Biology and Biotechnology Major

Program of Study

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

Program Learning Outcomes

The program’s learning outcomes are designed to support life-long learning in the discipline. Toward that end, graduates of WPI with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology & Biotechnology

will know and understand the five unifying themes and can provide and explain examples of each from each of the three divisions of biology.
can demonstrate mastery of a range of quantitative and procedural skills applicable to research and practice in biology & biotechnology.
are able to generate hypotheses, design approaches to test them, and interpret data to reach valid conclusions.
can find, read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
can describe the broader scientific or societal context of their work or that of others.
demonstrate oral and written communication skills relevant to the discipline.
can function effectively in a collaborative scientific environment.
understand and can adhere to accepted standards of intellectual honesty in formulating, conducting and presenting their work.

Program Distribution Requirements for the Biology and Biotechnology Major

Quantitative Reasoning (Minimum 5/3 Units)

This requirement is fulfilled by courses in Mathematical Sciences, Physics, Computer Science, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Data Science, or Engineering. Must include 1/3 unit of statistics, or a course with the prefix BCB, CS, or DS.

Minimum Units

5/3

Chemistry (Minimum 5/3 Units)

This requirement is fulfilled by courses in Chemistry.

Minimum Units

5/3

Biology & Biotechnology (Minimum 10/3 Units)

Biology and Biotechnology coursework must include 2/3 units of Foundational Biology (BB 1101 and BB 1102) at the 1000 level, 4/3 units at the 2000 level, and 4/3 units at the 3000/4000 level, of which 1/3 unit must be a BB 4900 course. Laboratory courses (BB x8xx) cannot be used to meet the requirements in this category. Only one offering of BB 4900 may be counted towards degree requirements.

Minimum Units

10/3

Laboratory Experience (Minimum 4/3 Units)

Chosen from among laboratories with a "BB" designation. Must include 1/3 unit at the 1800 level, 1/3 unit at the 2800 level, and 1/3 unit at the 3800 level. The remaining 1/3 unit may be taken at the 2800 or 3800 level.

Minimum Units

4/3

Related courses (Minimum 3/3 Units)

These courses are meant to add breadth and/or depth to a student’s study of biology, building upon knowledge and skills obtained in 2000-level BB courses. Students must choose 3/3 units selected from the Related Courses list below or any BB 3000/4000 level course (excluding BB 4900). These may include BB laboratory courses (BB 38xx), and BB3000/4000-level independent study courses. Only a single 500-level course from the list below may be applied toward this requirement, regardless of the number of units that course awards. For courses cross-listed at the 4000- and 500-levels, undergraduate students should register for the 4000-level course. For courses outside of the BBT Department, particular attention should be paid to recommended background.

Minimum Units

3/3