Biotechnology (A.A.S.)

Purpose

The Biotechnology A.A.S. program is designed to prepare graduates for employment into entry-level positions available at local biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. The areas for career opportunities include (but are not limited to) basic research in a drug discovery environment, manufacturing, and clinical development. This program is intended to build upon basic principles of biology and chemistry acquired at the high school level. Graduates will be prepared for positions as biotechnology technicians and assistants.

Program Objectives

A graduate should be able to:

  1. demonstrate a theoretical and practical (i.e., hands-on) knowledge of state-of-the-art tools used in biotechnology laboratories, including molecular and cellular biological techniques and use of various laboratory instrumentation.
  2. demonstrate an understanding of the biotechnology process, from identification of a molecule involved in a disease process to the end-stage marketing of a product.
  3. demonstrate thorough knowledge of the biotechnology manufacturing process.
  4. demonstrate potential for teamwork, and good oral and written communication skills.
  5. become familiar with the types of career opportunities available in the biotechnology industry.
  6. participate in an internship at a local biotechnology or pharmaceutical company, arranged and supervised by faculty associated with the program.

Curriculum

First Semester

ENG 101

English Composition I

3

MAT 100

Intermediate Algebra

3

BIT 120

Introduction to Biotechnology

3

CHE 131

Chemistry for Technology I

4

CIS 110
(16 Credit Hours)

Information Systems for Management with Computer Applications

3

Second Semester

ENG 115

Writing for Technical Communications

3

HIS 103 / 105 / 107

History of Western Civilization

3

CHE 132

Chemistry for Technology II

4

BIO 151

Principles of Biology I

4

BIT 123
(17 Credit Hours)

Basic Techniques and Instrumentation for Biotechnology

3

Third Semester

Elective

Laboratory Science *

4

BIT 220

Biotechnology Research

4

SPC 110

Introduction to Speech Communications

3

MAT 131

Introduction to Statistics

3

Elective
(17 Credit Hours)

Sociology / Psychology / Economics

3

Fourth Semester

BIT 230

Biotechnology Manufacturing

3

BIT 260

Biotechnology Internship

6

PEH

Physical Education Elective

2

BIO 140
(15 Credit Hours)

Microbiology and Immunology

4

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS CREDIT: 65

* Choose One for the Third Semester Elective
BIO 152 Principles of Biology II
BIO 130 Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
BIO 131 or BIO 132 Human Anatomy and Physiology I or II
BIO 260 Genetics
PHY 121 or PHY 122 General Physics I or II