Plant Biotechnology & Molecular Biology

Overview

The plant biotechnology and molecular biology concentration emphasizes courses in the basic sciences, including a strong foundation in biology, genetics and molecular genetics. Plant biotechnology and molecular genetics are at the center of the development of many unique products with vast benefits to producers and consumers. This concentration prepares students to use the exciting new technology that's revolutionizing agriculture. Students are encouraged to participate in an independent study in a molecular biology laboratory to gain experience in applying laboratory skills.

Graduates of the plant biotechnology and molecular biology concentration are prepared for a variety of careers that use biotechnology in order DR to improve plants with techniques that weren't possible just a few years ago. Jobs as research technicians or support scientists are available in private, university and government laboratories. In addition, many students elect to continue their education in a graduate program in molecular biology, plant sciences or a related field.

Opportunities for Study

The Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Concentration emphasizes courses in the basic sciences, including a strong foundation in biology and genetics. Students are encouraged to participate in independent study in a molecular biology laboratory. By the time you complete your B.S. degree in Crop Sciences, you will have 40 semester hours of agriculture courses and 126 total hours, which means that you will take about 16 hours of classes each semester. Here is a possible pattern of science and math courses for the first two years (hours for each course are in parentheses):

Freshman Year	calculus (3) chemistry (8) microbiology (5)	crop sciences (3) issues in agriculture (3) plant/animal biology (3-4)
Sophomore Year	chemistry (5) crop sciences (3-4) genetic engineering lab (3)	plant and animal genetics (4) biotechnology in agriculture (3)

The pattern of courses for the junior and senior years is more variable and depends on the student's interests. Requirements in cultural studies (6 hr.), humanities (6 hr.), social sciences (6 hr.), and speech/composition (10 hr.) are the same for all concentrations.

Career Opportunities

Students in the Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Concentration are prepared for a variety of careers in biotechnology. Jobs as research technicians are available in agribusiness, university, and government laboratories. Suitable choice of electives can prepare students for graduate studies (M.S. or Ph.D.) in molecular biology, plant sciences, and related fields.