Biotechnology, AAS (A20100)

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The Biotechnology curriculum, which has emerged from molecular biology and chemical engineering, is designed to meet the increasing demands for skilled laboratory technicians in various fields of biological and chemical technology.

Course work emphasizes biology, chemistry, mathematics, and technical communications. The curriculum objectives are designed to prepare graduates to serve in three distinct capacities: research assistant to a biologist or chemist, laboratory technician/instrumentation technician, and quality control/quality assurance technician.

Graduates should be qualified for employment in various areas of industry and government, including research and development, manufacturing, sales, and customer service.

A program that focuses on the application of the biological sciences, biochemistry, and genetics to the preparation of new and enhanced agricultural, environmental, clinical, and industrial products, including the commercial exploitation of microbes, plants, and animals. Potential course work includes instruction in general biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, genetics, and cellular biology.

Major Courses

BIO 111 - General Biology I Credit Hours: 4
BIO 112 - General Biology II Credit Hours: 4
BTC 150 - Bioethics Credit Hours: 3
BTC 181 - Basic Lab Techniques Credit Hours: 4
BTC 250 - Principles of Genetics Credit Hours: 3
BTC 285 - Cell Culture Credit Hours: 3
Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4 *
Chemistry II Credit Hours: 4 *
Microbiology I Credit Hours: 4 *
Electives I Credit Hours: 16 *

Total: 49 Credit Hours

General Education Courses

ENG 111 - Writing and Inquiry Credit Hours: 3
ENG 112 - Writing/Research in the Disc Credit Hours: 3
MAT 152 - Statistical Methods I Credit Hours: 4
Humanities/Fine Arts Credit Hours: 3 *
Social/Behavioral Sciences Credit Hours: 3 *

Total: 16 Credit Hours

Other Required Courses

Other Requirement Credit Hours: 1 *

Total: 1 Credit Hour

Total Credits for AAS Degree: 66

*Recommended Elective & General Education Options:

Chemistry I:

Take 4 credits (includes any associated labs):

CHM 131 - Introduction to Chemistry Credit Hours: 3 and
CHM 131A - Intro to Chemistry Lab Credit Hours: 1
CHM 151 - General Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4

Chemistry II:

Take One:

CHM 132 - Organic and Biochemistry Credit Hours: 4
CHM 152 - General Chemistry II Credit Hours: 4

Microbiology:

Take One:

BIO 275 - Microbiology Credit Hours: 4
BTC 275 - Industrial Microbiology Credit Hours: 4

Electives:

Take 16 credits:

BTC 182 - Pharma Lab Techniques I Credit Hours: 4
BTC 183 - Pharma Lab Techniques II Credit Hours: 4
BTC 184 - Pharma Lab Techniques III Credit Hours: 4
BTC 270 - Recombinant DNA Technology Credit Hours: 4
BTC 281 - Bioprocess Techniques Credit Hours: 4
BTC 286 - Immunological Techniques Credit Hours: 4
BTC 287 - Adv Molecular Techniques Credit Hours: 4
BTC 288 - Biotech Lab Experience Credit Hours: 2
CHM 263 - Analytical Chemistry Credit Hours: 5
MAT 171 - Precalculus Algebra Credit Hours: 4
WBL 111 - Work-Based Learning I Credit Hours: 1
WBL 112 - Work-Based Learning I Credit Hours: 2

Humanities/Fine Arts:

Take One:

ART 111 - Art Appreciation Credit Hours: 3
HUM 110 - Technology and Society Credit Hours: 3
HUM 115 - Critical Thinking Credit Hours: 3
HUM 120 - Cultural Studies Credit Hours: 3
HUM 130 - Myth in Human Culture Credit Hours: 3
HUM 140 - History of Architecture Credit Hours: 3
MUS 110 - Music Appreciation Credit Hours: 3
PHI 240 - Introduction to Ethics Credit Hours: 3

Social/Behavioral Sciences:

Take One:

POL 120 - American Government Credit Hours: 3
PSY 150 - General Psychology Credit Hours: 3
SOC 210 - Introduction to Sociology Credit Hours: 3
SOC 213 - Sociology of the Family Credit Hours: 3

Other Requirement:

Take One:

ACA 111 - College Student Success Credit Hours: 1
ACA 122 - College Transfer Success Credit Hours: 1

Note:

Students enrolled full-time and making satisfactory progress should complete this program in five semesters. Additional time may be needed to achieve minimum requirements in English, math or science.

Contact the program coordinator or department chair for specific requirements.

Instructional Service Agreements

The Biotechnology program has established collaborative agreements with surrounding area community colleges. These agreements allow students to take a majority of their courses at their area community college and the remaining courses at Pitt Community College. Pitt Community College will award the Biotechnology degree.