Certificate Requirements:

• Core Courses
• Independent Study
• Advanced Electives
• Process to earn the Certificate

FAQ
Download Declaration Form for Certificate in Biotechnology (PDF, 78KB)

Society is being reshaped by the technological application of the tools of modern biology. Bioprocessing plays a key role in manufacturing pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, and agents for gene and cell therapies. In addition, biological approaches play a pivotal role in the processing of new classes of renewable commodity resources. This certificate program provides specific training for students to enter and contribute to these growing industries, or for in-depth preparation for future graduate study for those interested in biotechnology research. Unlike "areas of specialization" within engineering majors, this certificate program will appear on the student's NU transcripts, providing credentials for prospective employers or graduate schools.

The certificate includes core courses in biological sciences and biochemical engineering. An array of electives gives an opportunity for an even greater depth in both fundamental biology and engineering applications. Finally, the certificate requires at least one quarter of independent study to provide hands-on practical experience in a biotechnology related project.

Certificate Requirements

Ten units of science and technical electives define the certificate.

Requirements

Core Courses (5 units)

• Biol 210-1 (Genetics and Evolutionary Biology)
• Biol 210-2 (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
• Biol 210-3 (Physiology and Cell Biology)
• ChE 375 (Biochemical Engineering)
• ChE 377 (Bioseparations)

Independent Study (1 unit)

One unit of ChE 399 (Independent Study) in a bio laboratory (up to two additional units may be used; see below) is required. Students pursuing this certificate should verify the appropriateness of any planned ChE 399 project by consulting with the program administrator.

Advanced Electives (4 units)

• One of the following advanced ChE Biotechnology courses: ChE 372, ChE 379, ChE 478, ChE 479
• One of the following advanced Biological Sciences courses: Biol 301, Biol 315, Biol 319, Biol 323, Biol 333, Biol 355, Biol 390
• Two additional electives from the lists above or BME 315, BME 317, Chem 210-3, ChE 475, Civ Eng 441, or up to two more units of ChE 399.

Process to Earn Certificate

Students should begin planning early to pursue the certificate to ensure that all requirements may be met. Students are required to indicate their intention to complete the certificate by submitting the declaration form. This must be done before beginning your final quarter at Northwestern.

Note that students must earn a BS degree from McCormick to earn the certificate. A minimum 2.0 grade point average must be maintained in the 10 courses that define the certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a ChE student to pursue this program? Since the certificate is geared towards students interested in the bioprocess industries, it fits most naturally within the ChE major. However, students from other fields such as Biomedical Engineering or Environmental Engineering may also be interested.

What's the difference between this certificate program and the 'Biotechnology' area of specialization within the ChE BS program? Although both options have similar focus, the certificate program covers both greater depth and breadth due to its more extensive course requirements. Students interested in Biotechnology but unable to complete the certificate requirements can continue to pursue the Biotech specialization. Unlike areas of specialization, this certificate will appear on NU transcripts, and thus offers firmer & #8216;credentials’ to prospective employers or graduate schools.

Will extra time be required to graduate? The certificate does require 5 units of technical work beyond the standard major requirements for a BS degree in ChE. Unrestricted electives may be chosen to satisfy these requirements; in addition, any available AP credits should help free up space to fulfill the course requirements.

I’m a pre-med student. Can I pursue this program? This certificate is compatible with standard pre-med requirements.