Biotechnology (BS)
The Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology aspires to develop professionals with competencies to search for solutions to society’s problems, by applying the knowledge and skills of Biotechnology. The curriculum includes the development of skills for the appropriate administration of modern technologies applied to life for the production of consumer goods. The Program promotes the development of a responsible attitude to the processes for decision making related to the environment, bioethics, health and industry. Graduates of this Program will be able to work in the field of biotechnology or in research. They may, also, aspire to continue graduate or professional studies.
The Aguadilla, Arecibo, Barranquitas, Bayamón, Guayama and Ponce campuses are authorized to offer this Program.
Competencies Profile of Graduates
This Program is designed to develop the competencies that will enable students to:
Knowledge
Knowledge and understanding of:
- The concepts of microbiology, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, immunology, genetics and bioinformatics related to the biotechnology area.
- The techniques applied in biotechnology to solve environmental and clinical situations and to carry out research.
- The correct use of the technical vocabulary inherent to the field of biotechnology to communicate effectively with scientific, professional and academic communities.
- The theoretical bases related to the manipulation of nucleic acids, cellular proteins and cultures in research and the labor field.
- The basic components to write scientific research reports.
Skills
- Design and carry out experimental procedures at the cellular, molecular and biochemical levels, aimed at understanding the biological processes.
- Analyze the results obtained when applying purification techniques of proteins, cellular cultures and extraction and analysis of the genetic matter obtained from plants, animals and microorganisms.
- Write reports using the scientific publication format to present and to reveal the research results.
- Coordinate and participate the activities of technical work groups to assure the effectiveness of the research processes.
- Use English and Spanish correctly in oral and written technical communications.
- Identify and use the information available in databases and the tools of basic bioinformatics for different projects.
Attitudes
- Demonstrate bioethics, legal and moral consciousness in decision making in aspects that arise in the area of the biotechnology.
- Demonstrate responsibility, cooperation and leadership when working in a team in the field of biotechnology.
- Make a case for the impact of biotechnology in agriculture, environment, industry, health and in general in problem solving.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude towards self-teaching and the update of the knowledge in regard to the changes occurring in the area of biotechnology.
- Value the importance of biodiversity and the conservation of ecosystems.
Graduation Requirements
In order to fulfill the graduation requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology, students must:
- Obtain a minimum grade index of 2.50 in the major.
- Obtain a minimum grade of C in the Biotechnology courses (BIOT) that are part of the Major Requirements.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biotechnology
| General Education Requirements |
45 credits |
| Major Requirements |
45 credits |
| Related Course Requirements |
37 credits |
| Elective Courses |
3 credits |
| Total |
130 credits |
General Education Requirements - 45 credits
Forty-five (45) credits are required as explained in the section “General Education Requirements for Bachelors’ Degrees.” Students will take the course GEMA 1200 in the Basic Skills in Mathematics category. Students of this Program are exempt from the category of Scientific and Technological Context.
Major Requirements - 45 credits
Related Course Requirements - 37 credits