Biotechnology

College graduates with little or no background in biology who want graduate school preparation in biotechnology should follow the five-course curriculum designed with the Department of Biological Sciences. The course plan is also useful for those interested in a career change, choosing to specialize in biotechnology, or are likely to work in fields that interact with the biotechnology industry, such as business or law.

The curriculum provides students with the academic and laboratory experience required of applicants to the most competitive master's programs in the field at Columbia or elsewhere.

Students who complete the curriculum with a grade of B- or better in all courses will receive a Biotechnology Certificate.

Curriculum

The Biotechnology Program includes courses in:

  • BIOL F2401. Contemporary Biology, I
  • BIOL F2402. Contemporary Biology, II
  • BIOT G4310. Intensive Laboratory in Biotechnology
  • BIOL C3032. Genetics
  • BIOL C3512. Molecular Biology

Depending on the applicant's background, the required curriculum may also include:

  • CHEM C1403. General Chemistry I (lecture)
  • CHEM C1404. General Chemistry II (lecture)
  • CHEM C3443. Organic Chemistry I (lecture)

Advising

Students are required to meet with the faculty adviser when planning a program of study and before each subsequent registration. The academic adviser aids in the selection of courses and monitors academic performance throughout the program, offering advice to those who experience difficulty, assistance in additional course selection is offered to those students interested in applying to Ph.D. programs.

Admissions
203 Lewisohn Hall
212-854-9666

Academic Adviser to Enrolled Students
Karl Rutter
510H Lewisohn Hall
212-854-9666
kr2456@columbia.edu

Faculty Adviser to Enrolled Students
Carol Lin
Department of Biology
744A Fairchild Extension
212-854-4042

Admission

To apply to the Biotechnology Program, follow the Summer Sessions application instructions for your admissions category.

The Biotechnology Program also accepts students in the fall and spring through the Postbaccalaureate Studies Program. Biotechnology Program students may need to take certain courses in the Fall or Spring in addition to Summer.