iotechnology
is the application of modern biochemical and biological techniques in medicine,
agriculture, forestry, the environment, and many areas of industry. Techniques used in
biotechnology are numerous but generally involve manipulation of living cells and their
molecules to make products or solve problems. Major techniques are genetic engineering,
cell culture, protein engineering, monoclonal antibody production, and DNA amplification.
Biotechnology will continue to change our lives and society as much as, or more than, any
other human discoveries or advances.
Since the early 1980s, the University of Maine has invested in educational and
research programs in biotechnology. A wide variety of degree programs at both
undergraduate and graduate levels are offered in the fundamental disciplines that are the
foundation of biotechnology. Students in these programs can select courses that will
prepare them for careers in biotechnology.
Research
Biotechnology research at UMaine covers a broad spectrum of subject areas.
Examples of biomedical research being conducted include studies to understand how cells
send specific signals to each other and isolating the genes that regulate heartbeat to
create a model for use in medical testing. Much of UMaine’s biotechnology
research is focused on the state’s natural resources: forestry, agriculture,
fisheries, and the environment. Plant biologists are improving the quality and protection
of Maine’s agricultural crops and forests. Marine scientists are probing the genetics
of important fish species to help preserve the wild fisheries of the Gulf of Maine. They
are also inventing new molecular techniques to detect and prevent diseases of cultured
fish and shellfish. UMaine’s wood scientists are developing new ways to improve tree
growth and the integrity of wood products.
Facilities for Teaching and Research
• More than 30 research laboratories equipped for biotechnology research
• Numerous teaching laboratories fully equipped to teach molecular biology, molecular
genetics, immunology, cell culture, and virology
• Automated DNA Sequencing Laboratory with full-time dedicated staff
• Electron Microscopy Laboratory with full-time dedicated staff
• Computing facilities for analysis of DNA and protein sequence data
• Cell culture facilities including hybridomas/monoclonal antibodies
• Extensive chemical and biochemical analytical facilities and instrumentation
• Extensive related facilities including Darling Marine Center, Sawyer Environmental
Research Center, experimental farms and forest, aquaculture facilities, and others
Please contact us if you
are interested in
educational opportunities
in biotechnology.
For additional information direct inquiries to:
Dr. Michael Vayda
University of Maine
5735 Hitchner Hall
Orono, Maine 04469-5735
Tel: (207) 581-2821
Fax: (207) 581-2801
vayda@maine.edu
Visit these web sites:
http://www.ume.maine.edu/~bmmb
http://www.umesci.maine.edu/biology
http://www.ume.maine.edu/~marine/marine.html