Biotechnology Associate in Science Degree

The AS degree in Biotechnology provides a strong foundation for transfer to a college (two-or four-year) to complete a BS in Biotechnology. It also prepares students with the foundation in microbiology, molecular and cell biology laboratory skills and soft skills that meet industry standards for employment in biotech industry(e.g. life science technician and biological science technician) and in academic research institutions. Students may petition to use IGETC for STEM majors in place of our local GE requirements. Students must complete all required core courses for a total of 25-30 units. To gain authentic, hands-on research experience, students are recommended to take the BIOL 298 path and conduct internship (BIOL 50) at a four-year college prior to transfer. 

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this AS degree, students will be qualified for a lab technician job and transfer to a college with a BS in Biotechnology, and will have mastery of basic and advanced biotechnology laboratory skills and good documentation practices, and work readiness skills. 

Required courses: 4-5 units from the following: BIOL 101, 112, 122 or140, and BIOL 141 or 298, and BIOL 142, and BIOL 50, and CHEM 110,and ENGL 101 and Math 100.

We project five students to earn this certificate annually  at the beginning and expect the numbers to gradually increase as the program is established. 

The goals of this Biotechnology Associate in Science degree are to prepare students for employment biotech industry and at the university in addition to preparing students for to a four-year college or Bachelor in Science degree in Biotechnology. Students in this program acquire and apply knowledge and hands-on techniques in fundamental molecular and cell biology, genetics and chemistry in living organisms, basic biotechnology laboratory skills. In addition, students learn fundamental techniques, standard operating procedures, and good laboratory and documentation practices in biomanufacturing and research laboratories. Students will also gain work experience through an internship at a biotech company or at a university.

This program requires that students select one of the following introductory Biology course (BIOL 101, 112, 122, or 140),  and a laboratory skills course BIOL141 or BIOL  298 (undergraduate research experience), and Applied Biotechnology II with laboratory BIOL 142, and internship BIOL 50, and Intro to College Reading & Comp English ENGL 101, and  College Algebra MATH 100, and GE courses. Students can complete these courses in two years. 

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
BIOL 101 or BIOL 112 or  BIOL 122 or BIOL 140	General Biology I (Majors) Microbiology Intro to Biology (Non-majors) Intro to Biotechnology	4 5 4 4	S1
ENGL 101	Intro College Reading & Writing	4	S1
MATH 100	College Algebra	4	S1
CHEM 110	Elements of General Chemistry	4	Intersession
BIOL 141	Applied Biotechnology I with Laboratory	4	S2
BIOL 142	Applied Biotechnology II with Laboratory	4	S3
BIOL 50	Internship in Biological Sciences	1-4	S3
GE courses

Biology/CTE

Citrus College, LA Mission College, LA Trade College, Pasadena City College, Fullerton College, Irvine Valley College, Santa Ana College, Santiago Canyon College

The projected number of unique enrollment is 10 at the beginning and anticipate enrollment to also increase once the program is established.