Biotechnology has transformed medicine, agriculture, and materials engineering. Combining elements of molecular and cell biology, chemistry, and genetics, biotechnology researchers have driven medical advances in pharmaceuticals, gene therapy and testing; agricultural improvements in crop yield, nutrition, and fertilizer dependence; and consumer product developments such as high-performance textiles.

 

Biotech Career Training

The associate degree in biotechnology offers applied career training suitable for laboratory technician roles. The bachelor's degree offers a broader base in biology or chemistry, and provides the analytic and communication skills necessary to develop and lead experiments. Most research positions, however, require a graduate degree; the best opportunities go to researchers with doctorates. Graduate programs allow scientists to specialize in a specific area of biotechnology, such as bioengineering, bioinformatics, or genomics.