The program is built on five aspects of modern laboratory science: recombinant DNA, cell culture, immunology, laboratory animal care, and advanced protein isolation techniques.

The first two years of the Biotechnology program are preparatory, structured to complete the biotechnology foundations course work. The professional sequence of biotechnology course work typically begins with the student's junior year. Admission to the professional biotechnology sequence is competitive and based on the foundation coursework. Internships and independent research projects are available to biotechnology students and enable them to gain experience in a laboratory setting.