Biological and Technological Education

The UN Convention on Biological Diversity states, “Biotechnology is any technological application that utilizes biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or approaches for specific use”. The OECD (the business of Economic Co-operation and Development) defines biotechnology as “…the application of scientific and engineering principles towards the processing of materials by biological agents”. Thus, “Biotechnology” basically means using biology as the basis for a technology that’s put on research and product development in areas such as agriculture, food science, and medicine.

The Academic Standards for Science and Technology defines Biotechnology because the ways that humans apply biological concepts to create products and provide services. This is true if we consider a section of biotechnology in which the directed manipulation of organisms can be used for the product of organic products for example beer, dairy food, food etc.

Biotechnology had recently been performed well before the word itself was coined, though on the very basic level. For example, man had already learnt the technique of fermenting fruit juices to concoct alcoholic beverages during the period around 6000 BC. However, it was considered much more of an art then. Biotechnology became a genuine science no more than two decades ago when genes were found to contain information that will let the synthesis of specific proteins. This was within the 1970s, when new advances in neuro-scientific molecular biology enabled scientists to easily transfer DNA – caffeine foundations that specify the characteristics of just living organisms – between more distantly related organisms.

Then within the mid-eighties and early-nineties, it had been confirmed that the transformation or modification from the genetic structure of plants and animals was very possible. The development of “Transgenic” animals and plants also resulted in more resistance to disease and increased the rate of productivity etc. Modern biotechnology is also now more often than not linked to the utilization of genetically altered microorganisms for example E. coli or yeast for the production of substances like insulin or antibiotics. New innovative biotechnology application such as plant-made pharmaceuticals has also now been developed.

Sub-fields in Biotechnology:

Red Biotechnology is the utilization of genetically altered microorganisms for the production of substances like insulin, antibiotics, vitamins, vaccines and proteins for medical use, and is thus associated with medical processes. Genomic manipulation can also be a good example of Red Biotechnology.

Biomanufacturing or White Biotechnology is emerging field within modern biotechnology that involves the designing of organisms such as moulds, yeasts or bacteria, and enzymes to produce certain useful chemicals, and is associated with the industrial sector. It is also known as Grey Biotechnology.

STEM, which means Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, is a hot topic lately, especially because the Federal government just launched the Educate to Innovate campaign to improve American students’ performance in STEM. American students rank 21st out of 30 in science literacy and 25th from 30 in math literacy among students in developed nations. Consequently, America’s competitiveness in science is rapidly eroding, putting our nation at risk of losing its position because the global economic and technological leader.

The Obama administration’s Educate to Innovate campaign aims to enhance K-12 science and mathematics education and encourage more young adults to pursue STEM careers in the following fields:

Agriculture
Biological and biomedical sciences
Computer and informational sciences
Engineering
Mathematics and statistics
Physical sciences and technologies

Some STEM careers which are in high demand at the moment include actuaries, chemical engineers, chemists, software applications engineers, and electrical engineers.

Even though you don’t want to be a scientist or an engineer, an academic background in STEM could be beneficial. The key skills that employers search for, such as analytical thinking, problem solving, and also the ability to work independently, are all associated with STEM. Individuals who use a STEM education are in demand in a number of industries, including finance, healthcare, and precision manufacturing.

How to Prepare for STEM Careers

The majority of STEM careers require extensive education. You are able to prepare for a STEM career if you take classes in the following subjects during senior high school and college:

Algebra, Biology,Statistics, Calculus, Electronics, Economics, Geography, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental science, Technical writing, search methods, Computer technology, Computer-assisted art

There are also numerous things you can do outside the classroom to organize for any STEM career. You are able to join a math or science club at the school, teach science at a camp for youth, volunteer to assistance with fundraising events that require you to definitely apply your math and budgeting skills, make a work for a science fair, or learn computer applications. STEM skills may also be gained through work experience.

Some STEM careers only require you to have work experience in the field or perhaps an associate’s degree, but many require you to have at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Taking advanced courses in STEM is challenging as well as dedication and persistence, but it is worthwhile because STEM careers tend to pay well and boast a rewarding future. From helping solve energy problems to propelling space exploration, STEM graduates are equipped to work in an array of exciting fields.