The Biotechnology major is the integration of life sciences and other natural sciences with engineering, utilizing organisms, tissues, cells, and the biomolecules they contain to manufacture valuable products and create useful services.

The Biotechnology major aims to cultivate future leaders with interdisciplinary expertise, innovative thinking, and knowldege of the biological industry, capable of engaging in scientific research, development of biological products and technologies,  and scientific management in research institutions, biotechnology industries, etc. These individuals possess both moral integrity and scientific expertise, with the potential for leadership in biotechnology that benefits mankind.

After four years of study in the field of biotechnology, students should achieve the following objectives: 

1. Master the basic knowledge and fundamental theories of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and informatics required for this major.

2. Systematically grasp the foundational knowledge and basic theories of modern life science technologies, as well as possess a certain understanding of the principles and fundamental knowledge of biotechnology.

3. Acquire practical skills in biotechnology, or various biochemical, genomic, genetic, analytical, and synthetic techniques in the life sciences.

4. Receive preliminary training in biotechnology development and research, develop scientific thinking and logical reasoning skills, and demonstrate good scientific ethics and qualities.

5. Exhibit a scientific spirit characterized by problem solving, independent thinking, and a willingness to innovate.

6. Understand the frontiers of biological science and technology, possess an international perspective, embody the abilities to innovative and think critically, be mindful of sustainable development, and have the ability to engage in basic research, applied research, and research and development in biotechnology.

Some Required Courses

Biochemistry and Lab

This course focuses on the chemistry of major families of biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, as well as metabolism, i.e., the chemical reactions that provide the cell with the energy and raw materials necessary for life.

Physiology and Lab

This course focuses on the physiology of human and mammalian organs, illustrating the mechanisms underlying the difference between animals from different environments.

Bioinformatics and Lab

This course introduces the basic principles in the field of bioinformatics, especially the analysis and applications of the cutting-edge “omics” including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.

Microbiology and Lab

This course aims to grasp the fundamental aspects of microbial life, to strengthen the ability to apply the knowledge in practical and integrative way, to understand the scope and perspective of microbiology, and to get inspiration out of the comprehensive basic theory and experiments of microbiology.

Introduction to Modern Biotechnology

This course covers various aspects in the modern biotechnology field, including genetic engineering, molecular breeding, antibody engineering, recombinant vaccines, gene therapy, animal cloning, etc.

Basics of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

This course introduces the basic knowledge related to pharmaceutical biotechnology. In this course we discuss basic strategies for the production of recombinant peptides, vaccines, and other natural proteins from the pharmaceutical point of view. The contents include the basic concepts of biopharmaceutics, the research progress of biopharmaceutics, and the features of biopharmaceutical drugs.

Some Elective Courses

Diversity and Evolution of Plants

This course will follow the phylogeny of the plant kingdom, based on the Darwinian evolutionary theory, to introduce major plant groups, their diversity, and evolution, in combination with the most recent research development in developmental, molecular, and genomic aspects.

Plant Signal Transduction

This course focuses on the external and internal stimuli and signals applied to plants, discussing the mechanisms underlying how plants sense and transduce these stimuli and signals, summarizing the general and specific characteristics of them, and introducing the background of how people have accumulated the knowledge on this topic.

Photosynthesis and Material Cycles

Photosynthesis and material cycling are the most fundamental life activities of plants. This course aims to teach and discuss the basic processes and principles of photosynthesis and material cycling, as well as the latest advances in molecular biology related to them. Through classroom lectures and discussions, students will gain an understanding of the fundamental processes and principles of photosynthesis and material cycling, as well as insights into the molecular mechanisms and recent developments in regulating these processes. This will help students comprehend the essence of life.