Careers in Biotechnology A Career Exploration Activity for Grades 4-6

What is Biotechnology?

Biotechnology is the merging of biology and technology and was coined in 1919 by Karl Ereky, a Hungarian engineer.

Biotechnology has applications in four major industrial areas:

• Health care (medical)
• Crop production and agriculture
• Non-food (industrial) uses of crops and other products (e.g. biodegradable plastics, vegetable oil, biofuels)
• Environmental uses

Careers in Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a rapidly growing field that uses research tools from biology and chemistry to find solutions to current scientific problems. The field is complex and interdisciplinary.

Biotechnology goes beyond biology and chemistry. Creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills are key to all careers in this industry.

There are many different career paths to pursue. Some biotechnology professionals look for the genetic basis of disease or factors that affect lifespan. Others focus on solving food shortages, the climate crisis, or criminal investigations.

Explore Biotech from home

You can start developing your skills now with some projects you can do at home. Some adult supervision may be needed.

Happy building!