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0430.00The curriculum prepares students to work in entry level positions in the field of biotechnology in high-tech industry and research institutions. This is an interdisciplinary program including courses and practical training in math, chemistry, biology, computer skills, and English. Emphasis is placed on program participants developing competency for working in a laboratory environment, including; performing basic and advanced laboratory techniques; collecting, documenting, and analyzing data; and participating in short-term independent projects. Fundamental skills and workplace competencies necessary for successful employment in the biotechnology industry and in research laboratories are also emphasized.
Students are kept informed on current advances in biotechnology by guest speakers and internet assignments to access relevant technical resources and recently published scientific articles.
This program offers classroom instruction in a working laboratory setting and assistance in finding appropriate internships. Students must be willing to spend time working on long term projects and participating in outreach programs. Students must be able to provide their own transportation to an internship site.
Employment opportunities include positions in: biomedical industry, academic research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, agriculture, and food science genetic engineering laboratories.
Students who have previously completed coursework required for the Certificate of Achievement and need only the Biology 102A–D courses may take a “fast track” and complete the certificate in 1 year.
A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.
Program Outcomes
- Understand, interpret and write laboratory documents, SOPs, protocols and notebook documentation.
- Be able to use, maintain, calibrate and/or validate standard laboratory equipment.
- Be prepared for entry-level technician positions in the biological technology industry and in research laboratories.
Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester I | ||
| BIOL 010A | CELLULAR BIOLOGY, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION | 5 |
| BIOL 102A | BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY – BASIC TECHNIQUES | 3 |
| CHEM 001B | GENERAL CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ANALYSIS II | 5 |
| ENGL 001A | READING AND COMPOSITION | 4 |
| or ENGL 001AH | HONORS READING AND COMPOSITION | |
| Semester II | ||
| BIOL 010B | THE DIVERSITY OF LIFE ON EARTH: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND ECOLOGY | 4 |
| BIOL 102B | BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY – ADVANCED TECHNIQUES | 3 |
| BIOL 102C | BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY – CELL CULTURE TECHNIQUES | 3 |
| Semester III | ||
| CHEM 008A | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I | 5 |
| MICR 002 | MICROBIOLOGY | 4 |
| or BIOL 104B | MICROBIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS USED IN BIOTECHNOLOGY | |
| STAT 018 | STATISTICS FOR BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES | 4 |
| or STAT 050 | ELEMENTARY STATISTICS | |
| or STAT 050H | HONORS ELEMENTARY STATISTICS | |
| Semester IV | ||
| BIOL 010C | GENETICS | 3 |
| PHSC 002 | SCIENTIFIC METHOD AS CRITICAL THINKING | 3 |
| Summer | ||
| BIOL 102D | BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY - LABORATORY INTERNSHIP | 3 |
| Total Units | 49 | |
Recommended Electives
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 104A | APPLICATIONS OF FLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPY | 2 |
| BIOL 104C | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY | 3 |
| BIOL 104D | COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE | 3 |
Visit the Program Mapper for a suggested sequence of courses