Biotechnology & Biosciences
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Biotechnology & Biosciences Department to educate and train students in preparation for a career in the life sciences and biotechnology industries, by providing a hands-on, inquiry based learning environment, creating real-world learning opportunities coupled with career coaching and mentoring.
Program Overview
The programs offered within Biotechnology & Biosciences trains students to work as research assistants or technicians within a variety of industry and research based settings. Students gain hands-on experience in a new state-of-the-art facility. Each student gains extensive laboratory skills (over 700 hours of accumulated lab time for A.A.S.) necessary to enter the workforce directly, or to continue their education elsewhere. This positions graduates favorably for entry-level jobs with the essential skills to be successful in industry or research settings.
Degrees, Certificates, and Diplomas Offered
- Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) in Biotechnology
- Diploma in Advanced Lab Techniques
- Certificates in Basic Laboratory Techniques, Bioinformatics
- Biowork (8-week, non-credit course) – Continuing Education
Career Options
Graduates of the associate degree program may find employment in various areas of industry and government including academic research labs, pharmaceutical production, environmental testing facilities, biomanufacturing, and medical testing labs.
Salary Information
Mean annual wage: $49,490
Contact
| Michelle Sabaoun Department Head 336-506-4224 Send Email Dr. Eddy van Hunnik Mariam Qambar |
Pre-Admission Requirements
Technical Standards must be met, see Disability Services for details regarding accommodations.
Transfer Options
Two Plus Two Agreements: continue education at four-year institute with full credit transfer:
- NC Central University – Pharmaceutical Science BRITE program BS
- ECU – BSIT (Industrial Technology) or Biology BS
- UNCG – Biology Bachelors (BA/BS)
Additional Information
Completers of the Biowork or Basic Lab Techniques courses are eligible to sit for the NC State Process Technician Exam.
More info: Partnership for Biotechnology Workforce Training – Process Technician Examination | Scantron
See our BioWork page for a 136-hour non-credit certificate course that can lead to an entry-level position as a process technician.
print Biotechnology • Semester by Semester
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO-111 | General Biology I | 6 | 4 |
BIO-111 General Biology I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take DRE-097 DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050 OR RED-090 ENG-090 DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050This course introduces the principles and concepts of biology. Emphasis is placed on basic biological chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, metabolism and energy transformation, genetics, evolution, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of life at the molecular and cellular levels. Register for this class |
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| BTC-181 | Basic Laboratory Techniques | 6 | 4 |
BTC-181 Basic Laboratory Techniques PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the basic skills and knowledge necessary in a biological or chemical laboratory. Emphasis is placed on good manufacturing practices, safety, sustainable lab practices, solution preparation, and equipment operation and maintenance following standard operating procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and perform basic laboratory procedures using labware, solutions, and equipment according to prescribed protocols. Register for this class |
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| Choose one of the following: | |||
CHM-151 General Chemistry I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050 DMA-060 DMA-070 DMA-080 and DRE-098This course covers fundamental principles and laws of chemistry. Topics include measurement, atomic and molecular structure, periodicity, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, gas laws, and solutions. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental chemical laws and concepts as needed in CHM 152. Register for this class |
CHM-151 | General Chemistry I | 6 | 4 |
| The following two courses are dependent and must be taken together: | |||
CHM-131 Introduction to Chemistry PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050 and RED-090 ENG-090 or DRE-096This course introduces the fundamental concepts of inorganic chemistry. Topics include measurement, matter and energy, atomic and molecular structure, nuclear chemistry, stoichiometry, chemical formulas and reactions, chemical bonding, gas laws, solutions, and acids and bases. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of chemistry as it applies to other fields. Register for this class |
CHM-131 | Introduction to Chemistry | 3 | 3 |
CHM-131A Introduction to Chemistry Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050 and ENG-090 RED-090 or DRE-096; Coreq CHM 131This course is a laboratory to accompany CHM 131. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experiences that enhance materials presented in CHM 131. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize basic laboratory procedures and apply them to chemical principles presented in CHM 131. Register for this class |
CHM-131A | Introduction to Chemistry Lab | 3 | 1 |
| Semester Total | 18 | 12 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO-112 | General Biology II | 6 | 4 |
BIO-112 General Biology II PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take BIO-111This course is a continuation of BIO 111. Emphasis is placed on organisms, evolution, biodiversity, plant and animal systems, ecology, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate comprehension of life at the organismal and ecological levels. Register for this class |
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| BIO-275 | Microbiology | 6 | 4 |
BIO-275 Microbiology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • BIO-110, BIO-111, BIO-112 or BIO-168This course covers principles of microbiology and the impact these organisms have on man and the environment. Topics include the various groups of microorganisms, their structure, physiology, genetics, microbial pathogenicity, infectious diseases, immunology, and selected practical applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills including microscopy, aseptic technique, staining, culture methods, and identification of microorganisms. Register for this class |
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| BTC-281 | Bioprocess Techniques | 8 | 4 |
