A 2-credit service-learning biotechnology course designed as a general education elective for students of all majors and at all levels was offered as an 8-week, half-semester course. The course met for a total of 3 hours of lecture/discussion and 2 hours of service-learning workshop weekly, during which students participated in discussions about peer-reviewed articles, group problem-solving exercises and reflective journal writing. A service-learning project related to biotechnology and addressing the educational or programmatic initiatives of a local non-profit organization and a service-learning portfolio are required elements of the course. The service-learning project required completion of agency brochures or advocacy letters, or participation in the planning and presentation of a community round table discussion on biotechnology-related issues. Based upon comparative analysis of pre- and post-course surveys, students' knowledge of biotechnological methods and practical applications of biotechnology increased significantly. Furthermore, students report a greater understanding of the societal implications of the global utilization of biotechnology. (Contains 5 tables and 1 figure.)