Our agricultural and medical biotechnology (ABT) students have a variety of interests, but they all share one thing in common: they want to use science to improve lives around the world.
Many paths. One biotech degree.
We emphasize hands-on learning in genetics, molecular biology, genetic engineering, chemistry, and biology to train tomorrow's scientific leaders. Whether you are developing treatments for a genetic disease or genetically engineering drought resistant crops, you will learn to combine basic scientific concepts with problem solving and critical thinking skills to solve medical and agricultural problems.
A Versatile Degree For Many Science-Based Careers...
Many ABT graduates pursue advanced degrees in areas such as health care (e.g., medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and physician assistant studies), agriculture, biological sciences, law, molecular biology, and veterinary sciences.
There are also many ABT graduates who immediately enter the workforce. This bachelor of science degree will prepare you for positions with biotechnology organizations, government and public affairs, academia, research and development, and more. Future employment can include work with:
Human Genetics
Public Health
Pharmaceutical Development
Food Safety
Genetic Engineering
Vaccine Production
Bio Manufacturing
Bioinformatics
Fermentation Biotechnology
Plant Genetics
Genomics
Medical Device Development
Forensics
Biofuel Production
Research and Development
Students Say We're Great....
Dr. Robert Hirsch, Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology program, received the 2020 Great Teacher Award from the University of Kentucky Alumni Association and the University of Kentucky's Outstanding Teaching Award in 2023.
Come See for Yourself
To learn more about this program, campus life, and chat with a program representative, schedule a campus visit.
In-State Tuition
Thanks to agreements through the Academic Common Market, students from the following states can enroll in the ABT program at in-state tuition rates:
Delaware
Georgia
Louisiana
Maryland
Tennesee
West Virginia
These agreements are subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information on the Academic Common Market, click here.
"Science was always where I was destined to be."
Ellis
Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology student and admit to the UK College of Medicine's Medical Sciences Graduate Program
AFE 100 - ISSUES IN AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT
AFE 100
**UK Core - Community, Culture and Citizen**
3 credit hours
How do farmers in Kentucky impact families in California? How can the fashion industry curb the amount of plastic in our oceans? How does fast food affect sea life in the Gulf of Mexico? Whether we realize it or not, each of us has a relationship with agriculture, food and the environment. From race and gender, diet and lifestyles, tourism and evolving technologies, this course encourages you to recognize and think critically about the interconnected systems that affect all human life. By addressing these challenges, you will develop a greater appreciation for how you can positively impact our planet.
Prereq: This course is open to students enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment or those in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Residential College's Belle C. Gunn Living Learning Program. Freshman only in Fall semesters and transfer students only in Spring semesters.
UK Core - Comp. & Comm. I
3
CHE 105
4
CHE 105 - GENERAL COLLEGE CHEMISTRY I
CHE 105
**UK Core - Natural, Physical and Math**
Must be taken with CHE 111 to satisfy UK Core.
4 credit hours
A study of chemical principles and their application to pure and mixed substances. Not open to students who have already completed both CHE 109 and CHE 110.
Prereq: Math ACT of 25 or above, C or better in MA 110, or equivalent math placement scores.
CHE 111
1
CHE 111 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY
CHE 111
**UK Core - Natural, Physical and Math**
Must be taken with CHE 105 to satisfy UK Core.
1 credit hours
A laboratory course, to accompany CHE 105 or CHE 110, dealing with the properties of chemical substances and providing an introduction to quantitative chemical analysis.
Prereq or coreq: CHE 105 or CHE 110.
Spring Semester
15 Credit Hours
CHE 107
3
CHE 107 - GENERAL COLLEGE CHEMISTRY II
CHE 107
3 credit hours
A continuation of CHE 105. A study of the principles of chemistry and their application to elements and compounds.
Prereq: CHE 105 or CHE 110 (with a C or better).
CHE 113
2
CHE 113 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY
CHE 113
2 credit hours
A laboratory course, to accompany CHE 107, emphasizing qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis.
Prereq: CHE 111. Prereq or coreq: CHE 107.
ABT 120
3
ABT 120 - GENETICS AND SOCIETY
ABT 120
**UK Core - Natural, Physical and Math**
3 credit hours
This course is designed for science and non-science majors, giving students an understanding of how genetics influences and impacts our social fabric on a daily basis, and equipping students with a sufficient understanding to participate in the policy debates that are impacting our lives. The course will introduce students to the basic concepts of genetics and to the modern methodologies of molecular genetics. The course will also educate students in the process of scientific discovery and empower students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate the present and future impact of genetics on society. While the course is intended for first semester freshmen, students at all class standings are welcome to enroll.
