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 biotech research.

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

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Prior to 2020, the introductory Biological Science sequence consisted of BIOL_SCI 215-0 Genetics and Molecular Biology, BIOL_SCI 217-0 Physiology, and BIOL_SCI 219-0 Cell Biology. The new intro sequence no longer includes Physiology. Students who have taken ALL of the older intro sequence courses will petition to use the older courses when completing the Minor Declaration form in MAS. Students who have taken only SOME of the older intro courses can discuss with the minor coordinator which additional courses to take and then petition to use the old courses in the Minor Declaration form in MAS. In general, students missing BIOL_SCI 215-0 Genetics and Molecular Biology will take BIOL_SCI 201-0 Molecular Biology, students missing BIOL_SCI 219-0 Cell Biology will take BIOL_SCI 202-0 Cell Biology, and students missing BIOL_SCI 217-0 Physiology will take BIOL_SCI 203-0 Genetics and Evolution to complete the intro sequence. Students should consult the minor advisor for guidance on completing these requirements. 

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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. Biological Science laboratories were previously numbered BIOL_SCI 220-0, BIOL_SCI 221-0, and BIOL_SCI 222-0. Students who have already completed these laboratory courses with the older numbering may continue to use them toward the minor, or use a previously approved independent study. 

• 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 (former intro sequence was BIOL_SCI 215-0 Genetics and Molecular Biology, BIOL_SCI 217-0 Physiology, BIOL_SCI 219-0 Cell Biology), 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.

Minor Electives

Core Electives

Extended Electives