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

ENG-111 College Writing I Credits: 3 *
MAT-197 Precalculus Credits: 4 *
BIO-195 General Biology I & Lab Credits: 4 *
BIO-120 Introduction to Biotechnology Credits: 4 *
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.

Total Credits: 15

Semester 1 Advising Note

General Education Quantitative Problem Solving and General Education Scientific Reasoning satisfied by Program.
This is a day program only. The only biotechnology course offered in the evening is BIO-120 .
If 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

ENG-112 College Writing II Credits: 3 *
GenEd -CCC Community & Cultural Contexts Credits: 3
GenEd -E General Education Elective Credits: 3
BIO-196 General Biology II & Lab Credits: 4
BIO-207 Cell Biology & Lab Credits: 4 *

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

BIO-208 Genetics and Lab Credits: 4 *
GenEd -CW Creative Work Credits: 3
BIO-261 Advanced Laboratory Techniques in Biotechnology Credits: 3 *
CHM-201 General Chemistry I & Lab Credits: 4 *
Students must complete MAT-197 or higher level math with a C+ or better before taking CHM-201 .

Total Credits: 14

Semester 3 Advising Note

Students in the Biotechnology option must complete BIO-120 before taking BIO-261
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

CHM-202 General Chemistry II & Lab Credits: 4
Elective- Option Elective Credits: 4
Elective Options:
BIO-205 Microbiology & Lab , ENV-211 Environmental Microbiology/Lab , CHM-121 Principles of Organic & Chemistry W/Lab , CHM-251 Organic Chemistry I and Lab , CHM-252 Organic Chemistry II and Lab , CIT-113 Information Technology Problem Solving , MAT-181 Statistics I , MAT-281 Calculus I , MAT-282 Calculus II , SCI-221 Interpretation and Presentation of Scientific Research , SCI-150 Forensic Science and Lab , HON-200 Honors Seminar , INT-299STM Learn & Earn STEM Internship , SCI-299 Science Internship
Elective- Option Elective Credits: 3-4

Elective Options:
BIO-205 Microbiology & Lab , ENV-211 Environmental Microbiology/Lab , CHM-121 Principles of Organic & Chemistry W/Lab , CHM-251 Organic Chemistry I and Lab , CHM-252 Organic Chemistry II and Lab ,CIT-113 Information Technology Problem Solving , MAT-181 Statistics I , MAT-281 Calculus I , MAT-282 Calculus II , SCI-221 Interpretation and Presentation of Scientific Research , SCI-150 Forensic Science and Lab , HON-200 Honors Seminar , INT-299STM Learn & Earn STEM Internship , SCI-299 Science Internship

BIO-262 Principles of Molecular Biotechnology Credits: 3 *

Total Credits: 14-15

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.)
Apply for graduation
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.