How do scientific breakthroughs in genetics, AI and food science become the vaccines, treatments and products that prevent and treat disease and help us live healthier lives?

The growing field of biotechnology focuses on the application of the biological sciences and biochemistry to develop technologies and products that improve public health and the health of our planet. Within Emmanuel's biotechnology major, you will complete a rigorous biology curriculum and receive training in the laboratory methods required to carry out biotech research and apply your assessment of scientific literature to research that has the potential to be commercialized. Additionally, through courses within the School of Business & Management, you will understand basic principles of organizational behavior, management and business strategy, prepared to meet the needs of the field's constantly evolving job market.

A First-Class Experience

Get to know the people and programs that will define your academic journey.

Emmanuel Launches Major in Biotechnology

Meet the Faculty

Our distinguished faculty publish, exhibit and research. Present, compose and chair. Inspire and collaborate.

The Curriculum

View the 2023-2024 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.S. in Biotechnology

  • BIOL1105 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
  • BIOL1106 Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (SI-L) (NSL)
  • BIOL2123 Genetics 
    BIOL2131 Biochemistry 
  • BIOL2301 Experimental Biology 
  • BIOL4160 Seminar 
  • BIOL4194/4195 Research Internship in Biotechnology OR INT3211 Experiential Internship in Biotechnology 
  • CHEM1101 Principles of Chemistry I AND CHEM1102 Principles of Chemistry II  OR CHEM1103 Chemical Perspectives 
  • CHEM2101 Organic Chemistry I

Electives:

In addition to the core Biology courses, students must take the following biotechnology–relevant classes:

  • BIOL2303 Biotechnology Applications
  • BIOL3103 Cell Biology with Lab 
  • BIOL3127 Microbiology with Lab (Prerequisite; BIOL2301, or permission of the instructor)
  • MGMT1101 Introduction to Business
  • MGMT2301 Legal Environment of Business
  • MGMT2307 Organizational Behavior (SA) (SS) (DM)

Upon completion of the Biotechnology program:

  1. Students will be well trained in the laboratory applications and methods required to carry out biotechnology research. They should be able to assess the relevant scientific literature and apply their assessment to research that has the potential to be commercialized.
  2. Students will additionally understand basic principles of organizational behavior and management. They should understand the legal basics of management, and possess a basic knowledge of the fundamentals of business strategy. They should be able to develop plans and approaches to commercialize the outcomes of scientific research.
  3. Finally, Emmanuel College graduates are expected to approach their profession ethically and with a consideration of how their activities can contribute to equity and social justice.
Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Along with areas of knowledge and major requirements, you will cultivate essential values in the classroom and complete two courses in each area:

  • Social Justice (SJ): Develop knowledge, skills, values and motivation to participate beneficially in activities of personal and public concern.
  • Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM): Understand the complexity of identity the historical truths of different cultural perspectives to address bias and examine contemporary social issues. 

One hundred percent of Emmanuel students complete an internship as part of the core curriculum. In a city as dynamic as Boston, your options are bound only by the limits of your curiosity.

Students in the Biology department complete a range of research- and lab-based internships at area institutions such as Boston Children's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, at Boston-based biotechnology companies such as Matrivax and Biogen, or alongside faculty on Emmanuel's campus.

In all majors, the Capstone Experience involves completing a significant piece of work that requires the integration and application of learning from multiple courses.

As a biology student, you will discuss research on an advanced topic that integrates learning from previous courses (recent topics include the human microbiome, CRISPR and gene editing, macromolecular machines and the healthy brain). Aided with faculty and peer feedback, you will perform a literature review related to the focus of the class, formulate a hypothesis, and then craft, assemble and present an NSF-style grant.