BIO 148
3
BIO 148 - INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY I
BIO 148
3 credit hours
BIO 148 introduces the student to the biological mechanisms operating at the molecular, cellular, and population level that contribute to the origin, maintenance, and evolution of biodiversity including the origins and history of the evolutionary process. Course material is presented within a phylogenetic context, emphasizing the shared history of all living organisms on earth through common ancestry. The first semester of an integrated one-year sequence (BIO 148 and BIO 152).
Prereq: Math ACT 25 or Math SAT 590 or HS GPA of 3.6 or MA 109 or BIO 155 grade of B or better, or permission of instructor.
UK Core - Comp. & Comm. II
3
Elective
1
Total Sophomore Year Credit Hours
: 29
Fall Semester
14 Credit Hours
CHE 230
3
CHE 230 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
CHE 230
3 credit hours
Fundamental principles and theories of organic chemistry.
Prereq: CHE 107 and CHE 113.
CHE 231
1
CHE 231 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I
CHE 231
1 credit hours
Laboratory for CHE 230 or CHE 236.
Prereq: CHE 113; prereq or concur, CHE 230 or CHE 236.
BIO 152
3
BIO 152 - INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY II
BIO 152
3 credit hours
The second semester of an integrated one-year sequence (BIO 148 and 152) that is designed to develop understanding and appreciation for the biocomplexity of multicellular eukaryotes, with emphasis on animals and terrestrial plants. Structure and function relationships will be explored at many levels of organization.
Prereq: C or better in BIO 148 or permission of Department.
UK Core - Arts and Creativity
3
ABT 201
1
ABT 201 - SCIENTIFIC METHOD IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
ABT 201
*Students must complete Composition and Communication I and II (or equivalent) plus have 30 earned credit hours before enrolling in ABT 201.
1 credit hours
A course designed to acquaint students with the common experimental methods used in agricultural biotechnology. Students will be presented with several case studies which demonstrate basic scientific reasoning and experimental strategies. The students will then use their understanding of basic scientific methods and agricultural systems to critically evaluate work from the current scientific literature. Each student will be required to provide a written and oral evaluation of a research project in some aspect of agricultural biotechnology. The class will provide the students with the basic skills needed for preparing their own research proposals. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in certain programs, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK.
Prereq: ABT 101 and enrollment in the Agricultural Biotechnology degree program or consent of instructor.
Elective
3
Spring Semester
15 Credit Hours
CHE 232
3
CHE 232 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
CHE 232
3 credit hours
A continuation of CHE 230.
Prereq: CHE 230 with grade C or above.
CHE 233
1
CHE 233 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II
CHE 233
1 credit hours
Laboratory for CHE 232.
Prereq: CHE 231; pereq or concur: CHE 232.
ABT 394
1
ABT 394 - INTRODUCTION TO LABORATORY PRACTICES
ABT 394
1 credit hours
An experiential education internship focusing on introducing students to the culture and activities of a science lab without the pressure or expectation of research productivity. Students will gain experience and confidence with important laboratory activities such as (but not limited to) maintaining clean equipment, media preparation, biological organism maintenance, and data organization and analysis. While students enrolled in this course are encouraged to participate in research if possible, the focus is to learn effective laboratory citizenship and familiarity with a new scientific practice.
Prereq: Major standing in the Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology program.
UK Core - Social Sciences
3
UK Core - Humanities
3
STA 296 or BST 230
3
Elective
1
Total Junior Year Credit Hours
: 32
Fall Semester
16 Credit Hours
PHY 211
5
PHY 211 - GENERAL PHYSICS
PHY 211
5 credit hours
First part of a two-semester survey of classical and modern physics, focusing on the motion of solids and fluids as governed by Newton's Laws and by the conservation laws of energy, momentum, and angular momentum. Lecture, two hours; recitation, two hours; laboratory, two hours. Credit is not given to students who already have credit for PHY 231 and 241.
Prereq: A working knowledge of algebra as obtainable in MA 109 or MA 110 or MA 112, or an ACT math score of 25 or above, or an SAT math score of 590 or above, or an SAT2016 math score of 610 or above.
