Overview of Programs in Biotechnology at Cal Poly
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As one of the few polytechnic universities nationwide, Cal Poly Pomona was the first university nationwide to establish an undergraduate program in Biotechnology. The university's tradition of "learn by doing" in all of its programs has been infused in a science curricula that includes research, field experiences, and laboratory work. By their many opportunities to apply knowledge in hands on projects, collaborate with the faculty and industry partners and participate in internships and service learning programs, our graduates have gone into the workforce well prepared to solve real world problems in a changing highly technical world.
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What is Biotechnology? According to Wikipedia: Biotechnology is technology based on biology, especially when used in agriculture, food science, and medicine. Biotechnology intertwines a complex array of scientific and engineering disciplines to create a wide range of technologies including recombinant and microarray technologies, protein engineering and monoclonal antibodies, quantum computing and more. The biotech industry in the U.S. has grown rapidly, albeit with great flux, providing applications primarily in medicine, agriculture and environmental management (Dahms, CSUSERP). Academia plays an important role supplying fundamental research discoveries and, in training a flexible, multidisciplinary workforce to to meet the increased demand.
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and where can I do it? The Biotechnology Initiative at Cal Poly was based on the belief that biotechnology is one of the most important factors in health, learning and economic growth of our time. With the construction of the new Biotechnology building, Cal Poly now houses a state-of-the-art science facility and a curriculum to give students practical skills and interaction with the biotechnology industry.
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The Biological Sciences Department offers both an undergraduate program and graduate emphasis in biotechnology along with opportunities to participate in projects involved in agriculture , food science and medical applications. In addition, collaborations with our partners in industry and other organizations are available. A number of funding opportunities exist for both students and faculty.
- The Chemisty department offers a Chemical Science Option which stresses the growing body of knowledge at the chemistry-life sciences interface. Beyond the core curriculum, students may pursue programs in the chemistry of plants, animals or human beings (biochemistry, clinical chemistry, marine biochemistry, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, etc.). Molecular Modeling and Simulation Option provides chemistry students the opportunity of exploring novel applications of computational chemistry in fields ranging from the life sciences to chemical physics. This option prepares students for much sought after careers in pharmaceutical and related industries as well as for academia.
- The Computer Science department's undergraduate and graduate programs provide an extensive background in computer programming languages, computer architecture, and the design and application of computer algorithms. Progress through this diverse curriculum leads to concentrated instruction on up-to-the-minute topics such as network security, human computer interaction, wireless communication networks, and biomedical informatics.
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College of Engineering Although the college does not offer a formal program in bioengineering, there are many on-going collaborative research projects between members of the faculty and biologists on campus. See Bioengineering for some of these. Also, see options in the College of Engineering that provide an excellent background for further work in boengineering.
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College of Agriculture offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs involving biotechnolgogy including Agricultural Biology, Agronomy, Animal Health Science, Food Science & Technology, Horticulture and Plant Sciences.
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CAL POLY and the College of Science actively fosters dialogue and joint research among campus scientists through special institutes and symposia.
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