Biological Technology – Laboratory Assistant – Certificate of Achievement

Top Code:

0430.00

The curriculum prepares students to work in entry level positions in the field of biotechnology where a biology or chemistry degree is not required. This is an interdisciplinary program including courses and practical training in math, chemistry, biology, computer skills and English. This program prepares students using scans guidelines. Emphasis is on practical laboratory skills combined with training in quality assurance and quality control in a working laboratory setting. Students are kept informed on current advances in biotechnology by speakers from industry, internet assignments and tours of local biotech facilities.

This program offers classroom instruction plus supervised work experience in the biotechnology industry. 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 in the final semester to an internship site. Employment opportunities include: biomedical industry, academic research labs, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food science labs, genetic engineering labs.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Students who have previously completed coursework required for the laboratory assistant option and need only the BIOL 102A – BIOL 102D courses may take a “fast track” and complete the option in 1 year.

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 with an emphasis in the medical environment.

Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement

Semester I
Select one of the following:4
GENERAL BIOLOGY
HONORS GENERAL BIOLOGY
MODERN HUMAN GENETICS
BIOL 102ABIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY - BASIC TECHNIQUES3
CHEM 002ACHEMISTRY - GENERAL, ORGANIC AND BIOCHEMISTRY I4
ENGL 001AREADING AND COMPOSITION4
or ENGL 001AH HONORS READING AND COMPOSITION
Semester II
BIOL 102BBIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY - ADVANCED TECHNIQUES3
CHEM 002BCHEMISTRY–GENERAL, ORGANIC AND BIOCHEMISTRY II4
PHSC 002SCIENTIFIC METHOD AS CRITICAL THINKING3
Semester III
MICR 002MICROBIOLOGY4
Select one of the following:4
STATISTICS FOR BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
HONORS ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
Semester IV
BIOL 102CBIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY - CELL CULTURE TECHNIQUES3
Summer
BIOL 102DBIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY - LABORATORY INTERNSHIP3
Total Units39

Visit the Program Mapper for a suggested sequence of courses.

This Certificate of Achievement is not eligible as a major for an Associate Degree.