The Certificate of Achievement in Agripharmatech is organized in three tracks: Plant Biotechnology, Ethnopharmacognosy, and Limu Culture. Each track consists of 30 credits and requires a unique capstone class (see below).
Plant Biotechnology
The Plant Biotechnology track deals with developing and improving plant production in order to supply the world’s need for healthier (decreased use of pesticides) and more nutritious food crops, novel ornamentals, and plant-derived pharmaceuticals.
Ethnopharmacognosy
Ethnopharmacognosy is the study of traditional medicines derived from natural sources (medicinal/nutritious plants).
Limu Culture
The Limu Culture track is designed to prepare students for the next generation of algal-based jobs. After successful completion of this certificate, students will gain the basic understanding of sustainable algae cultivation, and develop practical skills for algae mass production and biomanufacturing.
Outcomes
Students will be able to complete the certificate in two to three semesters with coursework flexible enough to prepare them for employment in agricultural biotechnology or pharmacognosy, for entrepreneurship in agribusiness or plant-based product manufacturing, and for seamless credit transfer to higher degree institutions for the study of agriculture, pharmacy, and related disciplines.
After completing the program, students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge gained in plant sciences: identify plants, propagate/cultivate/maintain plants in vivo and in vitro
- Apply knowledge gained in microbial sciences: prepare/maintain bacterial cultures for genetic transformation and bioassay tests
- Conduct plant biotech and/or pharmacognosy research
Biotechnology
In addition, students opting for the biotechnological track will focus on plant molecular genetics, and will:
- Operate specialized lab equipment such as autoclave, gel electrophoresis, PCR machine, Particle Deliver/1000 Helium System, spectrophotometer, fluorescent microscope, Gel Doc System
- Perform DNA/RNA extraction, electrophoresis, PCR reaction, DNA sequencing, gene transformation via bacteria, and particle bombardment, alignment and analyzing DA sequence results using Sequencher, PAUP, Finch TV software systems
Ethnopharmacognosy
Students opting for the ethnopharmacognosy track will focus on plant pharmacognostical study, and will:
- Operate laboratory equipment: autoclave, spectrophotometer, stereo microscope, anaerobic transfer chamber, rotary evaporator, distiller, Biacore Q system
- Conduct pharmaceutical and nutraceutical research
Limu Culture
students opting for the Limu Culture track will focus on algae cultivation and will:
- describe biological importance and economic applications of algae
- demonstrate the knowledge and skills in algae cultivation
- operate and maintain algae cultivation equipment or facilities, establishing laboratory and scale-up algae culture systems
- conduct algae-based research
Notes
* Math 100 is recommended for those who seek certificates to enter the workforce or become agribusiness entrepreneurs. Otherwise, Math 103 is recommended.
* BOT 199/299 in Ethnopharmacognosy involves pharmaceutical/nutraceutical research.
* BOT 199/299 in Plant Biotechnology involves plant biotechnology research.
*SCI 295 EP and SCI 295 PB may only be used for one certificate requirement.
Required Courses (11 credits)
Ethnopharmacognosy and Plant Biotechnology Required Courses (6–7 credits)
Limu Culture Track: Required Courses (7 credits)
Ethnopharmacognosy Track: Capstone (4-5 credits)
Ethnopharmacognosy Track: Electives (8-9 credits)
Choose eight to nine (8-9) credits from the following