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Every living organism, from bacteria to redwoods and humans, contains DNA as its primary genetic material. DNA directs all the cellular processes creating the great diversity of life that fills the biosphere. The integrated, multidisciplinary field of biotechnology represents new advances in understanding and controlling these life processes through the development of exciting new technologies. Biotechnology's current and potential applications include enhancing nutritional quality of food crops; strengthening resistance to disease in economically important plants and animals; and increasing crop and livestock productivity.
Real World
The biotechnology major develops practical skills that make graduates highly attractive job candidates for companies in agricultural, food and beverage industries; health care; chemical, pharmaceutical and biochemical industries; and environmental analysis and remediation industries. Graduates also apply successfully to graduate and professional schools in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, medicine and plant and animal sciences.
Major Requirements
At the lower division level, you will develop a strong background in general biological sciences, emphasizing basic concepts of genetics, molecular biology, cell biology and recombinant DNA technology. You will choose an animal, plant or microbial biotechnology system as your special focus at the upper division level. Each track of study requires significant hands-on experience including a mandatory internship in a biotechnology company or research laboratory.
Major Adviser
Name: Theresa Costa
Contact: tacosta@ucdavis.edu, (530) 752-1715
A Student Perspective
UC Davis' program in biotechnology is unique in its focus and the preparation it offers. I'm taking one graduate level class, and many of the graduate students in that class are only now learning the skills that I've already acquired in the major. The wide range of courses offered and the internships I've participated in have helped me focus my interests and determine my future career plans.
~ Andrew Goodyear
A Faculty Perspective
Recent progress in the areas of biotechnology and genomics has vastly changed how biology is studied and how medicine is practiced. There are huge opportunities in a vast spectrum of career areas outside traditional laboratory jobs. Students in the program are required to participate in independent research in a lab on campus. This experience allows them to interact directly with professors, helps identify where their interests lie, and provides a leg-up on career positions.
~ John Yoder, professor
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