Biotechnology leverages our understanding of the natural sciences to create novel solutions for many of our world problems. Biotechnology can be used to grow our food to feed our families, make medicines and vaccines to fight diseases, and to find alternatives to fossil-based fuels for a cleaner, healthier planet.
After completion of the Biotechnology Professional Certificate Program, students will be equipped with a basic understanding of the following:
- What is biotechnology?
- Biotechnology applications (industrial, agriculture, medical)
- Organism modification techniques
- Biotechnology processes (laboratory and production scale)
- Biotechnology case studies
- Legal and ethical issues
- Outlook for the future
A basic understanding of general chemistry is recommended but not required.
Students will be assigned 5 homework assignments, and a final project for each course.
The Biotechnology Certificate Program is composed of the following four courses:
Fundamentals of Biotechnology
Fundamentals of Biotechnology is a course that examines biotechnology, such as medical processes (i.e. getting organisms to produce new drugs, or using stem cells to regenerate damaged human tissues and perhaps re-grow entire organs) and industrial processes (i.e. production of new chemicals or the development of new fuels for vehicles). Other applications involve the improvement of agriculture, which involves such processes as the development of pest-resistant grains or the accelerated evolution of disease-resistant animals.
Industrial Biotechnology
Industrial biotechnology is the application of biotechnology for industrial purposes, including manufacturing, alternative energy, and biomaterials. It includes the practice of using cell biology or components of cells like enzymes to generate industry useful products. “Industrial Biotechnology” is a course that is designed to help professionals develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage a biological and fermentation manufacturing processes.
Agricultural Biotechnology
Agricultural biotechnology is a course that reviews scientific techniques used to improve plants, animals and microorganisms. We will explore the various tools and disciplines meant to modify organisms to improve agricultural productivity. That purpose can include anything from coaxing greater yields from food crops to building in a natural resistance to certain diseases using techniques not possible with traditional crossing of related species alone.
Medical Biotechnology
Medical biotechnology is the use of living cells and cell materials to research and produce pharmaceutical and diagnostic products that help treat and prevent human diseases. This course will provide students with basic concepts and understanding of how the various drivers of medical biotechnology interact with one another and shape the business and finance of this industry and impact the growth of medical biotechnology companies. Students will be introduced to a host of scientific development, legal and ethical issues that shape the public view of the medical biotechnology and its applications.
This course is Instructor-led and delivered through our award-winning online Learning Management System
