Descriptions of the Professions

Biotechnology

What is Biotechnology?
Genetic engineering, the human genome project, and biomolecular science are fast becoming part of everyday language. If you watch TV or read the newspapers, you've probably seen stories about medical advances in gene therapy, development of new tests and pharmaceuticals to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases, or new ways of studying the molecular and genetic structure of cells. Biotechnology is the field in which biologic and engineering principles are used to develop these new products and techniques.
People who apply biological principles to solve problems in health care and the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products are known collectively as biotechnologists. Sometimes biotechnologists are called bioengineers, research scientists, molecular biologists, biomedical scientists or bioinformatics specialists.


Description of Jefferson’s Biotechnology Program
The Biotechnology Program teaches the laboratory techniques, management methods and medical research competencies necessary for technologists to participate in and contribute to the design, research, development and pre-clinical testing of diagnostic and therapeutic agents, methods, and systems for health care.
Students learn specific technical and problem-solving skills required for biomedical settings. Graduates are prepared to enter master's and doctoral level programs in diverse biotechnology-related disciplines.

Jefferson’s status as an academic health center in the biotechnology hotbed of Philadelphia gives students an advantage. Resources include research faculty whose specific expertise is in biotech and world-class biomedical research facilities. In addition, enjoy access to Kimmel Cancer Center, patient care divisions and a variety of research centers on campus. The program fosters educational and research collaborations among faculty and students throughout the University.

Areas of Study
The Biotechnology Program incorporates classroom, laboratory and practical experience in five areas:

• Immunology, immunochemistry and immunodiagnostics
• Recombinant DNA and related molecular biologic techniques
• Cell sorting, flow cytometry and digital imaging techniques
• Protein chemistry, molecular modeling and chromatographic techniques
• Cell and tissue culture

What can I do after graduation?
The job placement rates are very high for biotech graduates, due to significant expansion of the biotechnology field in medical and commercial settings. Nearly 100% of our graduates are currently employed and/or attending graduate school. Graduates work in molecular biology laboratories, flow cytometry facilities and research laboratories. Our Career Development Center helps students develop their resumes and interviewing skills. Potential employers come on campus to interview several times a year.

Certification
Currently a national generalist certification in biotechnology is not available. However, through a combination of academic preparation and work experience, biotechnology graduates may prepare for special qualification or certification examinations in molecular genetics, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and other areas of laboratory practice.

Career Options
Here is a sampling of positions:

Research
A biotechnologist uses recombinant DNA technology and protein modeling to develop new drugs without the toxic side effects of traditional drug therapies. Already, safe and abundant insulin has been developed for diabetic individuals through biotechnology. Many other drugs have been identified; some are already in use while others continue to be tested by biotechnologists. A research biotechnologist may also oversee the work of research associates and laboratory assistants.

Medicine
A biotechnologist separates DNA from nuclei, cuts and separates it by size on filters, and analyzes the results to detect mutations that cause genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease among others.

Forensics
A forensic biotechnologist is required to analyze blood, skin, urine or hair from a crime scene. By separating DNA from cell nuclei and generating visual images of these segments, biotechnologists can help identify suspects.

Imaging Technology
Biotechnologists also refine computer and digital imaging systems to better demonstrate molecular structures or cell morphology, developing substances which identify specific antigen-antibody reactions, or harvesting and growing individual cell lines (clones) for use in manufacturing pharmaceutical agents.

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