Environmental Biotechnology

What is Environmental Biotechnology?

Biotechnology is an applied discipline which studies the possibility of using living organisms, their systems or products of their vital functions to solve technological problems. The concept of biotechnology is mainly associated with genetic engineering, but this is not the only method used by Biotechnology. In addition to genetic engineering, biotechnology includes other processes of modification of living organisms, such as selection or crossbreeding.

Environmental Biotechnology is a branch of Biotechnology which is dedicated to study the natural environment.  The aim of Environmental Biotechnology is solving the problems in ecosystems.

One of the topics of Environmental Biotechnology is biomarkers. Biomarkers are used to determine the level of pollution in places of  anthropomorphic or natural disaster. Specific animals or plants are released into the observation zone and their survival is monitored. Another topic of Environmental Biotechnology is Bioenergy. The goal of Bioenergy is the non-waste production of energy available to all inhabitants of the planet and harmless to ecosystems.

Entry requirements for Environmental Biotechnology applicants

Those who wish to apply for an undergraduate study program in Environmental Biotechnology in foreign university need to have excellent grades in Biology and Chemistry. Sometimes high scores in other sciences, such as Mathematics or Physics, are required too - it depends on the specialization of the chosen program and specific requirements of a chosen university. Many foreign universities ask Russian applicants to complete at least one year on relevant undergraduate education in Russian universities with a good GPA score.

Those applicants whose native language is other from English need to demonstrate language proficiency by providing the results of TOEFL, IELTS or other equivalent language certificate.

Applicants for foreign universities need also to meet some specific requirements of the country they have chosen. Some helpful tips about applying for popular countries, for example, USA or UK, can be found on our website.

Program structure

An undergraduate degree in Environmental Biotechnology usually lasts from four to five years - it depends on the chosen institution and country. First years of education are usually dedicated to basic courses in Biotechnology, Ecology, Biology and Geology. Last years are more specific - firstly, students can undertake a lot of elective courses which are related to their research project and academic and career interests.  

Structure of Environmental Biotechnology study program varies from institution from institution, so it would be better to compare several study programs to find the one that will be the most relevant to your career, research and academic interests. Many study programs in this area can be found on our website.