Bachelor Degree in
Animal Biotechnology

Biotechnology is one of the most exciting new sciences of the century! One way of defining biotechnology is the manipulation of either plants or animals at the level of their DNA in order to improve the organism’s health and quality, often with the end goal of producing commercial products from living organisms. All life from simple bacteria to a complex human being is composed of cells that contain DNA. DNA contains the information used by cells as a “blueprint” or plan for the animal, plant, or other organism, contained in discrete packets of information known as genes. All the characteristics, or traits, of any living thing are determined by the information in the DNA plan. Scientists are learning how to transfer genes from one animal or plant into another.

Theoretically, almost any trait found in nature can be transferred into any chosen organism, even if it has never had this trait before. This process, called genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technology, is an important aspect of biotechnology. This technology can be used to treat diseases, make plants more resistant to drought and insects, and even to enable plants or animals to produce human proteins that can be used to treat patients with diseases like Hurler’s disease or hemophilia. Veterinarians and professionals in animal science are also using biotechnology to improve animal health and production. Genetically engineered vaccines and monoclonal antibody technology are just two examples of the wide-reaching impact of the advances in biotechnology in multiple disciplines. 

Biotechnology is the most rapidly growing sector of the agriculture and biomedical industries and life sciences in general. A 55% rate of annual growth, coupled with a global shift toward integrating technology into animal systems creates a significant need for training in the multiple disciplines that comprise biotechnology. A working knowledge of biotechnology is critical for assuming a leadership role in agribusiness and related industries, including education, particularly in the use of those strategies and tools that are essential to transfer this new knowledge to peers, the agriculture and biotechnology communities and the general public. A major in Animal Biotechnology addresses the significant need of interfacing biotechnology with directed Animal Science and Pre-veterinary curricula through targeted student experiential learning.

The major in Animal Biotechnology is designed to have major impact on a significant undergraduate student desire to work with domestic animals, join a biotechnology-related workforce immediately following graduation, or continue with graduate or professional studies in biotechnology, veterinary medicine, or human medicine.
 

• ranching, farming, or medical industry, or
• making a difference in your community, or
• figuring out why people make the choices they do, or
• working outdoors & indoors, with people & with computers, in Nevada &
• around the world, all in the same job,
  
  Then Animal Biotechnology may be the right major for you.
  

The Animal Biotechnology curriculum is designed to produce well-trained graduates with theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and “real world” experience based on both academic research experiences and industry internships. Graduates of this program will have numerous career opportunities in agriculture-related, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Researchers in agriculture, biology, genetics, and medicine are at the forefront of new biotechnology discoveries. These men and women are working to unravel the genetic codes that govern the biological processes of different forms of life so they can be understood and, when appropriate, modified.

What kind of salary do Animal Biotech grads earn?
     In 2007, the average annual salary in the Federal Government was $40,629 for biological science technicians; $53,026 for physical science technicians.

Dr. Luis Gomez-Raya, Associate Professor, Faculty Advisor
Phone: (775) 964-2026
e-mail: lgomezraya@cabnr.unr.edu
Office: 226d Fleischmann Ag Bldg, UNR Campus

 

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