Biotechnology
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Bachelor of Science
Are you interested in the mechanics of life and improving human and animal health, food safety, energy production and environmental quality? Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary major that has an impact on almost every aspect of modern human life. Students develop a strong background in the biological sciences with an emphasis on the basic principles of genetics, molecular biology and cell biology. Students focus their studies into one of four areas to gain a more in-depth understanding of these topics: microbial biotechnology, animal biotechnology, plant biotechnology or bioinformatics.
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.
Contact Information
Careers
- Biofuel specialist
- Biomedical engineer
- Food scientist
- Genetic counselor
- Microbiologist
- Molecular biologist
- Pharmacist
- Physician
- Plant breeder
Graduate Study
- Immunology and molecular genetics
- Molecular, cellular and integrative physiology
- Pharmacology and toxicology
- Horticulture
- Medicine
Alumni Employers
- Genentech
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
- University of California, San Francisco
- University of California, Davis Genome Center
- Novozymes
Related Degrees
Your course roadmap
Find the detailed course requirements for your program and map out your path to graduation.
The faculty you will work with
Our undergraduates work directly with our faculty through research projects and labs.
Global learning programs
Expand your horizons by studying abroad or pursuing global learning on campus.
Undergraduate research
Get hands on with your interests. Participate in one of our hundreds of research opportunities.
