Areas for Biotech Application
There are many avenues that lead toward working in the field of biotechnology. Many different majors can be pursued that will have biotechnology application. Some of these include:
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering:
Students who study biosystems engineering learn mainly how to integrate biological and physical sciences with engineering science and design. Graduates may work for companies involved with bioprocessing, bioenviormental engineering, food engineering, and other related areas.
Agricultural Education and Studies:
Students learn how to enhance production by employing the latest technologies in bioethics, agriculture, global positioning, environmental science, food technology and production agriculture. Graduates prepare for a variety of careers including teaching, extension work, and jobs with government agencies.
Agronomy is primarily the study of soils, crops, climatology, and other components of our environment. Students learn to use biotechnology in many ways such as manipulating soil microorganisms and breeding plants.
Animal scientists provide services involving animal production and animal products. Students learn how to provide services economically with focus on consumer needs, animal health and environment, and resource conservation. Graduates can also prepare for admission to professional schools such as veterinary medicine.
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology:
Biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology provide the basis for much of modern biotechnology. Students seek to understand life processes by way of chemical and physical principles.
Biology is the study of all aspects of life upon earth. Biologists learn about animals, plants, ecology, molecular biology, physiology, genetics, and evolution.Botany:
Botany is the study of all aspects of plant life. Botany focuses on their function and how species are related to one another. General training includes biology, genetics and evolution.
Students studying chemical engineering are primarily focused on the use of chemical methods to make new materials. These materials often include chemicals, fuels, construction materials, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, synthetic textiles and plastics. Chemical engineers are skilled in chemistry, physics and mathematics.
Chemistry is the study of structures, properties, composition and interactions of chemicals. Since chemicals are at the root of life, chemists study a wide range of topics such as global warming, ozone depletion, or acid rain. Some others are focused on finding cures of diseases or synthesizing new materials.
Economic students deal with the study of what individuals, institutions, and economic systems can do, and should do, to satisfy the wants of society. Economic students also are prepared to expose issues and implications for new technologies in the industry.
Electrical and Computer Engineering:
This field entails research, development, design, application, management, or sales for electrical or computer-related industries. Students learn how to apply theories and technologies toward improving society’s electrical or computer devices and systems.
Food Science and Human Nutrition:
Students interested in this field take courses in basic biology, chemistry, and physics and focus on the preservation, quality and overall safety of foods.
Forestry is concerned with the management of the world’s forests. Students learn how to select and grow genetically superior trees in order to increase population, enhance desired qualities and promote insect resistance.
Genetics mainly studies how characteristics of living organisms are passed from generation to generation. Undergraduates will study zoology and genetics.
Students interested in horticulture primarily learn to promote the creative utilization of plants to improve society. Biotechnology is the basis of this study.
Philosophy and Religious Studies:
Philosophy and religious studies discusses the fundamental values of humans and the the nature of knowledge. Undergraduates will focus on topics such as ethics, the philosophy of biotechnology, general philosophy of science, and the philosophy of biology.
This field of study deals mainly with the goal of increasing the taste, safety and overall health of plants. All the tools of modern biology, from computers to engineering, are used to enhance the plant life on earth.
Political science prepares students for careers in law and public service. Students who are interested public policy or public administration will find issues related to biotechnology to be an important part of their overall studies.
Students interested in sociology study small groups, communities, and societies. Throughout their studies they will encounter the basic need for scientific principles.