Genetic Engineering

    Genetic Engineers use living cells and their products to create pharmaceutical, diagnostic, agricultural, environmental and other products. Genetic engineers integrate such areas as biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry, genetics, chemical engineering, process engineering and computer science to alter genetic information in living organisms to improve them or to make them more useful. Below are some subsets of this area: Biopharmaceuticals (drugs and drug therapies), diagnostic products (disease detection and identification), Agricultural products (improved growth, production, nutrition), Bioremediation products (environmental clean-up with living cells), Health Care (vaccines, drugs, vitamins).

    Although no single degree leads to biotechnology careers, many believe that students can best prepare by training in a traditional discipline like biochemistry while learning the tools of biotechnology through experience. Laboratory skills, computer skills, and instrumental skills are essential.

Links

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Agricultural and Food Scientists