DescriptionIn simple terms, biotechnology is technology that is based on biology. This study uses biomolecular processes to better and develop new technologies in society.
The chemistry involved in this process can be anything from fermentation to combating various diseases. With more than 250 biotechnology heath care products and vaccines available, this industry is booming with new ideas all the time. |
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By using fermentation (chemistry), scientists are able to make citric acid, lactic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, polyhydroxyalkanoates, threonine, and acetic acid.
*Polyhydroxyalkanoates: type of polymer/plastic |
Chemicals/ElementsThe chemicals that are made by using biotechnology is still in a niche operation in terms of global production but is showing incredible growth.
With the major advances in the subject today and the increases of price in crude oil, the number of the biotechnological based chemicals is increasing. |
Education RequiredBiotechnicians typically need at minimum a bachelor's degree to enter the field.
The programs in the biology and laboratory science provides those who wish to enter a higher field with education and hands-on learning to qualify graduates for entry-level biotechnician jobs |
People who wish to find advanced positions can enroll in a master's degree program that would be focusing on general research, allowing students to specialize in a particular area - biotechnology.
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As a biotechnologist, they would be working anywhere from the agricultural field to nanotechnology.
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Where People WorkThe chemists of this field generally work in laboratory atmosphere, most like an academic environment.
The general biotechnologists work for small, innovative biotechnology companies. There are also chemical companies with relatively large agricultural businesses that own substantial biotechnology labs. Biotechnology companies mainly near universities, and most firms are located in six to seven major cities: "San Francisco and Boston (the traditional homes of biotechnology firms), Chicago, Denver/Boulder, San Diego, Seattle, and Research Triangle Park in North Carolina" ("ACS Chemistry for Life"). |