Biotechnology

Biotechnology programs prepare students to work in areas such as biotechnology research and development, quality control, or biomanufacturing.  These careers can be found in industry or research settings.

There is more than one type of Biotechnology Associates degree. A.A.A.S. and A.A.S. (Associate of Applied Science) degrees are professional technical degrees that prepare students to enter the workforce. A.A. (Associate of Arts) and A.S. (Associate of Science) degrees also prepare students for jobs, but may include more courses that will transfer to four year institutions.

Courses for both degrees may include:

  • English
  • Algebra
  • Statistics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Computer Science
  • Laboratory experience
  • Internships

Biotechnology Certificates are also offered. Many certificates are 1 year in duration and courses may include:

  • Laboratory Math
  • Chemistry
  • English
  • Microbiology
  • Biotech Laboratory Techniques
  • Instrumentation
  • Bioinformatics
  • Quality Control & Quality Assurance
  • Internship

The post-baccalaureate certificate is a competitive program designed for individuals who already have a Bachelor's degree in a biological science.   The curriculum is project-based and team oriented in order to simulate a working environment in a biotech company and introduce the business side of biotech. Courses may include:

  • Basic Lab Skills for a Regulated Workplace
  • The requirements of a cGMP/cGLP Environment
  • Recombinant DNA Methodologies
  • Mammalian Cell Culture
  • Bioprocessing
  • Bioseparations
  • Bioinformatics (survey)
  • Microarrays (survey)
  • Maintaining and Studying Cultured Embryonic Stem Cells