Biotechnology is a branch of biology. It deals with modifying some traits of living things so that they are of better use to human beings. The field of biotechnology has informally been around for more than a thousand years, in fact ever since agriculture and domestication of animals was started by humans. Selective breeding to produce high yielding crops and to breed the fittest horses are some of the earlier examples of the field whereas development of bacteria that can treat oil spills and genetic engineering of crops are some of the newer examples.
Degrees Offered in Biotechnology
As in other disciplines, biotechnology may be taken through five degree levels which include Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Master and Doctorate programs. Certificate courses may be taken mid-career in biotechnology to develop a certain skill that is desired in a job or they may be taken to earn credits towards completing a college degree.
The most common degree most people take in Biotechnology is a Bachelor degree. This program is a comprehensive path to Biotechnology. It also incorporates principles of biology and other related fields that may come in useful for a Biotechnologist. A Masters degree gives a jump to your career and usually involves two years of independent study along with a research dissertation.
People may also choose to take dual degrees, like Biotechnology along with Business Administration. This equips the students to take up a challenging job in a related field with administrative responsibilities. This is obviously a much more prestigious degree and people with it can look forward to a more progressive career in the companies they may choose to work in.
All programs aim to develop critical and analytical thinking in the students and make them proficient in the laboratory procedures that they will invariably be required to use in their career.
Online Degrees in Biotechnology
Biotechnology degrees are also offered online now by accredited colleges. These are flexible and you may take them at the convenience of your time and place. Some degrees are completely online while some can be taken partly online with a few hours of lab work put in on college premises.
careers that a Degree Leads to in Biotechnology
Like all other fields, biotechnology is further divided into many sub-areas. After obtaining a degree in biotechnology, a student may choose to work in either of the following branches of biotechnology, if they fulfill the basic requirements for the area.
Bioinformatics
Also known as computational biology, this branch of biotechnology serves to solve biological problems by using computerized models and techniques.
Blue Biotechnology
Blue biotechnology refers to applications of biotechnology to marine resources. This field needs to be developed a lot as yet.
Green Biotechnology
This field refers to the use of biotechnology in agriculture and is probably the most common field chosen by biotechnologists.
White Biotechnology
White Biotechnology refers to applications of biotechnology for industrial uses such as production of useful chemicals and enzymes.
Red Biotechnology
Red Biotechnology refers to the medical applications of biotechnology and typically involve production or modification of bacteria and other micro biota to develop medicines and vaccines.
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Q:What careers can I pursue with a Biotechnology degree?
A:Students can pursue a number of careers with a Biotechnology degree. Some of the careers are as Biotechnology Laboratory Technician, Quality Control Analyst, Senior Research Analyst, Biomedical Engineer, Validation Technician, Crime Lab Technician, Biotechnology Research Associate and Clinical Research Associate. With the health care industry expanding all over the United States, there is huge potential for students interested in this qualification.
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