Department & Faculty Information
This certificate program consists of 34 units and is designed to give recognition to students who complete a curriculum emphasizing cellular and molecular techniques. This is an appropriate capstone for biology or chemistry students and is preparatory for careers in industrial and academic biological research, development, and production. The Biotechnology Certificate Program requires 34 units of advanced work. The laboratory courses, important to this program, emphasize a “hands-on” approach with close faculty supervision. In addition to experimental techniques, safety standards and quality control are also stressed. Courses are scheduled in a non-conflicting pattern so that a full-time student entering this program can complete the requirements in one academic year. There are over 300 biotechnology companies in the Bay Area with a growing demand for employees skilled in the technical subjects herein outlined. Seven faculty members from the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry share the responsibility for this program and play an active role in arranging employment interviews for students who successfully complete this certificate program.
Admission to the Program
The Certificate Program in Biotechnology is open to undergraduates and graduates of accredited institutions who have a degree major in any field of biological sciences or chemistry and who have achieved a GPA of at least 2.75 in the major and at least 3.0 in the prerequisite courses. Applicants failing to meet these criteria may petition the Biotechnology Committee for a waiver of these requirements.
