 credits of co-requirements, including coursework in Physics, Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry, Calculus and Statistics. Core courses include Cell Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology: DNA, and Biotechnology: Cell Culture.

To learn more about the degree requirements, please visit this link:
http://www.wpunj.edu/biology/

Admissions information on Biotechnology is located here:
http://www.wpunj.edu/admissions/undergraduate/academic-programs/programs_detail.dot?id=124231

What interests and skills do potential employers value in this career?

• Research skills
• Good writing skills
• Ability to organize and classify information.
• Analytical and quantitative skills
• Being able to work both in a team and independently
• Technical skills
• Ability to understand biological theories
• Understanding of business concepts

What types of jobs can biotechnology majors get?

Work Environment :
People working within the field of biotechnology have a number of options in terms of work environment. Biotechnology professionals may choose to work in pharmaceutical companies, food processing companies, science laboratories, botanical gardens, zoos, hospital and public health facilities, university research centers, engineering consulting firms, government agencies, waste management, and agricultural companies. Some positions may require further education beyond a bachelor's degree.

Possible Job Titles

In what locations and capacities have William Paterson biotechnology/biology alumni worked?

Research Technician University of Arizona Cancer Center

Chemical Technician Schering Plough Research, Institute

Clinical Research Coordinator St. Michael's Hospital

Research Associate (DNA Analysis) DNX Transgenic Sciences

Lab Technician Unilever

Lab Assistant (Biomedical Implants) Collagen Matrix

Aside from majoring in biotechnology, what else can I do that may enhance my qualifications?

Successful students tend to seek out opportunities to enhance their qualifications through a variety of means. Within biotechnology, some suggestions may include getting involved in research initiatives outside class, conducting an independent study for credit, joining or becoming a leader in career-related campus organizations, such as the New Jersey Water Watch and Natural Sciences Club; joining a professional biotechnology association; learning computer skills; reading scientific journals; gaining practical experience through an internship/practicum/job shadowing; looking into the possibility of graduate school; and attending networking functions.

What else can I read about biotechnology?

Related Web Sites :

Biotechnology Industry Association www.bio.org

Biotechnology Council of New Jersey www.biotechnj.org

Biology Jobs www.BiologyJobs.com

Occupational Outlook www.bls.gov/oco/

Occupation Information http://online.onetcenter.org

Industry Information www.vault.com

Job Search and Salary information www.rileyguide.com

Other sources of information :

Please drop by the Career Development and Advisement Center to learn more about careers in biotechnology. The career library carries career-specific books and counselors are available to answer any further questions you may have. Visiting the Biology department on campus may also prove valuable in addressing questions.

The Career Development and Gloria S. Williams Advisement Center
Student Center 301, 300 Pompton Road Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone 973.720.2281/2282 Fax 973.720.2074

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