Biotechnology is one of the most exciting new sciences of the century! One way of defining biotechnology is the manipulation
of either plants or animals at the level of their DNA in order to improve the organism’s health and quality, often with
the end goal of producing commercial
products from living organisms. All life from simple bacteria to a complex human being
is composed of cells that contain DNA. DNA contains the information used by cells as a “blueprint” or plan for the animal,
plant, or other organism, contained in discrete packets of information known as genes. All the characteristics, or traits,
of any living thing are determined by the information in the DNA plan. Scientists are learning how to transfer genes from
one animal or plant into another. Theoretically, almost any trait found in nature can be transferred into any chosen organism,
even if it has never had this trait before. This process, called genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technology, is an
important aspect of biotechnology. This technology can be used to treat diseases, make plants more resistant to drought
and insects, and even to enable plants or animals to produce human proteins that can be used to treat patients with diseases
like Hurler’s disease or hemophilia. Veterinarians and professionals in animal science are also using biotechnology to improve
animal health and production. Genetically engineered vaccines and monoclonal antibody technology are just two examples of
the wide-reaching impact of the advances in biotechnology in multiple disciplines.
Biotechnology is the most rapidly growing sector of the agriculture and biomedical industries and life sciences in general.
A 55% rate of annual growth, coupled with a global shift toward integrating technology into animal systems creates a significant
need for training in the multiple disciplines that comprise biotechnology. A working knowledge of biotechnology is critical
for assuming a leadership role in agribusiness and related industries, including education, particularly in the use of those
strategies and tools that are essential to transfer this new knowledge to peers, the agriculture and biotechnology communities
and the general public. A major in Animal Biotechnology addresses the significant need of interfacing biotechnology with
directed Animal Science and Pre-veterinary curricula through targeted student experiential learning.
The major in Animal Biotechnology is designed to have major impact on a significant undergraduate student desire to work
with domestic animals, join a biotechnology-related workforce immediately following graduation, or continue with graduate
or professional studies in biotechnology, veterinary medicine, or human medicine.
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The Animal Biotechnology curriculum is designed to produce well-trained graduates with theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and “real world” experience based on both academic research experiences and industry internships. Graduates of this
program will have numerous career opportunities in agriculture-related, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Researchers
in agriculture, biology, genetics, and medicine are at the forefront of new biotechnology discoveries. These men and women
are working to unravel the genetic codes that govern the biological processes of different forms of life so they can be
understood and, when appropriate, modified.
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High school students interested in Animal Biotechnology should take at least one year each of biology, chemistry, and physics,
along with algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Introductory calculus is also useful. If any of these courses are missing
from your high school training they can be taken during your first year at the university.
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