Biological Technology – Associate in Science Degree, Certificate of Achievement

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0430.00

The 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

Semester I
BIOL 010ACELLULAR BIOLOGY, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION5
BIOL 102ABIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY - BASIC TECHNIQUES3
CHEM 001BGENERAL CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ANALYSIS5
ENGL 001AREADING AND COMPOSITION4
or ENGL 001AH HONORS READING AND COMPOSITION
Semester II
BIOL 010BTHE DIVERSITY OF LIFE ON EARTH: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND ECOLOGY4
BIOL 102BBIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY - ADVANCED TECHNIQUES3
BIOL 102CBIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY - CELL CULTURE TECHNIQUES3
Semester III
CHEM 008AORGANIC CHEMISTRY I5
MICR 002MICROBIOLOGY4
or BIOL 104B MICROBIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS USED IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
Select one of the following:4
STATISTICS FOR BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
HONORS ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
Semester IV
BIOL 010CGENETICS3
PHSC 002SCIENTIFIC METHOD AS CRITICAL THINKING3
Summer
BIOL 102DBIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY - LABORATORY INTERNSHIP3
Total Units49

Recommended Electives

BIOL 104AAPPLICATIONS OF FLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPY2
BIOL 104CRESEARCH METHODOLOGY3
BIOL 104DCOLLABORATIVE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE3

Visit the Program Mapper for a suggested sequence of courses

General Education Requirements for the Associate in Science Degree