Biotechnology
The biotechnology major at Elizabethtown College has been specifically designed for the individual wishing to continue either on to graduate school or pursue a career as a research associate. This program represents ideas gathered from over 100 hospitals, graduate institutions, academic research facilities, and large and small biotech companies. Combining all of this information with the latest in teaching methodology and research, the biotechnology major offers students the cutting edge of scientific research and theory.
The problem- based learning methodology allows for student research in the classroom laboratory, during independent research projects, and in established internships. This exciting major is at the forefront of biomedical research, genetic engineering and social ethics. It is a challenging and thought-provoking study for all Elizabethtown College students!
State of the Art Equipment
The biotechnology program at Elizabethtown College features state of the art equipment in the areas of microbiology and molecular and cellular biological research. The students actively conduct independent research, team oriented projects and/or student-faculty collaborations. The biotechnology laboratory is designed as a research facility, and is equipped with four laminar flow hoods for mammalian and insect tissue culture. Cells are routinely transfected with luciferase reporter genes for the study of cell cycle regulation and tumor progression. The facility hosts two thermocycle machines that are used for the amplification of DNA or the detection of RNA by RT-PCR analysis. Students further analyze proteins by using chemiluminescent, immunoblot procedures, ELISA, differential centrifugation, and PAGE. The laboratory also includes numerous electrophoresis apparati for DNA or protein separation, genetic engineering, and viral transduction. This equipment coupled with the extensive course work that is available (see the biology, chemistry and biochemistry department course listings) enables students to develop critical thinking and analytical skills that go far beyond the classroom learning.
Internships and Research Experience
Within the biotechnology major research is used heavily as a teaching tool for problem solving and experiential learning. It is required that students pursue an internship and/or an independent research project either on or off campus. Students have pursued internships at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (Ft. Pierce, Fla.), Gilford Pharmaceuticals, and The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine just to name a few.
International Experience
Due to the global nature of biotechnology, students are encouraged to pursue a semester abroad. This challenging adventure enhances the Elizabethtown College experience and prepares students for the universal role that biotechnology will play in the future.
Our Graduates Succeed
The biotechnology major has been designed to prepare students for graduate school or for direct entry into research associate positions. Our alumni best describe our student success. “The small-college environment at Elizabethtown College allowed me to accrue a set of experiences and knowledge that distinguished me in medical school and the Rhodes Scholarship application processes. The student to faculty ratio provided me with a solid background for my graduate work in medical school and at Oxford University.”—John Leaman ‘95
