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

If student is taking developmental math their first semester, they can supplement their schedule with General Education courses and College Writing I (ENG-111 ). 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.
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 .
Students who do not place into MAT-197 may need to take prerequisite coursework. This could require additionaltime to complete the degree. Math should be taken as early in the program as possible to ensure timely completion.

Semester 2

ENG-112 College Writing II Credits: 3 *
GenEd -CCC Community & Cultural Contexts Credits: 3
This course meets the General Education requirement for Community & Cultural Contexts
Choose one course from Community and Cultural Contexts Menu
GenEd -E General Education Elective Credits: 3
This course meets the General Education requirement for General Education Elective.
Choose a course from the General Education Scientific Reasoning, Community/Cultural Contexts, Creative Work or Elective Menus.
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 *
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
BIO-262 Principles of Molecular Biotechnology Credits: 3 *

Total Credits: 14

Semester 3 Advising Note

Students in the Biotechnology option must complete BIO-120 before taking BIO-261
BIO-262 is only offered in the fall semester, please see department chair for questions.
To lighten the course load for semester 3, a student should consider taking either BIO-208 or CHM-201 during the preceding summer session.
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

GenEd -CW Creative Work Credits: 3

This course meets the General Education requirement for Creative Work
Choose one course from Creative Work Menu

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 110 - Applications/Concepts , 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
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 110 - Applications/Concepts , 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

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

Upon Completion of This Concentration Graduates Will Be Able To:

Use currently accepted biological, chemical, and physical concepts to investigate problems and ideas presented in advanced biological study.
Use biological concepts to evaluate their own science related concerns such as personal health or careers.
Use laboratory technology, equipment and techniques to investigate scientific problems critically and safely using proper scientific methods.
Use molecular and cellular laboratory techniques that are commonly used in Biotechnology.
Explain the major concepts of cell structure, function and cellular processes that are key to life.
Explain current models, concepts and principles of genetics and inheritance.
Explain and apply the underlying concepts of current topics and experimental models in molecular biology and Biotechnology.
Use industry skills and work practices of the biotechnology industry for direct employment.

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.