Associate of Science Degree in Biotechnology

Biotechnology utilizes biological systems or living organisms to create products and solve real-world problems. From employing bacteria to produce human insulin, to genetically changing a patient’s own immune system cells so they can better fight cancer, the biotech industry continues to expand and innovate. The Associate of Science Degree for Biotechnology is aimed at preparing students for positions in the biotechnology industry, including biological technicians and biomanufacturing production technicians. Students must demonstrate knowledge of basic biochemistry and biotechnology concepts, and industrial regulations. The program will produce skilled technicians that can navigate the high demand, professional, and interdisciplinary environment of the biomanufacturing and related fields.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate the importance of maintaining a safe and productive work environment through utilizing safety data sheets, appropriate personal protective equipment, and following relevant safety guidelines and procedures.
2. Safely operate and troubleshoot standard industry equipment and instrumentation.
3. Perform calculations related to solution preparation and data analysis.
4. Aseptically grow and maintain microbial cell cultures.
5. Explain and apply the processes in the biomanufacturing industry.
6. Understand and distinguish between the different types of documents used in the industry for recording and maintaining data and procedures and apply the principles of Good Documentation Practices when working with these documents. 
7. Explain and follow the guidelines outlined in Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Laboratory Practices.
8. Perform and understand the concepts of techniques involving nucleic acid and protein purification and separation.

  Program Requirements

Courses	Title	Units
BIOL 120	Introduction to Biology	4
MATH 112	Elementary Statistics	4
ET 103	Industrial Process Control	2
CHEM 110	Elementary Chemistry	4
BTEC 120	Introduction to Biotechnology	4
CHEM 111	General Chemistry	5
CHEM 112	General Chemistry	5
BTEC 150	Biomanufacturing Fundamentals	4
BTEC 180	Quality and Regulatory Affairs in Biotechnology	3
BIOL 201	Principles of Biology	5
	Total Major Requirement	40

Initially, we project 10 students to earn this degree annually. We expect this number to grow as the program becomes more established.

Biotechnology utilizes biological systems or living organisms to create products and solve real-world problems. From employing bacteria to produce human insulin, to genetically changing a patient’s own immune system cells so they can better fight cancer, the biotech industry continues to expand and innovate. The Associate of Science Degree for Biotechnology is aimed at preparing students for positions in the biotechnology industry, including biological technicians and biomanufacturing production technicians. Students will develop a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of biology, biochemistry, biotechnology concepts, and industrial regulations. This course of study also provides students with an understanding of the unifying principles of biology including cell theory and reproduction, inheritance, aerobic respiration and fermentation, and the central dogma.  

The biotechnology program has a strong emphasis on lab experiences and the development of lab and research skills. The program also stresses the principles of scientific reasoning, the ability to critically assess information, and the ability to apply what was learned. Students are encouraged to reflect on how we know what we know, how to ask questions that will lead to new knowledge, and how to seek out answers through experimentation. Students will also develop the ability to effectively explain ideas and research through written and verbal communication. The program will produce skilled technicians that can navigate the high demand, professional, and interdisciplinary environment of the biomanufacturing and related fields. 

The Associate of Science Degree in Biotechnology is designed to be completed in two academic years (with summer session attendance).

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
BIOL120	Introduction to Biology	4	S1, Y1
MATH112	Elementary Statistics	4	S1, Y1
ET103	Industrial Process Control	2	S1, Y1
CHEM110	Elementary Chemistry	4	S2, Y1
BTEC 120	Introduction to Biotechnology	4	S2, Y1
CHEM111	General Chemistry	5	S1, Y2
BTEC150	Biomanufacturing Fundamentals	4	S1, Y2
BTEC180	Quality and Regulatory Affairs in Biotechnology	3	S1, Y2
BIOL201	Principles of Biology	5	S2, Y2
CHEM112	General Chemistry	5	S2, Y2
	Total Major Degree Requirement	40

+ GE Courses

The AS degree in Biotechnology will be part of the Biology department program/curriculum.

Compton College: https://www.compton.edu//gpdiv/career-education/biotechnology-and-biomanufacturing.aspx Citrus College:https://www.citruscollege.edu/academics/programs/biot/Pages/default.aspx Moorpark College: https://www.moorparkcollege.edu/departments/academic/biotechnology LosAngeles Trade Tech: https://www.lattc.edu/academics/pathways/as/certificates-degrees/biotechnology-biomanufacturing

Initially, we project 7-10 students to earn this degree annually. We expect this number to grow as the program becomes more established.

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