Biotechnology Science (9375)

The Biotechnology Science program prepares students for entry-level laboratory technician positions in research and industrial laboratories engaged in biotechnology. Graduates may choose career paths in the medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, environmental, or forensic science industries, as well as basic biological research. The program emphasizes hands-on training utilizing industry standard equipment to perform both routine and specialized experimental techniques. Students become adept in macromolecular separation and characterization, genetic manipulation, cell culture, and microbial growth control. Fundamental laboratory skills such as documentation, reagent preparation, safety, troubleshooting, good laboratory practice (GLP), and good manufacturing practice (GMP) are stressed.

A minimum GPA of 2.0 and a "C" grade or higher is required in all science and program-specific courses for graduation. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grades may not be used to fulfill health program requirements.

A certificate is also available.

Admission Procedures

Students must meet specific admission requirements for this program. Listed below are requirements for admission to the Biotechnology Science Program:

  • Complete college application(s).
  • Submit high school transcript as well as any college transcript(s).
  • Meet with the biotechnology science program director to obtain a program application form.
  • Meet with a counselor to review program prerequisites and requirements.
  • Completion of high school chemistry with a grade of "C" or above or successful completion of CHEM 1100 Elementary Chemistry I: Intro to Inorganic Chemistry.
  • Successful completion of MATH 0950 Intermediate Algebra or placement into MATH 1650 College Algebra (A).
Plan of Study Grid
First SemesterCredit Hours
BIOS 1050 Introduction to Biotechnology Science 3
BIOS 1200 Biotechnology Science Lab Skills 4
BIOL 1510 Principles of Biology I 1 4
CHEM 1500 General Chemistry I 2 5
FYEX 1000 First Year Experience 1
 Credit Hours17
Second Semester
BIOS 1500 Introduction to Biochemistry 4
BIOL 2700 Microbiology 4
CHEM 1600 General Chemistry II 5
ENGL 1110
English Composition I (A) 3
or English Composition I (B)
3
 Credit Hours16
Summer
BIOS 1600 Advanced Molecular Separations 4
BIOS 2100 Applied Microbiology 3
 Credit Hours7
Third Semester
BIOS 2500 Recombinant DNA Technology 4
BIOS 2600 Bioscience Manufacturing Processes 4
MATH 1550 Statistics (A) 4 4
 Credit Hours12
Fourth Semester
BIOS 2550 Introduction to Bioinformatics 1
BIOS 2800 Biotechnology Science Seminar 1
COMM 1050 Fundamentals of Public Speaking 5 2
Select course(s) from the Social and Behavioral Science Electives list 3
1st 8 weeks
BIOS 2400 Tissue Culture 3
2nd 8 weeks
BIOS 2700 Internship 3
 Credit Hours13
 Total Credit Hours65
1

Completion of BIOL 1200 Fundamentals of Biology for the Health Technologies prior to program acceptance is an acceptable substitution.

2

BIOS 1200 Biotechnology Science Lab Skills is an acceptable math co-requisite for CHEM 1500 General Chemistry I.  See program chair for registration.

3

English course selection is based on placement test results (ENGL 1111 English Composition I (B) is 4 credits, only 3 credits apply to the degree). Students who place into ENGL 1111 English Composition I (B) should consult with the program chair.

4

Any college-level math course is an acceptable substitute. 

5

Students may substitute COMM 1000 Effective Public Speaking. This 3 credit hour course may be required for students transferring to a four-year college. Completion of COMM 1100 Effective Interpersonal Communications prior to program accceptance is also an acceptable substitute.

Technical course
This course is designated as a technical course in the program. Students must earn a "C" grade or higher in the course to fulfill the college's graduation requirements policy.

Electives

Course Title Credit Hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences Electives
ANTH 1160Introduction to Cultural Anthropology3
ECON 1150Basic Economics3
ECON 2500Principles of Macroeconomics3
ECON 2600Principles of Microeconomics3
GEOG 1500Introduction to Geography3
GEOG 1600World Regional Geography3
HIST 1150Western Civilization I: Antiquity Through the Reformation3
HIST 1250Western Civilization II: Age of Revolution Through the Present3
HIST 2150U.S. History: Colonization Through Reconstruction3
HIST 2250U.S. History: Reconstruction to the Present3
POLS 1300U.S. National Government3
POLS 2500Modern Political Ideologies3
PSYC 1500Introduction to Psychology3
SOCY 1150Principles of Sociology3