Biotechnology is a branch of science in which we use living organisms to make useful products. Ever since we learned to manipulate DNA, the field has exploded in importance. We can diagnose and treat diseases, and create new and better crops to feed people; biotechnologists are developing oil-eating bacteria to combat oil spills and other environmental problems. We can make vaccines, antibiotics, antibodies, organs for transplantation, improved crops and biodegradable plastics. Biotechnology is essential to medicine, medical diagnoses, drug production, genetic testing, gene therapy, agriculture, crop protection, genetic engineering, forensics and environmental protection. It’s a fascinating field that is tremendously important to our nation’s future.
The Biotechnology curriculum prepares the students for biotechnology/biosciences programs at four-year institutions and for a future career in biotechnology. The students in this program acquire knowledge in general biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, genetics, microbiology, cell biology and molecular biology. The students will acquire competence in laboratory techniques and instrumentation that are relevant to the biotechnology industry. This degree transfers seamlessly (without loss of credit) to the Biotechnology B.S. degree at Rutgers University and to other universities.
Click below to review our curriculum, classes, and FAQs.
Why major in Biotechnology?
Biotechnology offers multiple opportunities for work and research. Employment opportunities include: environmental, medical/ pharmaceutical companies; diagnostic and research products; food products; US government laboratories; police and forensic science departments; US Customs; patent law; and, science writing.
What will students learn if they study Biotechnology?
Students in this program acquire knowledge in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry. Students will demonstrate proficiency in chemical, biological, cellular, immunological and molecular techniques and lab instrumentation.
Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
A passing score on the College’s mathematics placement test for both Algebra I and Algebra II or MAT 013 and MAT 014 is required for biotechnology majors. In addition, a high school laboratory biology course with a minimum grade of “C” or BIO 010 and a high school laboratory chemistry or CHM 020 with a minimum grade of “C” are also required.
Can Biotechnology majors transfer to a four-year college or university?
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree, and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements with a number of public and private institutions provide guaranteed transfer into several Biotechnology programs, provided students meet specific GPA requirements. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the A.S. degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of time by taking courses in the summer sessions at the College.
Contact Name: Dr. Parag Muley, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2592
Contact Email: pmuley@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/natural-sciences/
Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. This degree transfers seamlessly (without loss of credit) to the Biotechnology B.S. degree at Rutgers University and to other universities. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at NJTransfer.org to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.
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