Science is in our Genes

The Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology (AMBT) program is a life sciences degree for students who wish to pursue opportunities in biotechnology, human health, animal health, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability.

Inside the classroom, you will develop transferable skills in chemistry, biology, and genetics. You will apply these abilities outside the classroom during your independent research project while receiving mentorship by exceptional scientists. After the completion of your research, you will publicly communicate your findings during a sponsored research symposium.

Our research experience allows you to develop employable skills, design experiments, troubleshoot, and draw conclusions from your observations. During this process, you will develop critical thinking skills useful in any career. Whether you are interested in human health, animal health, plant biology, or genetics, the research project develops you as a scientist. You will be well prepared for a rewarding life science career.

Careers

The Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology degree will prepare you for opportunities in health care, animal health, and plant science careers in addition to a variety of job opportunities in research and development in the private sector, such as:

  • Bioinformatician
  • Biomedical Research Scientist
  • Dentist
  • Distillation Sciences
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacist
  • Physician
  • Physician Assistant
  • Plant Biologist
  • Research Scientist
  • Veterinarian

Accelerate Your Career Into Graduate School

For highly motivated students, the opportunity exists to integrate up to 12 credit hours of undergraduate and graduate coursework through the Accelerated Master’s Pathways or AMP program. Students will save time and money by receiving dual credit for select courses taken during their senior year of undergraduate studies. Those interested in pursuing this path to a graduate degree should consult with their academic advisor.

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First-Year Experience

Incoming first-year students experience the impact of life sciences in our introductory biotechnology class, ABT 101 Introduction to Biotechnology. This introductory course supports you through the first college semester, cultivates a group of peers who share similar interests, and provides hands-on learning on different life science topics.

During their second semester, students take ABT 120 Genetics and Society. The course instructor leads discussions on current science topics accompanied by a biotechnology laboratory session.

AGRICULTURAL AND MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
AGRICULTURAL AND MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

The AMBT Community

The ethos of the AMBT community is student success. Our tight-knit and supportive community comes from multiple disciplines in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. We strive to help students reach their fullest potential, with our faculty and staff playing an active role in mentoring students to be the best individuals, scholars, and scientists they can be. Whether teaching in the classroom, serving as career and professional development mentors, or guiding research projects, we connect with students one on one.

Experiential Learning

Research experience is at the heart of what we do in AMBT. Our program provides a hands-on learning atmosphere for students to practice the scientific method and communicate their research to professional and lay audiences. Through a series of courses, AMBT students are supported through all stages of the scientific process.

ABT 201 Scientific Method in Biotechnology

Students learn the breadth of research opportunities at UK and identify an undergraduate research mentor.

ABT 301 Writing and Presentation in the Life Sciences

Students learn to evaluate scientific literature and write a scientific proposal for their research project.

ABT 394 Introduction to Laboratory Practices

Students gain hands-on experience in a research laboratory while learning how to become an effective laboratory citizen.

ABT 395 Independent Study in Biotechnology

Students earn college credit for conducting research, analyzing data, and communicating findings at a symposium.

Living Learning Program

The Living Learning Program (LLP) supports student success by placing students with similar interests into smaller communities in particular residence halls.

Academic Enrichment

Our college believes in learning by doing. Our students are required to complete at least one type of experiential or hands-on learning opportunity, such as undergraduate research, an internship or an education abroad experience.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous alumni, donors and community partners, we have one of the largest scholarship programs at UK. Only one application is required for our college’s scholarships, but there are hundreds of potential awards.

Student Services

We’re here to help you grow personally, academically and professionally.

Ready to turn your passion into a career?

Explore endless opportunities at the University of Kentucky and take the first step toward your future.

Assistant Dean for Academic Advising
Grace Hahn

Academic Coordinator
Esther Fleming

Director of Undergraduate Studies
Julian Dupuis, PhD

Director of Undergraduate Studies
Robert Hirsch, PhD

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