Biotechnology Certificate Program
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the use of living organisms, cells, and biological processes to develop products and technologies that improve human life and the environment. It combines biology, chemistry, genetics, and technology to create innovations such as medicines, vaccines, sustainable agriculture, and renewable biofuels.
Biotechnology is important because it helps address major global challenges, including disease treatment, food security, and environmental sustainability. Advances in biotechnology have led to life-saving medical therapies, improved crop production, and cleaner industrial processes.
Careers in biotechnology are diverse and growing, offering opportunities in research and development, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, quality control, and regulatory affairs. Professionals in biotechnology work as research scientists, laboratory technicians, bioengineers, clinical researchers, and biomanufacturing specialists, contributing to innovations that improve lives worldwide.
Contact
Dr. Deborah Fraser
Office: MLSC-224
Deborah.Fraser@csulb.edu
About the Program
The CSULB Certificate in Biotechnology comprises a curriculum that fosters core essential skills needed for careers in biotechnology including scientific knowledge, laboratory skills, and professional skills. The certificate can be earned concurrent with an undergraduate or graduate degree at CSULB, or as a post-baccalaureate program. Classes completed as a CSULB undergraduate can be used towards this certificate.
A detailed description of prerequisites and requirements can be found in the CSULB Catalog.
The below table provides an example of how these classes could fit into your undergraduate curriculum at CSULB.
| B.S. Degree | MCBP / Biology | Microbiology | Biochemistry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Pre-requisites | General Chemistry (CHEM 111A/B); Organic Chemistry (CHEM 220/3 A/B) | General Chemistry (CHEM 111A/B); Organic Chemistry (CHEM 220/3 A/B) | General Chemistry (CHEM 111A/B); Organic Chemistry (CHEM 220/3 A/B) |
| Upper Division Pre-requisites | Biochemistry (CHEM 441A/B); Mol Cell Biology (BIOL 340); General Genetics (BIOL 370); Microbiology (BIOL 311) | Biochemistry (CHEM 448); Mol Cell Biology (BIOL 340); Microbial Genetics (BIOL 371); Microbiology (BIOL 311) | Biochemistry (CHEM 441A/B); Mol Cell Biology (BIOL 340); General Genetics (BIOL 370); Microbiology (BIOL 311) |
| Core Curriculum | Biotechnology (BIOL 477) | Biotechnology (BIOL 477) | Biotechnology (BIOL 477) |
| Upper Division Electives (also see list below) | Molecular Cell Lab (BIOL 440L); plus additional 6 units from list | Genetics Lab (BIOL 372); plus additional 6 units from list | Biochem Lab (CHEM 443); plus additional 6 units from list |
| Seminars | BIOL 480 | BIOL 480 | BIOL 480 |
| CSULB Lab Research (also see details below) | 2 semesters BIOL 496 | 2 semesters BIOL 496 | 2 semesters CHEM 496 |
| Internship (also see details below) | 3-12 units (BIOL 492A or BIOL 494) | 3-12 units (BIOL 492A or BIOL 494) | 3-12 units (BIOL 492A or BIOL 494) |
Upper Division Electives
Take 6 units from the following list:
- virology
- immunology
- biology of cancer
- stem cell biology*
- plant physiology
- neurobiology
- bioethics*
- aquatic toxicology
- molecular genetics
- bioinformatics
- biomolecular modeling
*Note: stem cell biology and bioethics are required for the CIRM Bridges Internship (see below).
CSULB Lab Research
CSULB Lab research should be conducted in labs with training provided in applied biotechnology skills. Discuss your research experience with the Program Director (Dr. Deborah Fraser) to confirm it will qualify.
Internships
A critical component to the Biotechnology certificate is the off-campus internship requirement. Students are encouraged to find opportunities with local biotechnology companies or research institutions.
Some helpful resources for finding an internship:
- Undergraduate internships in Biology
- CSULB Biotechnology Club Resources
- CSULB CIRM Bridges Program Stem Cell Internship: Biotechnology Certificate students can also apply to the CSULB CIRM Bridges Program to participate in a paid stem cell biology internship (pending funding). This requires an additional, separate application.
Biotechnology Certificate Application
Applications including transcripts and contact information are submitted via Cal State Apply. The application deadlines are:
- April 1 (for Fall admittance)
- November 1 (for Spring admittance)
Important
Completion of pre-requisites and Director approval is required for program admittance. Please make sure to meet with Dr. Deborah Fraser to discuss before submitting your application. Email Deborah.Fraser@csulb.edu to make a Zoom or in-person appointment.
