Program Overview
The Synthetic Biology Minor provides students with a comprehensive understanding of synthetic biology and biotechnology, focusing on using living organisms to create products. The minor enhances science majors' prospects for graduate school and biotech industry jobs, while also providing non-science majors with a strong foundation in synthetic biology. Students complete 21-22 credits, including required courses in biology, genetics, and synthetic biology, as well as advisor-approved electives in related fields.
Program Outline
Outline:
Course Overview
The Synthetic Biology Minor provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the latest information and techniques used in synthetic biology and biotechnology. The curriculum focuses on the use of living organisms to generate products ranging from medicines to advanced materials. The minor is designed to enhance science majors' prospects for graduate school and jobs in biotech industries. It also provides non-science majors (e.g., business, engineering, computer science) with a strong working knowledge of synthetic biology.
Structure
The Synthetic Biology Minor requires 21-22 credits, including:
Required Courses (18 credits):
- BIOL 1110 - Biology for Science Majors Lecture I
- BIOL 1111 - Biology for Science Majors Laboratory I
- BIOL 3100 - General Genetics
- BIOL 3141 - Genetics Laboratory
- BIOL 3330 - Fundamentals of Synthetic Biology
- BIOL 4667 - Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics
- BIOL 4677 - Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering
Advisor-Approved Electives (3-4 credits):
Students can choose one of the following electives:
- BIOL 4767 - Plant Physiology and Development
- BIOL 3450 - Algae and Fungi
- CSCI 3010 - Scripting for Data Management
- CSCI 3020 - Database Advanced Topics
- CHEM 4200 - Principles of Instrumental Analysis
- ENTC 2510 - Introduction to Robotics
- HSCI 3320 - General Microbiology
- HSCI 4730 - Molecular and Microbial Genetics
- MGMT 3100 - Production/Operations Management
- MATH 3150 - Mathematical Modeling
- MGMT 4910 - Strategic Management
- PHIL 3130 - Bioethics