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EXPERIENCE
> The BCBT program is housed in MSUM’s Science Laboratory building.
Experience Matters MSUM offers a unique interdisciplinary degree program leading to a B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology (BCBT) featuring a senior-year capstone research project. Biotechnology is a dynamic field of study that integrates chemistry and biology to impact our daily lives—from food to medicine to our environment. Biotechnology uses DNA, cells and proteins to help create a better and safer world: • • • •
Discover affordable and effective vaccines and medications Combat Parkinson’s disease and cancer Protect crops from disease Clean hazardous waste efficiently and safely
Biotechnology and Biochemistry is an integrated curriculum in chemistry and biology that will ensure you meet the evolving needs and emerging professions in the science industry. BCBT majors participate in hands-on, real-world laboratory research giving you the advantage when looking for your first job or applying to medical school or graduate school. You won’t find that at many undergraduate institutions.
Choose your path B.S. in Biochemistry and Biotechnology > Biological Chemistry Option This degree option fulfills the American Chemical Society (ACS) approved curriculum for the undergraduate baccalaureate in Biochemistry. Students preferring more coursework in chemistry choose this option. > Cellular and Molecular Sciences Option This degree option fulfills the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) approved curriculum for the undergraduate baccalaureate in Biochemistry. Students preferring more coursework in biological sciences choose this option.
Preparing the way
BCBT teaching labs are ultra-modern and well-equipped
Both degree options are designed to teach advanced laboratory skills and focus on developing scientific critical thinking in a research setting by emphasizing hands-on learning. It includes the application of techniques used in the study of enzymology, cellular physiology, molecular biology and immunology. Both emphases are appropriate for students looking for an immediate career in the biotechnology industry or applying to graduate or medical school.
Staying ahead of the curve The BCBT program is housed in MSUM’s Science Laboratory building. Completed in 2005, this state-of-the-art facility is designed and equipped for delivering the most up-to-date “high-tech” instruction in chemistry and biology. Students enrolled in the BCBT degree program take classes and do research in many of the specialized labs located within the the Science Laboratory, including a newly equipped NMR-spectroscopy lab, the Anheuser-Busch cell-culture/fluorescence microscopy lab, and the recently opened Laboratory for Biotechnology. 3
Achieve Your Goals What can I do with a degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology? The career opportunities open to individuals with a degree in biochemistry and biotechnology have never been greater. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development predicts that employment in the life and physical sciences will grow between 22 and 30 percent in the next decade. Career opportunities available: >> Molecular Biologist
>> Pharmaceutical Research
>> Chemist/Biochemist
>> Food and Drug Testing
>> Environmental Consultant
>> Forensic Scientist
>> Medical Sales
>> Clinical Chemist
>> Microbiologist
>> M.D./Ph.D.
>> Agriculture Biologist
Customized Training for a Competitive Advantage MSUM offers unique, customized training to give students an advantage in working in the highly regulated bioscience, pharmaceutical and chemistry industries. These offerings, coupled with the BCBT degree, elevate a new graduate’s
D.D.S., D.V.M., P.A. School, Pharmaceutical Sales, Teaching 15% Medical School 22% Ph.D. Programs 30% Biotech Scientists 33%
Ninety-eight percent of BCBT graduates are placed in a biotech career, graduate program, or professional program, most of them before they graduate.
readiness for competitive jobs and prepare them to be a fully functional employee in a shorter time frame.
Vaccinology Minor The Vaccinology minor is designed to prepare students for employment in the growing regional vaccine industry. These companies require a highly trained, technical workforce. The additional training provided by the Vaccinology minor will allow MSUM Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Biology, and Chemistry majors to access careers in these and other vaccine companies nationwide. Students enrolled in the BCBT major can incorporate the Vaccinology minor in their degree program by taking courses in immunology and vaccinology.
Salary expectations upon graduating: >> Nationwide, the annual median entry-level salary for biochemists is $48,000. In Minnesota, the average annual salary for all persons employed as biochemists and biotechnologists is $91,000. (2009 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Biotechnology Industry Certificate The Biochemistry and Biotechnology program faculty partnered with three local companies—Cetero Research, Clinical Supplies Management Inc. and Aldevron LLC—to develop the Biochemistry and Biotechnology Industry Certificate. The program is a unique training opportunity for students who seek employment in this rapidly growing sector of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. Students receiving the Biotechnology Industry Certificate (BIC) can access highly paid career positions related to quality control and regulation within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. 4
ACHIEVE
Road Map for Success Young people in the biochemistry and biotechnological fields are currently discovering medical and scientific breakthroughs that will change the world as we know it. MSUM is ahead of the curve by giving BCBT students real-life experience in undergraduate research. Here is what you can expect from MSUM.
