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: 4
Bioanalytical Lab (4 Credits): BIO 275 or BTC 275
Chemistry I (4 Credits): CHM 131 and CHM 131A , or CHM 151
Chemistry II (4 Credits): CHM 132 or CHM 152
Electives (16 Credits): BTC 182 , BTC 183 , BTC 184 ,
BTC 270 , BTC 281 , BTC 286 , BTC 287 , BTC 288 ,
CHM 263 , MAT 171 , WBL 111 , WBL 112

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 (3 Credits): ART 111 , HUM 110 ,
HUM 115 , HUM 120 , HUM 130 , HUM 140 , MUS 110 ,
or PHI 240
Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 Credits): POL 120 ,
PSY 150 , SOC 210 , or SOC 213

Other Required Courses

Other Requirement (1 Credit): ACA 111 or ACA 122

Total Credits for AAS Degree: 67

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.