Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Rivier University Academic Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Rivier University Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (Day)


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Through the use of biological processes, organisms, or systems, biotechnology creates and produces products and solutions intended to improve the quality of human life.

Students will gain the fundamental skill and knowledge necessary to obtain a job in biotechnology; engage in valuable, practical job experience through job shadowing and internship experiences; discuss the legal, ethical, and social issues associated with biotechnology, especially in relation to the Catholic tradition, and develop solutions to those issues; and begin to think about innovation in biotechnology.

Local and global biotech/business teaching trips offer students exposure to biotechnology firms with established partnerships with universities outside of the U.S. provide opportunities for participation in an international dialogue and for insight to advances being made around the world. 

Program graduates will be work-force ready and well-positioned for success in the competitive global job market, for graduate study, and for career opportunities in research and professional positions in the pharmaceutical, medical, and agricultural industries.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the degree requirements in Biotechnology should be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental principles and nature of science;
  • Apply the process of science to address real-world problems;
  • Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the processes governing living systems at the cellular and molecular level (DNA, RNA, proteins, and their interactions);
  • Understand the integrative nature of biotechnology and its application to the pharmaceutical, medical, and agricultural industries;
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the most common laboratory techniques and applications in the biotechnology industry;
  • Evaluate the legal, ethical, and social ramifications of advances in biotechnology.

Major Requirements (69-71 credits)


General Education Requirements (42-45 credits)


Associated with General Core


Who is My Neighbor?  Students explore this question in their second and third years.(6 credits)

  • HUM200 Literature, Art, and the Human Credits: 3
    Students take one -200 level interdisciplinary course that addresses a basic human question from the perspectives of the literary, visual, and musical arts.
  • HIS203 Interactions: The West in the World I Credits: 3 or
  • HIS204 Interactions: The West in the World II Credits: 3

How Shall We Live? Students explore this question in their junior and senior years. (6 credits)

  • Religion: Faith, Religion, and Social Justice Credits: 3
    Students take one Religion course developed with this theme at its center.
  • Philosophy: Ethics, Values, and Moral Choices Credits: 3
    Students take one Philosophy course developed with this theme at its center.

What, then, Shall We Do?  Students explore this question in their junior or senior year. (3 credits)

  • Capstone: Justice and Global Responsibility Credits: 3
    Students take one of a number of offerings under Justice and Global Responsibility. This seminar serves as the culmination of the Common Core. Informed by problem-solving pedagogy, this seminar enhances the student’s connection with the Catholic vision of the University by focusing on justice and global responsibility.

Area Distribution Courses: The Core Complement
Humanities and Social Sciences (6 credits)

  • One course from: English, History, Modern Language, Philosophy, Religious Studies Credits: 3
  • One course from: Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology Credits: 3

Mathematics and Natural Sciences (6 credits)

  • One course in Mathematics:  MA112 College Algebra or above Credits: 3
  • One course from: Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, or Physical Science Credits: 3-4

Culture through Language (6 credits)
Students must demonstrate university-level introductory competency in a language other than English.

General Electives (9 credits)


Degree Requirements (minimum 120-121 credits)


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