ABT 360
3
ABT 360 - GENETICS
ABT 360
3 credit hours
The basic principles of heredity as currently understood from evidence accumulated in classical, cytogenetic, molecular, and squantitative genetic experiments. Emphasis is placed on a thorough understanding of genetic principles and the relationship of genetics to all biological disciplines.
Prereq: BIO 148, BIO 152 and CHE 105 or consent of instructor.
ABT 301
2
ABT 301 - WRITING AND PRESENTATIONS IN THE LIFE SCIENCES
ABT 301
2 credit hours
The goals of this course are to expose students to current scientific literature in the life sciences, develop skills for the evaluation of primary research literature and presentations, prepare students to write an independent research proposal, and develop oral communication skills. Student participation is a key component of activities, and students are required to provide both oral and written evaluations of research publications, presentations, and proposals. A major part of the course involves students developing, writing, and presenting an independent research proposal in coordination with a research mentor. This course should be taken prior to ABT 395 or ABT 399, and students must identify a research mentor early during the semester. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in certain programs, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK.
Prereq: Agricultural Biotechnology major or consent of instructor.
UK Core - Global Dynamics
3
Specialty Support
3
Spring Semester
16 Credit Hours
PHY 213
5
PHY 213 - GENERAL PHYSICS
PHY 213
5 credit hours
Continuation of PHY 211, covering electrostatics, de circuits, magnetism, Maxwell's Equations, electromagnetic radiation, light and some modern physics. Lecture, two hours; recitation, two hours; laboratory, two hours. Credit is not given to students who already have credit for PHY 232 and 242.
Prereq: PHY 211 or equivalent.
BIO 308
3
BIO 308 - GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
BIO 308
3 credit hours
Fundamental concepts of microbiology. The nutrition, physiology, genetics, molecular biology of microorganisms, and their roles in nature and in infection and immunity will be studied.
Prereq: BIO 304 OR ABT 360 OR ENT 360 AND CHE 230 OR CHE 236.
BIO 309
2
BIO 309 - MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY
BIO 309
2 credit hours
This course includes laboratory exercises that are designed to illustrate processes central to microbiology and to familiarize students with basic skills required for working with microorganisms in a safe environment. Students will become familiar with isolating, culturing, and identifying microorganisms, and with molecular techniques used to study and manipulate microbes.
Prereq: Concurrent or prior enrollment in BIO 308 OR BIO 208, AND BIO 304 OR ABT 360 OR ENT 360, AND CHE 230 OR CHE 236; or consent of Instructor.
BCH 401G
3
BCH 401G - FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOCHEMISTRY
BCH 401G
3 credit hours
Descriptive chemistry of amino acids and proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Discussion of structure and function; metabolism and bioenergetics; and biological information flow. At the undergraduate level, understanding is demonstrated through hour examinations; at the graduate level, understanding is demonstrated through hour examinations and a brief paper. Lecture, three hours; one optional conference.
Prereq: CHE 107, CHE 236 (or CHE 232) and BIO 152 or equivalent.
Specialty Support
3
Total Senior Year Credit Hours
: 28
Fall Semester
16 Credit Hours
ABT 395
3
ABT 395 - INDEPENDENT STUDY IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
ABT 395
3 credit hours
Independent research in biotechnology under the supervision of a research mentor. In addition to developing a written research report, students will deliver their oral research presentations during a symposium at the end of the semester.
Prereq: Major standing in the Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology program, submission of a learning contract, and consent of instructor.
ABT 495
4
ABT 495 - EXPERIMENTAL METHODS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
ABT 495
4 credit hours
A laboratory techniques course designed to give students the technical skills and understanding necessary to critically examine biological systems at the molecular level. The course will emphasize the principles of chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology as applied to a model system for laboratory investigations. Laboratory, nine hours per week.
Prereq: ABT/ENT360 or BIO304, Agricultural Biotechnology major or consent of instructor
Specialty Support
3
Specialty Support
3
Specialty Support
3
Spring Semester
12 Credit Hours
ABT 460
3
ABT 460 - INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR GENETICS
ABT 460
3 credit hours
Molecular genetics is the study of the biochemical basis of heredity and focuses on the structure and expression of DNA at the molecular and cellular level. The course will provide a detailed understanding of the biochemical events involved in genome replication, prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription, and translation of DNA, as well as RNA processing, recombination and the theoretical underpinnings of genetic engineering.
Prereq: ABT/ENT 360 or BIO304 or consent of instructor.
