Mar 19, 2026  
College Catalog 2026 - 2027 
  
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College Catalog 2026 - 2027

Biological Sciences: Biotechnology Option, A.S.

This option covers the concepts, methodology and techniques of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, cell culture, molecular biology, immunology, bioinformatics and microbiology. The option provides students with a rigorous academic background as well as industry-specific laboratory skills including sophisticated laboratory procedures, experimental design, data interpretation, and equipment maintenance. The program also reinforces general industry-specific skills such as communication, organization and teamwork. Graduates of this program may transfer to four-year colleges and universities to continue their studies in biotechnology or other life sciences.

* Milestone Courses should be taken in the order shown. This will help you stay on track and graduate on time.

Semester 1

Total Credits: 15

Semester 1 Advising Note

  • Students in the Biotechnology option should take BIO-120  in their first semester. Students must also complete BIO-120  before taking BIO-261  in their third semester.

  • General Education Quantitative Problem Solving and General Education Scientific Reasoning satisfied by Program.

  • This is a day program only. 

  • If a student is taking developmental math their first semester, they can supplement their schedule with General Education courses and ENG-111 College Writing I . Taking developmental math the first semester will require a student to attend for an extra semester and/or attend a summer session to complete the program.

  • A student should consider taking one of their General Education courses during the summer session to lighten their academic load in semester two.

Semester 2

Total Credits: 17

Semester 2 Advising Note

  • Three General Education menu courses must be completed during semesters 2 and 3, in no particular sequence.
  • Meet with an advisor to begin career planning activities.
  • Begin exploring transfer options: attend a transfer workshop and the College transfer fair.

Semester 3

Total Credits: 13

Semester 3 Advising Note

  • Students in the Biotechnology option must complete BIO-120  before taking BIO-261  
  • BIO-261  is offered in the fall and spring semester. BIO-262  is offered in fall semester only.
  • Continue preparations for transfer: write essays for transfer institution, collect letters of recommendation, apply for transfer.
  • Complete a pre-graduation check with an advisor in LifeMap.

Semester 4

Total Credits: 15-16

Semester 4 Advising Note

  • For the two option elective courses, students must complete a minimum of 7 credits. (One of the two electives courses must be a 4-credit course.)

  • Continue preparations for transfer: write essays for transfer institution, collect letters of recommendation, apply for transfer.

  • Complete a pre-graduation check with an advisor in LifeMap. Apply for graduation

  • ENV-211 Environmental Microbiology/Lab  was formally offered as BIO-211. ENV-211  cannot be taken if credits already earned for BIO-211.

  • Internship courses require student be accepted into an internship with approval from the Department Chair or Internship office.

Upon Completion of This Concentration Graduates Will Be Able To:

  • Apply currently accepted biological, chemical, physical and mathematical concepts to investigate problems and ideas presented in advanced biological study.
  • Apply the concepts of scientific inquiry to investigate biological observations by formulating hypotheses, designing and conducting experiments, analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting experimental data, and developing evidence-based conclusion.
  • Clearly express the procedures used, data collected, and conclusions obtained in his or her written or oral presentation of a scientific investigation.
  • Apply laboratory safety protocols in using the equipment, technology, and techniques that are commonly used in laboratory or field investigations
  • Apply evidence-based science in addressing personal and global issues.

Career Outlook

Students completing this option qualify for entry level positions in a wide range of biotechnology disciplines in industry, police, government and academic labs. These positions require a biotechnology certificate, AS degree or BS degree with 0-2 years of experience. Such positions offer the possibility of merit bonus and promotion and are available locally as well as nationwide.

Explore Career Options

Transfer Options

MassTransfer A2B Link

  • Fitchburg State University
  • UMASS Boston University
  • UMASS Lowell University

 

Transfer Guides