The leading edge in biotechnology education
What is Biotechnology?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, biotechnology is broadly defined as “using living organisms or their products for commercial purposes.” As such, biotechnology has been practiced since the beginning of recorded history in such activities as baking bread, brewing alcoholic beverages, raising food crops or selectively breeding domestic animals.
A more modern definition of biotechnology, sometimes also called genetic engineering, might read: “the commercial application of living organisms or their products involving the deliberate manipulation of their DNA molecules.”
Biotechnology at RIT
RIT in 1983 established the nation’s first baccalaureate program in biotechnology. That distinction, combined with our strong programs in computer science and information technology, provides the foundation for significant expertise and new programs in the growing field of bioinformatics--the use of computer technology to gather, process and analyze biological data.
The Center for Bioscience Education and Technology (CBET) complements RIT’s academic programs by continuously upgrading the biotechnology skills of the region’s deployed workforce though a series of customized workshops, seminars and training programs.
CBET capabilities
CBET prepares biotechnology and other bioscience workers for rapid changes in science, technology and the knowledge base needed for competitiveness in the global marketplace. Provided by RIT faculty and industry experts, CBET services include:
- Workshops and seminars: tailored to individual organizational needs.
- Certificate programs: including a ten-week course in bioprocessing operations for entry-level jobs in the emerging bioscience industry.
- Continuing education: credits for bioscience professionals, attorneys, educators and others whose jobs require educational upgrades in science topics germane to their professions.
- Professional self-development: for anyone who would find it beneficial to their job to have a deeper or more relevant understanding of biotechnology or related topics in the biosciences.