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Undergraduate

Biotechnology and Molecular Biology

Explore the leading edge of modern scientific research and learn how molecules and proteins influence the fundamental processes of cellular life.

Why Study Biotechnology and Molecular Biology at Assumption?

Biotechnology uses genetics, biochemistry, cellular biology, and other sciences to study living systems.  Molecular biology is the study of molecules within the cell, and biotechnology uses the knowledge of how biological systems operate to produce useful products, such as pharmaceuticals.

Massachusetts is home to one of the world’s fastest-growing biotechnology markets. As a biotechnology and molecular biology major at Assumption, you have an opportunity to learn and apply cutting-edge knowledge and techniques both on campus and at some of the life science industry’s top organizations. Dedicated faculty will encourage you to acquire a balanced foundation in biology as well as an introduction to the theory and methods of biotechnology and molecular biology. Combined with the Foundations Program, graduates of this program can be found pursuing personally and professionally rewarding careers in many areas, including even education and law.

Program Contact

Brian K. Niece, Ph.D

Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences, Professor of Chemistry
508-767-7209 Testa Science Center - Room 209

Program Curriculum

  • Biotechnology Degree Requirements

    Biotechnology majors and molecular biology majors take 16 required math and science courses and are strongly encouraged to take an advanced philosophy course in ethics. Three elective science courses are needed; two can be internships or independent study.

    Required Courses (14)

    BIO 160 Concepts in Biology
    BIO 210 Genetics
    BIO 250 Microbiology
    BIO 340 Molecular and Cellular Biology
    BIO 440 Biotechnology: Theory and Practice
    CHE 131 General Chemistry I
    CHE 132 General Chemistry II
    CHE 201 Organic Chemistry I
    CHE 202 Organic Chemistry II
    CHE 414 Biochemistry
    MAT 114 Elementary Functions
    PHY 201 General Physics I
    PHY 202 General Physics II
    PHI 151 Ethics and the Good Life

    Electives (3)

    BIO 220 Invertebrate Zoology
    BIO 230 Plant Biology
    BIO 240 Human Anatomy
    Bio 260 Bioinformatics
    BIO 275 Special Topics in Biology
    BIO 280 Sensory Systems
    BIO 291 Internship in Biology
    BIO 310 Animal Behavior
    BIO 320 Organic Evolution
    BIO 350 Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation
    BIO 360 Ecology
    BIO 370 General Physiology
    BIO 375 Milestones in Neuroscience
    BIO 380 The Biology of Cancer
    BIO 390 Exercise in Physiology
    BIO 415 Principles of Neuroscience
    BIO 430 Comparative Physiology
    BIO 440 Biotechnology in Theory and Practice
    BIO 480 Seminar in the Life Sciences
    BIO 490-491 Independent Study
    BIO 540 Foundations of Biotechnology
    BIO 541 Cell Culture Processes for Biopharmaceutical Production
    BIO 542 The Biotechnology Enterprise
    BIO 543 Basic Biotechnology Lab Skills
    BIO 544 Protein Chemistry
    BIO 545 Molecular Cell Biology for Biotechnology
    BIO 546 Experimental Design and Biostatistics
    BIO 547 Bioinformatics Programming
    BIO 548 Bioinformatics Computational Methods I
    BIO 549 Bioinformatics Computational Methods II
    BIO 550 Statistics for Bioinformatics

    Only 2 of 3 electives can be

    BIO 291 Internship or BIO 490-491 Special Topics in Biology

    BIO 291 Internship or Independent Study

    Course Descriptions

Faculty

Edward J. Dix, Ph.D
Department Chair, Natural Sciences Professor of Chemistry
Kimberly A. Schandel, Ph.D
Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies Associate Professor of Biology and Chemistry

Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our ref="/people-and-departments/organization-listing/career-development-internship-center" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.


Career Paths

Massachusetts is home to many biotechnology companies where graduates of the program have pursued careers at, including

Abbott Bioresearch Center

Aventis Pharmaceuticals

Biogen Idec

Genzyme

Hasbro Children’s Hospital

Massachusetts General Hospital

Mosaic Technologies

Pfizer

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.


Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.


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