1. Freshman Year
2. Sophomore Year
3. Junior Year
Your advisor, who is a professor in the BCBT degree program, helps you outline your four-year plan of study, select first semester classes, and provide information about the BCBT program.
Begin targeted class work in genetics, molecular biology and organic chemistry, all of which develop your advanced lab skills.
Advance on to coursework in biochemistry, physiology, developmental biology, human anatomy and cell biology.
>> Learn how to experiment with DNA;
>> Engage in independent research
>> Meet upper-class students and learn about their current research projects.
>> Take general liberal arts and sciences classes, begin introductory lecture and laboratory courses in chemistry and biology.
>> Get involved in student organizations such as Chem Club,Tri-Beta Biology, Pre-Health Professions Club, Pre-Med Club, and/or any of the other 160 campus-based organizations.
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synthesize and analyze carbon compounds with a $400,000 instrument.
>> Learn the scientific method: Formulate a theory, conduct experiments, and make a new discovery.
>> Explore research opportunities with bioscience and chemistry faculty in projects from biofuels to proteomics.
with faculty mentor(s) in the BCBT program.
>> Attend and present your research at local and/or regional conferences.
>> Become a paid summer research intern at a major university or biotech company.
Where Are They Now? MSUM Spotlight on BCBT Grads
4. Senior Year Build confidence with the capstone year of the program. Conduct an original year-long research project with your fellow senior BCBT students.
>> Learn how to compose a research proposal for your senior-year project.
>> Take advanced lab courses in molecular biology, proteomics, cell culture and biofuels.
>> Participate in the BCBT Journal Club, where you and your classmates take turns presenting a scientific journal article related to your research project.
>> Present your research findings to a campuswide audience at the MSUM student academic conference.
5. Graduation and Beyond Graduates of the BCBT program have immediate access to an array of opportunities. Here are some of your options:
>> Go to medical school >> Go to graduate school >> Get a great job at a biotech firm
Christopher Failing 2010
Medical student, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences Grand Forks, ND
“Biotech greatly prepared me for the rigors of medical education and helped me develop crucial critical thinking skills needed to solve complex medical problems. Additionally, it enhanced my scientific knowledge, which I believe, put me ahead of many of my classmates during the first year of medical school.”
Margaret Zimmerman 2010 Ph.D. program, Neurophysiology Medical College of Georgia Augusta, Ga.
“The structure of the Biotech/Biochem program allowed me to gain essential hands-on research skills as well as design and carry out my own project. Because of the early start in training I was ahead of my class in graduate school.”
Grant Harrington 1999
Shandon Collins 2009
Chief Analytical Chemist Animal Metabolism Unit USDA Biosciences Laboratory Fargo, N.D.
Cardiovascular Research Technician University of TexasSouthwestern Medical Center Dallas, Texas
“The hands-on format of the Biotechnology program made the transition from the classroom to the work place a seamless one. I use the same lab instruments and techniques on the job as I used during school.”
“One of the best things about the BCBT program is that it not only gave me a great scientific skill set but also taught me how to critically think outside the box. I quickly landed my first job as a research assistant at UT Southwestern Medical Center shortly after graduating from MSUM.”
Robert Reames 2007 Senior Technical Scientist Aldevron LLC Fargo, N.D.
“The strong balance between curriculum, research, and bench training gave me all the tools I needed to be successful in the industry.”
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Biotechnology Biochemistry
Scholarships
Biopharmaceutical Industry Apprentice Scholarship The Biopharmaceutical Industry Apprentice Scholarship is a $3,000 annual award for two years ($6,000 total award), which includes an apprentice requirement with a faculty member doing research in the BCBT program that has industry application or with an industry representative from a Fargo-Moorhead company. Enrollment in the Biochemistry and Biotechnology Industry Certificate is required For more information about the scholarship, eligibility, requirements and application process, go to web.mnstate.edu/biotech
Tri-College Vaccinology Scholarship The Tri-College Vaccinology Scholarship is awarded to a student who has declared a Vaccinology minor. MSUM will annually award one $1,000 scholarship and three $500 scholarships. For more information about the scholarship, eligibility, requirements and application process, go to web.mnstate.edu/biotech
For more information please contact:
Dr. Chris Chastain, Chair, BCBT web.mnstate.edu/biotech e: chastain@mnstate.edu p: 218.477.5004
1104 7th Avenue South • Moorhead, Minnesota 56563 Minnesota State University Moorhead is an equal opportunity educator & employer and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities System. This information will be made available in alternate format upon request by contacting Disability Services at 218.477.2131 (voice) or 1.800.627.3529 (MRS/TTY).