CAES Newswire

 College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension
Menu
Published on 03/12/03

UGA to offer applied biotechnology major

By Cat Holmes
University of Georgia

From DNA fingerprinting to genetically engineered crops, the business of biotechnology – using cellular and molecular processes to solve problems or make products – is booming. The industry's revenues more than tripled from $8 billion in 1992 to $27.6 billion in 2001.

To help meet the need for skilled workers and to provide a groundwork for those who want to pursue a professional degree or graduate school in the field, the University of Georgia will offer students a new major, applied biotechnology, in fall 2003.

"With so many faculty at UGA involved in biotechnology research and development, and so many people moving into biotechnology careers, we think this major is a natural development," said Michael Adang, a biochemist and entomologist with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Adang is a co-director of the program.

The degree will incorporate classes from a number of biology-based departments: entomology; animal sciences; crop and soil sciences; poultry science; horticulture; plant pathology; food science; and agricultural leadership, education and communication.

"This is a major for people who are interested in biology with applications and outcomes," said UGA plant geneticist Wayne Parrott, the other co-director.

"There is such a need for people working in this field today," Parrott said. "Let's face it. Even laundry detergents are now the products of biotechnology."

The first two years of the program will provide a core of science courses with hands-on methodology, Parrott said. "Students will learn the fundamentals of biochemistry, molecular genetics and cell biology, including DNA extraction, protein extraction and all that's essential to working with DNA."

Early on, Parrott and Adang will advise students in the program. "We want to get them on track and get them through the first two years," Adang said.

Once the basics are in place, students will specialize in one of three areas: plant, animal or food science. Faculty from appropriate departments will advise and mentor students in their specialty fields for their final two years.

An internship or independent study will be part of the major's requirement. It will allow students to obtain the hands-on experience needed both to work with biotech companies or go on for further studies.

If the class Adang and biochemist Michael Pierce have offered for the last four years is any indication, the new major should be quite popular.

"Our class has provided a nice, enthusiastic introduction to biotechnology topics, and we've grown from 25 students to 70 students," said Adang.

Adang and Parrott modeled the applied biotechnology program after a similar one begun by the University of Kentucky in 1995.

"It has been a very successful degree program for us," said Glenn Collins, director of undergraduate studies for the UK applied agricultural biotechnology program. "About 20 percent of our students go to work for private biotech companies and the other 80 percent go on to get professional degrees or to graduate school."

More information about the new major can be found at http://www.uga.edu/discover/.

Cat Holmes was a science writer with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Experts/Sources:
Wayne Parrott
Michael J. Adang
Glenn Collins
University and state leaders cut the ribbon during the Science and Ag Hill dedication ceremony. (Chamberlain Smith/UGA) CAES News
UGA dedicates first phase of Science and Ag Hill modernization 11/01/24
The University of Georgia held a dedication ceremony on Oct. 30 to celebrate the completion of the first phase of renovations to modernize research and instruction facilities and infrastructure on UGA’s Science and Ag Hill. This area of campus, located just south of Sanford Stadium, includes buildings dedicated to a variety of scientific disciplines such as biology, physics, geology and agricultural sciences.
CAES doctoral students Sofia Varriano and Leniha Lagarde follow farmer Clay Brady to the pasture where many of his chickens are kept. CAES News
UGA researchers study how free-range chickens influence farm sustainability 10/31/24 Maria M. Lameiras
Researchers in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are studying how pastured and free-range chickens impact ecosystems on integrated crop-livestock farms. Supported by a $749,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, entomology doctoral student Sofia Varriano and her thesis advisor, agroecologist and systems biology Professor Bill Snyder, are testing the promise of integrated crop-livestock agriculture to increase the sustainability of smaller farms.
Kaytlyn Cobb is now spearheading a historic partnership between the University of Georgia and Fargo, North Dakota-based Grand Farm as regional assistant director. CAES News
Kaytlyn Cobb joins UGA Grand Farm to boost agricultural innovation in Georgia 10/30/24 Sean Montgomery
Growing up in north Georgia’s Franklin County, Kaytlyn Cobb knew her aspirations in agriculture would always lead her to new opportunities. Inspired by her dedicated community and diverse background, Cobb is now spearheading a historic partnership between the University of Georgia and Fargo, North Dakota-based Grand Farm as regional assistant director. Hired in August, Cobb hit the ground running to continue development of the fast-forming ecosystem between Grand Farm, the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and global strategic partners.
Kevan Lamm teaching undergraduate students CAES News
CAES researchers prepare students to address complex challenges of the future 10/29/24 Emily Cabrera
Over the next three years, researchers in the University of Georgia’s Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication aim to transform undergraduate education in agricultural and environmental sciences by integrating systems thinking — an approach that encourages students to see the bigger picture by understanding how different components within a system interact.
Thermal imaging technology could improve the production of fruits and vegetables. CAES News
Thermal imaging may help fruits, veggies stay fresher longer 10/28/24 Savannah Peat
Before your favorite produce arrives at the grocery store, it must be carefully harvested and maintained across long stretches of time. A recent University of Georgia review suggests new temperature measuring technologies could make that process much simpler, amid growing agricultural challenges fueled by fluctuating climates. Maintaining temperature, humidity and light is critical to ensuring fruits and vegetables don’t spoil or deteriorate rapidly. Temperature spikes are the root of adverse outcomes, so monitoring these changes quickly and accurately is key.
At the 2024 Georgia Life Sciences Summit held Oct. 21-22 in Atlanta, Professor Quingguo “Jack” Huang of the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences received the Golden Helix Innovation Award for his research in technologies to mitigate “forever chemicals” in water resources. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker) CAES News
Georgia Bio awards recognize UGA inventor, corporate partners 10/25/24 Carson McAfee
University of Georgia Professor Quingguo “Jack” Huang, Delta Innovation Hub resident Dalan Animal Health, and Athens manufacturer Meissner Corporation were recognized for their achievements in the life science industry at Georgia Bio’s Georgia Life Sciences Summit, held Oct. 21-22 in Atlanta. The Golden Helix Awards celebrate the contributions of Georgia legislative, academic, corporate, and advocacy leaders working to grow the life science industry and foster strategic partnerships that create a healthier world.