ABT 461G
3
ABT 461G - INTRODUCTION TO POPULATION GENETICS
ABT 461G
3 credit hours
This survey course examines the population dynamics and equlibria of genes in nuclei, chloroplasts and mitochondria. Emphasis will be on biological relevance (in plants, animals, and micro-organisms), but some theoretical derivations will also be introduced.
Prereq: ABT 360 (or equivalent) and one course in probability/statistics.
Specialty Support
3
Specialty Support
3
Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and
personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
Our professional advisor is dedicated to advising ABT students, from the first day of orientation to the completion of their degree.
In our most recent advising survey, two-thirds of ABT students said they were extremely satisfied with their advisor, the highest rating possible. In the same survey, when asked what they like about their advisor, one student responded with:
"Everything really. He is a great person to get connected with for the friendship as well as all of the great advice he provides for classes and outside the academic world. He is always willing to meet to help us with anything - even if it is just to get some coffee and chat. I couldn't ask for a better advisor."
Professional Development for Emerging Scientists
Our faculty are committed in teaching the principles of genetics and molecular biology to each of our students. Our faculty are also involved with mentoring students through their independent research projects and directing students to opportunities that promote professional development of emerging scientists. Our academic coordinator provides an added layer of support to students in their first-year experience, research and internship opportunities, and professional development.
While the opportunities are endless, a few examples of ABT student research projects include:
genetic engineering of microorganisms for pharmaceutical agents
development of new bioengineered strains of microorganisms for food production
gene cloning
pest and disease resistant gene development
development of new immunological and nucleic acid types
Apply for Our Scholarships
In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, our students are also eligible for a variety of awards from the college. With one of the largest college-based scholarship programs, we awarded nearly $1 million to our students during the 2022-23 academic year. These awards are based on a variety of criteria such as hometown, major, career goals, high school extracurriculars, and more.
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Living Learning Program (CAFE LLP) is open to all first-semester freshmen at the University of Kentucky.
Through field trips, professional development workshops and service programs, students in our LLP apply their knowledge and passion to global issues at the intersection of food, economics and environment. All students in this program will also enroll in connected courses, share study groups and have an assigned peer mentor - all to help with the transition to college life.
Should you choose, you can gain international experience while earning credit towards your degree. We offer a variety of study, research, intern, and service abroad programs for all budgets and comfort levels. Some students have even earned grants and scholarships to fully fund their international experiences.
These programs are designed to broaden your mind and introduce you to unfamiliar ways of thinking and living. Ultimately, these experiences will make you a more competitive applicant in the global workforce.
Pre-Med? Pre-Vet? Pre-Law?
Each year, many of our graduates attend professional schools in areas such as veterinary medicine, law, pharmacy, dentistry, and more. If you are interested in pursuing a similar path, we offer pre-professional advising services.
Our pre-professional advisors will assist you with:
Listing required courses for respective professional schools
Scheduling pre-professional courses alongside your major requirements
Suggesting supplemental coursework
Connections to student organizations, volunteer work, shadowing experiences, etc.
Students can join organizations and clubs to learn outside the classroom, gain valuable work experience and develop their leadership skills. Many of our students are involved in:
Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology Club members are engaged with students, faculty, and professionals within biotechnology related interests
Pre-Med Activities Council bringing together aspiring health professionals for service and opportunities to prepare for professional school
Pre-Vet Club utilized as a connection point for students to plan and prepare for veterinary school as a collective group
The University Scholars program allows 12 credit hours to count toward both your undergraduate degree and a selected master's program. Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology participates in two of such programs: the Masters of Medical Science in the College of Medicine and the Masters in Integrated Plant and Soil Science in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Imagine Your Future
Medical Scientists
Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$95,310
per year in 2021
Number of Jobs
119,200
in 2021
10 Year Job Outlook
20,800
new jobs (average)
Imagine Your Future
Pharmacists
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$128,570
per year in 2021
Number of Jobs
323,500
in 2021
10 Year Job Outlook
7,700
new jobs (average)
Imagine Your Future
Microbiologists
Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$79,260
per year in 2021
Number of Jobs
20,800
in 2021
10 Year Job Outlook
1,900
new jobs (average)
Imagine Your Future
Veterinarians
Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$100,370
per year in 2021
Number of Jobs
86,300
in 2021
10 Year Job Outlook
16,800
new jobs (average)
Contact
Wayne Centers
Director of Student Relations
Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
