SCN 3603: Biotechnology and Innovation
4 advanced liberal arts credits
In Biotechnology and Innovation, students will explore the dynamic intersection of biotechnology and business, focusing on the impact that scientific research has had on the development of new products, services, and startups within the biotech industry. The global biotechnology market, currently valued at approximately $735 billion is predicted to reach over $1.1 trillion by 2026. This course will cover the fundamental scientific aspects of biotechnology and biotechnology entrepreneurship with a focus on the global problems that can be solved using biotechnology innovations. It will explore the pioneering scientific innovations using living cells and their molecules that drive the industry, including breakthroughs in genetic engineering, gene editing, regenerative and personalized medicine, synthetic biology and bioinformatics. Students will analyze how these scientific advancements translate into commercial opportunities. Case studies of successful biotech products and services that have reshaped healthcare, agriculture, food systems, environmental challenges, bioremediation, biofuel production and many other industrial applications will also be explored. This will allow students to gain insight into the processes by which scientific discoveries become marketable solutions. This course will leverage the fact that Massachusetts is the #1 hub of Biotechnology in the world, giving students the opportunity to work with an industry partner to help solve a real-world problem. Students will participate in a semester-long project where they meet with industry stakeholders to analyze a problem and propose actionable solutions. By the end of this course, students will have a thorough understanding of the basic foundational knowledge central to biotechnology, and a better understand how scientific research serves as the foundation of the development and commercialization of biotechnological innovations.
Prerequisites: NST 10%%