Biotechnology Program
The mission of the biotechnology program at UWRF is to provide students with an education that establishes a strong foundation and appreciation for understanding developments in the rapidly advancing field of biotechnology, to develop the technical and critical thinking skills necessary for success in the field, to foster ethical behavior and to promote outreach. Explore this page to learn more about our program! For more information, email ross.jilk@uwrf.edu.
Harnessing Genetic Capabilities
The field of modern biotechnology was born of molecular biology and biochemistry. Modern biotechnology provides a set of tools that allow scientists to modify and harness the genetic capabilities of organisms. This has led to rapid advances in many areas including pharmaceutical development, agriculture, food microbiology, medical devices and environmental sciences.
Products
Some examples of the products of biotechnology include herbicide, drought and insect-resistant crops, drugs targeted specifically to disease processes resulting in fewer side effects, and bioremediation capable of removing greater amounts of environmental toxins at reduced cost.
The biotechnology major is an interdepartmental program with an emphasis on the molecular basis of life and the techniques utilized to study and control these processes under in vivo, in vitro, and commercial production conditions. The biotechnology curriculum is an integrated sequence of courses selected from the curricula of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Animal and Food Science and Plant and Earth Science Departments. It includes both traditional offerings of the departments involved and courses that reflect advances in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology. The biotechnology major is designed to provide students interested in pursuing careers in this rapidly expanding field with the academic background required to either secure entry level positions in industry or to continue their education in graduate or professional schools.
Assessment of student learning is important to the university, the colleges and the biotechnology program. Through appropriate assessment practices, we maintain a strong, current degree program and improve the quality of the education our students receive.
Faculty
- Ross Jilk: Biotechnology Director; Chemistry
- Email: ross.jilk@uwrf.edu
- Phone: 715-425-4299
- Office: 221 Centennial Science Hall
- Tim Lyden: Biology
- Email: timothy.lyden@uwrf.edu
- Phone: 715-425-4384
- Office: 401 Ag Science Building
- Karl Peterson: Chemistry
- Email: karl.peterson@uwrf.edu
- Phone: 715-425-4515
- Office: 136f Kleinpell Fine Arts
- Sam Alvardo: Chemistry
- Email: samuel.alvarado@uwrf.edu
- Phone: 715-425-3871
- Office: 259 Centennial Science Hall
- Christopher Buehl: Biology
- Email: christopher.buehl@uwrf.edu
- Phone: 715-425-3159
- Office: 407 Ag Science Building
