Biotechnology Laboratory Assistant

The Certificate of Achievement prepares students for entry level laboratory assistant positions in biotechnology related industry and academic laboratories.  It is designed for students who are starting out in STEM, including recent high school graduates, students who are re-tooling or changing majors, and students proceeding to 4 year institutions who may want to work in a laboratory as they complete their studies.

20 students are expected to earn the Certificate of Achievement for Biology Laboratory Assistant.

The Certificate of Achievement prepares students for entry level biotechnology laboratory assistant positions in industry and academic laboratories. It is a CTE program with a TOP code of 0430.00 (Biotechnology and Biomedical Technology) designed as a first level certificate for students who are starting out in STEM, including recent high school graduates, students who are re-tooling or changing majors, and students proceeding to 4 year institutions who may want to work in a laboratory as they complete their studies. One of the courses in the series, Biol 050A, Introductory Biotechnology with Laboratory, meets the C-ID descriptor 101X.

Students completing the certificate will have developed knowledge of basic concepts in chemistry and biology as they relate to biotechnology, facility with standard laboratory methods and procedures, including laboratory mathematics, proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials, and good laboratory practices. They will also know how to maintain a neat and readable scientific notebook, record data accurately, create and label appropriately tables and graphs, and interpret protocols and standard operating procedures accurately. These skills will allow students to be competitive and to perform well in entry level technician positions.

Students will be given credit for completion of higher level biology, chemistry and CIS courses.  However, all students must complete Biology 032 and Biology 050A to receive this certificate.   

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
Biology 010	Introduction to Biology	4	F1
Chemistry 030A	Introduction to General Chemistry	4	F1
Biology 050A	Introductory Biotechnology with Laboratory	4	F1
Biology 032	Scientific Literature and Writing	3	S1
CIS 200	Computer Concepts and Applications	1.5	S1

Suggested Sequence of Courses

The following sequence takes into consideration restrictions on the semester offerings of the biotechnology classes.

Preliminary Coursework

MATH 201 Elementary Algebra 4

ENGL 001A Composition and Reading 4

First Semester/ Spring

BIOL 010 Introduction to Biology 4

CHEM 030A Introductory General Chemistry 4

CIS 200 Computer Concepts and Applications 1.5

A student can test out of CIS 200 or take it online.

Second Semester/ Fall

BIOL 050A Introductory Biotechnology with Laboratory 4

BIOL 032 Scientific Literature and Writing 3

This certificate has been designed as a starting point for students interested in Biotechnology. The courses selected will allow students to apply for entry level biotechnology lab assistant positions. Students can also continue to develop their knowledge and skills by completing the next level certificate of achievement and to the Associate of Science degree. Biology 050A meets C-ID Biotechnology Descriptor 101X for students who desire to proceed to 4-year schools that offer Biotechnology degrees.

There are no similar certificates such as this in the area served by Berkeley City College and the Peralta Community College District. See attached consult and support letters from Dr. Gisele Giorgi and Dr. Leslie Blackie or Merritt and Laney Colleges, respectively. The Contra Costa District in Contra Costa County has an entry level certificate but they are in a different service area.