Biotechnology Program
Minor in Biotechnology
Students on Summer 2020, Fall 2020, or Spring 2021 requirements BIOTECMIN
Requirements
The minor requires at least 16 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.
- Foundations in Biotechnology. One (1) course:
- BIOT-T 105 Introduction to Biotechnology
BIOT-T 105 Introduction to Biotechnology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Provides insights into the science, methods, scope, diversity, history, business, and legal ramifications of biotechnology with the goal of demonstrating how different disciplines are integrated within the complex world of biotechnology. Examines biotechnological practices and activities, uses biotechnology to teach problem solving, and introduces existing impediments to progress in biotechnology.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
- Biotechnology Lecture. One (1) course:
- BIOT-T 310 Biotechnology Lecture
BIOT-T 310 Biotechnology Lecture
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Application of microbial diversity in biotechnology; synthesis of macromolecules; principles of gene expressions; gene cloning; protein engineering, overexpression and purification; genomics; proteomics; bioinformatics.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-T 301 and BIOT-T 301.
- Electives. 10 credit hours:
- BIOT-T 215 Diagnostic and Forensic Biotechnology Laboratory
- BIOT-T 270 Alcohol and Food: The Science of Fermentation
- BIOT-T 301 Seminar in Biotechnology
- BIOT-T 312 Societal Issues in Biotechnology
- BIOT-T 315 Biotechnology Laboratory
- BIOT-T 322 Biotechnology Writing and Communication
- BIOT-T 412 Product Development, Regulation, and Commercialization in Biotechnology
- BIOT-T 415 Theory and Applications of Biotechnology Laboratory I
- BIOT-T 425 Laboratory in Macromolecular Production, Purification, and Characterization
- BIOT-T 440 Structure, Function, and Regulation of Biomolecules
- BIOT-X 150 ASURE Biotechnology Research Lab 1
- BIOT-X 325 ASURE Biotechnology Research Lab 2
- BIOT-X 499 Biotechnology Research Capstone
- BIOL-X 150 ASURE Biology Research Lab 1 (Approved topics: "GENOME ENGINEERING" (TPC 1))
- BIOL-X 325 ASURE Biology Research Lab 2 (Approved topics: "GENOME ENGINEERING" (TPC 1))
BIOT-T 215 Diagnostic and Forensic Biotechnology Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- A project-based laboratory that provides experience in solving forensic and diagnostic problems using methods found in a biotechnology lab. These methods include polymerase chain reaction, microscopy, and the chromatography of small and large molecules.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOT-T 270 Alcohol and Food: The Science of Fermentation
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introduction to the principles, biotechnological aspects, and historical development of microbial fermentation as it is used in food preparation as well as the role of microbes and fermentation in human health.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
BIOT-T 301 Seminar in Biotechnology
- Credits
- 1
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 112
- Description
- Speakers from the biotechnology industry and Walter Center for Career Achievement present current research developments, information about career opportunities, internship possibilities, and possible career paths in biotechnology.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credit hours in BIOL-T 301 and BIOT-T 301.
BIOT-T 312 Societal Issues in Biotechnology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 112
- Description
- Consideration of the effects of recent advances in biotechnology on human affairs and the environment.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-T 312 or BIOT-T 312.
BIOT-T 315 Biotechnology Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211
- Description
- Students use a problem-based approach to gene cloning; for example, cloning the gene for an industrially important enzyme, alpha-amylase from
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-T 315 or BIOT-T 315.
BIOT-T 322 Biotechnology Writing and Communication
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Completion of the English composition requirement; BIOL-L 211 or BIOL-S 211; and one of the following: BIOT-X 150, BIOT-T 315, BIOL-L 313, BIOL-L 319, BIOL-L 323, BIOL-L 324, BIOL-M 255, BIOL-M 315, BIOL-M 360, BIOL-M 375, BIOL-M 435, BIOL-M 445, BIOL-X 150, CHEM-A 316, or CHEM-C 343
- Description
- Covers oral and written scientific communications as appropriate to biotechnology. Topics include figures and tables, technical talks, reading and writing scientific publications, and writing industrial-style documents, including standard operating procedures and study protocols.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-T 322 or BIOT-T 322.
