Introduction to Biotechnology
Biotechnology literally means the application of life sciences to industrial processes. Principles of science learned in the classroom and the laboratory may be used by industry to develop and improve products, which can benei t the consumer and can provide a healthy proi t for the producer. The application of recombinant DNA techniques means that processes, which have been around for centuries, can be made to work better and faster.
These include brewing, cheese-making as well as plant and animal breeding. This reshaping of the very essence of life in microorganisms, plants, and animals can improve existing agricultural products and/or create new and unique ones.
Because biotechnology is closely related to the agricultural sector, it has an impact on the lives of
many Thais who are involved in agriculture and related industries. Biotechnology is currently providing agriculture with a variety of useful agents: soil innoculents, veterinary products, aquaculture and mariculture products, and also the development of new or improved plant and animal strains. In addition, the food industry is benei ting from new varieties of starter cultures and enzymes, as well as with food processing. In service industries, biotechnology plays a major role in both aqueous and solid waste treatment, waste valorization and water purii cation.
Because Assumption University is aware of the importance of biotechnology for the development of Thailand and all of Southeast Asia, it of ers the following Bachelor’s Degree courses:
1. Agro-Industry
2. Food Technology
These are directly involved with applying bioscience research to food processing and other agricultural industries.
Here is a list of some positions held by food and agro-industrial scientists:
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Director of Research and Development
• Food Scientist
• Laboratory Director
• Sales Manager
• Project Leader, Technology
• General Manager, Research
• Meat Scientist
• Cereal Scientist
• Technology Development Manager
• Research Scientist
• Quality Assurance Supervisor
• Director of Quality Assurance
• Technical Sales Representative
• Food Inspector
• Plant Supervisor
• Food Chemist
• Senior Scientist
• Technical Director
• Food Microbiologist
• Sensory scientist
• Food Technologist
• Dairy Products Scientist
• Agro industry Supervisor
• Agro business employee and owner
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic Beverages industry Supervisor
Students in Biotechnology undergraduate program at Assumption University benei t from a committed faculty, small classes, and an emphasis on teamwork and shared responsibility for learning. The undergraduate programs in Food Technology and Agro-Industry are designed to accommodate students with a variety of interests and career goals.
Graduation Requirements
Assumption University confers the degree of Bachelor of Science upon students who meet all the requirements as follows:
• Have completed the total number of credits of the curriculum
• Have obtained a cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 2.00
• Have participated in 16 sessions of the Professional Ethics Seminar
• Have obtained library and financial clearance from the university
• Have demonstrated good behavior and discipline