Program Overview

Applied Biotechnology: Industrial Plant and Microbial Biotechnology Emphasis

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Biotechnology with an emphasis in Industrial Plant and Microbial Biotechnology has applications in many fields, such as agriculture, food processing, medicine, and the industrial production of biomolecules, biofuels, and other chemicals. With this major and emphasis, graduating students are prepared for careers where interdisciplinary teams genetically engineer microorganisms and plants to synthesize products such as vaccines, enzymes, and biofuels; develop and monitor manufacturing processes for biotechnology products; and monitor product quality and safety in biotechnology manufacturing facilities.

Learning Outcomes

• Recall, describe, and interpret foundational scientific facts, especially in the areas of chemistry and biology
• Demonstrate digital and data literacy by retrieving and appraising publicly available scientific data
• Design and perform hands-on experiments; collect, graph and record data; interpret research results; and conclude whether the results support or refute a hypothesis
• Communicate scientific information in oral and written form to both professional and general audiences
• Evaluate the use of biotechnology as a solution to a problem and compare its use to other solutions to the same problem
• Work with others to solve complex problems and accomplish team goals
• Embody and uphold the ethical and responsible practice of science

Program Details

Coursework Location(s)

• Main/Tucson

Areas of Interest

• Agricultural Sciences
• Biological & Biomedical Science
• Engineering & Technology
• Environment & Sustainability

Level of Math

• Moderate Knowledge

The M-strand is for students who require mathematical facility at the level of at least MATH 112 (College Algebra Concepts) or 108 (Modeling with Algebraic and Trigonometric Functions). This strand involves reasonable facility with algebra and algebraic functions, graphs, and simple modeling. Students who choose the M-strand are prepared for further mathematical work. This work may include MATH 107 (Exploring and Understanding Data), MATH 113 (Elements of Calculus), MATH 116 (Calculus Concepts for Business), MATH 119A (Mathematics of Biological Systems: A Calculus Based Approach), or a statistics class from outside the Mathematics Department, such as ISTA 116 (Statistical Foundations for the Information Age) or SBS 200 (Statistics for the Social Sciences).

Level of Second Language

• 2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sci

Degree

• Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

4-Year Sample Plan

• First Year
  • 1st Semester
    • Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course)
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives OR Building Connections
    • ENGL 101, First Year Composition 1
    • Calculus
    • Second Language 1st Semester
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives OR Building Connections
  • 2nd Semester
    • ENGL 102, First Year Composition 2
    • General Chemistry I
    • Second Language 2nd Semester
    • ECOL 182R, Introductory Biology II Lecture
    • ECOL 181L, Introductory Biology II Lab
• Second Year
  • 3rd Semester
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives OR Building Connections
    • General Chemistry II
    • MCB 181R, Introductory Biology I Lecture
    • MCB 181L, Introductory Biology I Lab
    • PHYS 102, Introductory Physics I Lecture
    • PHYS 181, Introductory Physics I Lab
  • 4th Semester
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives OR Building Connections
    • CHEM 241A, Lectures in Organic Chemistry I
    • CHEM 243A, Organic Chemistry I Lab
    • MIC 285R, Principles of Microbiology
    • MIC 285L, Principles of Microbiology Lab
• Third Year
  • 5th Semester
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives OR Building Connections
    • CHEM 241B, Lecture in Organic Chemistry II
    • CHEM 243B, Organic Chemistry II Lab
    • PLS 340, Introduction to Biotechnology
    • Biochemistry
    • Emphasis Elective
  • 6th Semester
    • PHYS 103, Introductory Physics II
    • PHYS 182, Introductory Physics II Lab
    • AREC 239, Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis
    • NSC 371R, Food and Beverage Fermentation
    • PLS 340L or PLP 428L
    • Emphasis Elective
• Fourth Year
  • 7th Semester
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives OR Building Connections
    • MIC 350, Molecular Microbiology
    • PLS 434, Industrial Biotechnology
    • PLS 448A, Plant Biochemistry and Metabolic Engineering
    • General Elective
  • 8th Semester
    • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives OR Building Connections
    • Science Communication
    • PLS/ACBS/NSC 498C, Senior Capstone
    • PLS 424R, Plant Biotechnology
    • PLS 428R, Microbial Genetics
    • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course)