Biotechnology Development and Research Pathways and Careers

How might you describe ethics to a friend?

"Ethics is the principle of doing things that are right or good."

Two types of biotechnology certifications include:

-Biotechnology certificate- Certification in general biotechnology studies, which allows students to select an area of specialization. -For instance, you can get a biotechnology certification in physics, or a biotechnology certification in chemistry. -Biotechnology laboratory technician certificate- Certification in specific studies pertaining to the design and operation of laboratory equipment, such as imaging machines, high-tech microscopes, and tools used for analyzing lab samples.

Which of the following statements describe biotechnology? Select all of the boxes that apply.

-Biotechnology involves research. -Biotechnology is based on biology.

In the example of using yeast to make bread, why is this a form of biotechnology? Select all of the boxes that apply.

-Yeast is an organism, and organisms are part of biology. -Yeast is something that can be grown and used to help people meet their need for food.

Where might someone with a pharmaceutical manufacturing career work? Check all of the boxes that apply.

-manufacturing plant -research labratory

Which of the following are medical products that are developed within biotechnology? Check all of the boxes that apply.

-medication -lab equipment

Identify the responsibilities of people who work in the biotechnology industry. Check all of the boxes that apply.

-performing ethical research -testing products before they are sold -following environmental rules

Which of the following are the duties of someone who works in pharmaceutical manufacturing? Check all of the boxes that apply.

-performing research -testing chemicals

What can biotechnology products be used for? Check all of the boxes that apply.

-treating illnesses -diagnosing diseases -solving crimes -enlarging produce

Education for Biotechnology Careers

A bachelor of science degree from a college or technical school is often required to get started in biotechnology technician positions, which are entry-level.

Biotechnology Technician

A person who assists bioengineers, performs research, and operates biotechnology equipment

Biotechnology Researcher

A person who conducts research, performs tests, and collects data to be used by bioengineers and biotechnology technicians

Bioengineer

A person who designs and develops biotechnology and biotechnology equipment

Biochemist

A person who specializes in chemistry, which is the study of the structure, reaction, and composition of different kinds of substances, and its impact on biology

Which statement best explains the relationship between biology and biotechnology?

Biotechnology uses biological systems to create new products.

If Richard has to figure out how to throw away toxic chemicals in the lab, he needs to follow the ____________ rules.

Environmental Protection Policy

The ___________ is responsible for making sure a manufacturing plant does not release pollution into the air or water.

Environmental Protection Policy

Samantha is trying to come up with a new chemical that will be added to food. She needs to follow the _______ rules.

Food and Drug Administrative

The _________ is in charge of making sure that people do not take medications that could cause very bad side effects.

Food and Drug Administrative

Which of the following is an example of good ethics?

Michelle reports the numbers from a test, even though it means the product will not pass.

Animal and plant biotechnology

a field of science that is based on improving animal- and plant-based food sources, decreasing plant and animal diseases, developing larger fruits and vegetables, and making the foods that people eat more nutritious. When you work in animal and plant biotechnology, you can expect to perform a lot of tests and experiments on food products, as well as work outdoors, such as at agricultural sites. Depending on the type of research being performed, people may be expected to work day or night shifts.

organism

a living thing

Where might someone who works in animal and plant biotechnology work?

agricultural sites

Yeast

an organism that can be grown

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

an organization in charge of protecting the environment by controlling the environmental activities of people and businesses in the United States. People in the biotechnology industry must follow the EPA's rules about how to safely get rid of chemicals, manufacture products using safe materials, and reduce the amount of pollution created by plants and laboratories. When a biotechnology company does not follow the EPA's rules, the company can be fined or shut down. In addition, pollution and chemical spills are bad for the environment and people's health.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

an organization that oversees the safety of food and drug products in the United States. The FDA sets rules about the types of ingredients and chemicals that can be used to develop pharmaceuticals. This directly impacts the people who work in pharmaceutical manufacturing biotechnology. The FDA also affects animal and plant biotechnology by making rules about the types of chemicals or materials that can be added to food products. These rules are in place to keep consumers safe from harmful toxins.

Researching ways to make food more nutritious means you work in the _____________ field.

animal and plant biotechnology

If you want to become a biotechnology technician, you need at least a _________.

bachelor's degree

If you study and specialize in chemical processes, you might be a __________.

biochemist

Amanda is designing the plans for a new piece of medical equipment. What kind of career does she most likely have?

bioengineer

If you are in charge of sketching the design for a new product, you might be a _______.

bioengineer

If you have dreams of working in the field, collecting samples, and putting together data, you are most likely interested in becoming a _____________.

biotechnology researcher

If you are interested in operating biotechnology equipment, you are most likely interested in becoming ___________.

biotechnology technician

Medical forensics

forensics that is based on biological or medical factors, such as blood, urine, hair, cells, and fingerprints. Medical forensics relies on biotechnology to help detectives solve crimes. For instance, biotechnology equipment can be used to identify criminals based on a strand of hair that was left at a crime scene. Work environments for medical forensics often include manufacturing plants, as well as research and forensics laboratories. Also, people who operate the equipment may be required to work day or night shifts.

People in biotechnology

have the responsibility to be ethical in their research. In order for research to be ethical, people must always tell the truth about test scores, report accurate information about the safety of a product, and test products appropriately before they are released.

If you are a full-time bioengineer for a microbiology and genetics project, where will you likely work?

laboratory

If you are a biotechnology engineer who wants to demonstrate expertise in your area, you will need to get a __________.

license

For people who want to become bioengineers

licensure may be a professional requirement, which requires people to take and pass a licensing exam

If you are analyzing blood for a crime scene, then you work in the _________ field.

medical forensics

________ uses biotechnology to analyze hair to identify criminals.

medical forensics

A new research project that focuses on genetics would be in the ____________ field.

microbiology

A person who wants to study genetics might use _________ biotechnology.

microbiology

Somebody who comes up with the ingredients for a new drug works in the____________ field.

pharmaceutical manufacturing

If you are using equipment to make fruits and vegetables larger, you are in the __________ field of biotechnology.

plant and animal

People with careers in pharmaceutical manufacturing can expect to work in:

research laboratories or manufacturing plants, and to maintain work hours during the day.

ethics

the moral guidelines of a person or group that define whether behavior is good or bad.

Forensics

the science of researching and analyzing evidence, such as criminal evidence, that is used for legal purposes

Biotechnology

the science of using biology for the creation of technology

Pharmaceuticals

the scientific name for medicines or drugs, which are chemical substances used to diagnose, treat, or cure disease. The pharmaceutical industry is a large part of health care, and many people rely on pharmaceuticals to manage their health conditions.

Biology

the scientific study of life.

cells

the smallest units of life, in order to develop or influence technological products used in health care.

genetics

the study of human genes, as well as the study of bacteria to learn about what makes people sick

Microbiology

the study of living organisms that are very small in size, such as cells. It is also a field that relies on biotechnology, since biotechnology equipment allows scientists to study the tiny organisms and their effect on human health.

biotechnology

thousands of years old, dating as far back as 4000 BC.