This minor provides specific training for McCormick students interested in industries that create and manufacture bio-based fuels and industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, and agents for gene and cell therapies or for those desiring in-depth preparation for future graduate study in biotechnology research.

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CHEM_ENG 275-0 Molecular & Cell Biology for Engineers may substitute for either one 

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The Biotech Minor requires 3 units of Biology coursework. Exemptions or course reductions are NOT granted for students taking the Biological Sciences Department placement test, and who test out of and skip BIOL_SCI 201-0 Molecular Biology. These students may complete BIOL_SCI 202-0 Cell Biology and BIOL_SCI 203-0 Genetics and Evolution and petition to use an upper level Biology course to complete the required 3 units of Biology coursework.

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Biological Science laboratories are now connected to the intro sequence courses, and registration in the lab is required. Students who are transferring credit from a previous institution where there is no coupled lab, or who do not have one full unit of laboratory credit, may use a previously approved independent study. Any student may choose to substitute a previously approved independent study unit in place of the three laboratory courses.

• A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in courses in the minor.
• A BA or BS degree from Northwestern must be completed.
• No more than 6 units may be double-counted to fulfill requirements in the major program for catalog years 2022 to present. For catalog years 2021 and earlier, no more than 5 units may be double-counted to fulfill requirements in the major program. 
• A maximum of 2 units not offered by the department may be taken P/N for the minor. Students must also comply with departmental and McCormick P/N regulations for courses that are double-counted toward requirements in the minor and major programs.
• Students not majoring in chemical engineering should take the Biological Sciences intro sequence BIOL_SCI 201-0 Molecular Biology, BIOL_SCI 202-0 Cell Biology, BIOL_SCI 203-0 Genetics and Evolution, and BIOL_SCI 301-0 Principles of Biochemistry before CHEM_ENG 375-0 Biochemical Engineering and CHEM_ENG 377-0 Bioseparations. They should also take CHEM 342-1 Thermodynamics and the recommended BIOL_SCI 315-0 Advanced Cell Biology to prepare for CHEM_ENG 375-0 Biochemical Engineering and CHEM_ENG 377-0 Bioseparations.
• Students must submit an up to date minor declaration form in MAS (McCormick Advising System) before the beginning of their final quarter as undergraduates. Petitions for counting the independent study units are also completed in MAS.

Minor Electives

Core Electives

Extended Electives