BIOT-T 412 Product Development, Regulation, and Commercialization in Biotechnology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOT-T 312
- Description
- Analyzes the scientific, regulatory and commercial considerations used to develop and market products across biotechnology industries. Successful biotechnology-related products require input from basic research, manufacturing, regulatory, legal, medical and marketing perspectives. The balance of these factors across the industry will be discussed, with special attention given to pharmaceutical drug development.
BIOT-T 415 Theory and Applications of Biotechnology Laboratory I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOT-T 315, BIOL-L 319, BIOL-L 323, BIOL-L 324, BIOL-M 315, BIOL-M 435, or BIOL-M 360
- Description
- In-depth application of advanced laboratory techniques currently used in biotechnology. Course is divided into three modules, each emphasizing a specific discipline within biotechnology. General laboratory techniques are taught in all modules.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-T 415 or BIOT-T 415.
BIOT-T 425 Laboratory in Macromolecular Production, Purification, and Characterization
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- CHEM-C 341; and BIOT-T 315, BIOL-L 313, BIOL-L 319, BIOL-L 323, BIOL-L 324, BIOL-M 315, BIOL-M 360, or BIOL-M 435
- Description
- Develops a working knowledge of a variety of fundamental and advanced protein techniques used in industry, focusing on expression, purification, and characterization. Increases competence in quantitative analysis, data interpretation, problem-solving, scientific writing, and time management.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-T 425 or BIOT-T 425.
BIOT-T 440 Structure, Function, and Regulation of Biomolecules
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- CHEM-C 341
- Description
- Survey of the structure, function, and regulation of biomolecules as related to the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. Some focus on problem solving and applications for product development.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of BIOL-T 440 or BIOT-T 440.
BIOT-X 150 ASURE Biotechnology Research Lab 1
- Credits
- 3–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- First in a two-lab sequence for students in the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) program. Students engage in guided research in an area related to the ongoing research of a faculty member. The specific topic of the class will vary by section and be determined by the faculty member associated with the section.
BIOT-X 325 ASURE Biotechnology Research Lab 2
- Credits
- 3–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- BIOT-X 150
- Description
- Second in a two-lab sequence for students in the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) program. Students continue guided research in an area related to the ongoing research of a faculty member. The specific topic of the class will vary by section and be determined by the faculty member associated with the section.
BIOT-X 499 Biotechnology Research Capstone
- Credits
- 1–3 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- Biotechnology major; junior or senior standing; at least one credit of BIOT-T 490 or BIOT-X 498; minimum GPA or 3.000; and consent of instructor
- Description
- Student designs and performs an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Requires a final written report on the research. If two semesters of BIOT-X 499 are completed and other departmental honors requirements are met, the written report may be used as an Honors thesis.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
BIOL-X 150 ASURE Biology Research Lab 1
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- First in a two-lab sequence for students in the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) program. Students engage in guided research in an area related to the ongoing research of a faculty member. The specific topic of the class will vary by section and be determined by the faculty member associated with the section.
BIOL-X 325 ASURE Biology Research Lab 2
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- BIOL-X 150
- Description
- Second in a two-lab sequence for students in the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) program. Students continue guided research in an area related to the ongoing research of a faculty member. The specific topic of the class will vary by section and be determined by the faculty member associated with the section.
- Minor GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Minor GPA. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the minor—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Minor Minimum Grade. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the minor.
- Minor Upper Division Credit Hours. At least 9 credit hours in the minor must be completed at the 300–499 level.
- Minor Residency. At least 9 credit hours in the minor must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
Minor Area Courses
-
Unless otherwise noted below, the following courses are considered in the academic program and will count toward academic program requirements as appropriate:
- Any course at the 100–499 level with the
BIOTsubject area prefix—as well as any other subject areas that are deemed functionally equivalent - Any course contained on the course lists for the academic program requirements at the time the course is taken—as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent—except for those listed only under Addenda Requirements
- Any course directed to a non-Addenda requirement through an approved exception
- Any course at the 100–499 level with the
- NULL:
This program of study cannot be combined with the following:
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Biotechnology (BIOTBSMSBS)
- Bachelor of Arts in Biotechnology (BIOTECBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (BIOTECBS)
Exceptions to and substitutions for minor requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.