BTC-281 Bioprocess Techniques PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • BTC 181This course covers processes used in the production of biomolecules. Emphasis is placed on the production, characterization, and purification of biological products using fermentation, centrifugation, filtration, electrophoresis, and other techniques used in industry. Upon completion, students should be able to produce biological products using the various methods of bioprocessing. Register for this class |
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| CHM-132 | Organic and Biochemistry | 6 | 4 |
CHM-132 Organic and Biochemistry PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • CHM-131, 131A or CHM-151This course provides a survey of major functional classes of compounds in organic and biochemistry. Topics include structure, properties, and reactions of the major organic and biological molecules and basic principles of metabolism. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental chemical concepts needed to pursue studies in related professional fields. Register for this class |
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| Semester Total | 26 | 16 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS-110 | Introduction to Computers | 4 | 3 |
CIS-110 Introduction to Computers PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems. Register for this class |
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| MAT-152 | Statistical Methods I | 5 | 4 |
MAT-152 Statistical Methods I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides a project-based approach to introductory statistics with an emphasis on using real-world data and statistical literacy. Topics include descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, basic probability, discrete and continuous probability distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Upon completion, students should be able to use appropriate technology to describe important characteristics of a data set, draw inferences about a population from sample data, and interpret and communicate results. Register for this class |
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| Semester Total | 9 | 7 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO-250 | Genetics | 6 | 4 |
BIO-250 Genetics PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • BIO 112This course covers principles of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell genetics. Emphasis is placed on the molecular basis of heredity, chromosome structure, patterns of Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, evolution, and biotechnological applications. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and describe genetic phenomena and demonstrate knowledge of important genetic principles. Register for this class |
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| CHM-263 | Analytical Chemistry | 7 | 5 |
CHM-263 Analytical Chemistry PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take One: CHM-132 or CHM-152This course covers the knowledge and laboratory skills needed to perform chemical analysis. Emphasis is placed on developing laboratory techniques used in the separation, identification, and quantification of selected substances. Upon completion, students should be able to perform laboratory techniques employed in substance identification and volumetric analysis and interpret the results. Register for this class |
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| Choose one of the of the following: | |||
ENG-114 Professional Research & Reporting PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • ENG 111This course, the second in a series of two, is designed to teach professional communication skills. Emphasis is placed on research, listening, critical reading and thinking, analysis, interpretation, and design used in oral and written presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to work individually and collaboratively to produce well-designed business and professional written and oral presentations. Register for this class |
ENG-114 | Professional Research & Reporting | 3 | 3 |
COM-110 Introduction to Communication PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • RED-070 or DRE-096This course provides an overview of the basic concepts of communication and the skills necessary to communicate in various contexts. Emphasis is placed on communication theories and techniques used in interpersonal group, public, intercultural, and mass communication situations. Upon completion, students should be able to explain and illustrate the forms and purposes of human communication in a variety of contexts. Register for this class |
COM-110 | Introduction to Communication | 3 | 3 |
COM-231 Public Speaking PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • RED-070 or DRE-096This course provides instruction and experience in preparation and delivery of speeches within a public setting and group discussion. Emphasis is placed on research, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of informative, persuasive, and special occasion public speaking. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and deliver well-organized speeches and participate in group discussion with appropriate audiovisual support. Register for this class |
COM-231 | Public Speaking | 3 | 3 |
| Semester Total | 16 | 12 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose one of the following: | |||
| The following two courses are dependent and must be taken together: | |||
BIO-140 Environmental Biology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 and DRE-097This course introduces environmental processes and the influence of human activities upon them. Topics include ecological concepts, population growth, natural resources, and a focus on current environmental problems from scientific, social, political, and economic perspectives. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of environmental interrelationships and of contemporary environmental issues. Register for this class |
BIO-140 | Environmental Biology | 3 | 3 |
BIO-140A Environmental Biology Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030; Coreq BIO-140This course provides a laboratory component to complement BIO 140. Emphasis is placed on laboratory and field experience. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a practical understanding of environmental interrelationships and of contemporary environmental issues. Register for this class |
BIO-140A | Environmental Biology Lab | 3 | 1 |
BIO-168 Anatomy and Physiology I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • BIO-110 or BIO-111This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, cytology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Register for this class |
BIO-168 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 6 | 4 |
| Industrial Microbiology (BTC-275) to be added Spring 2017 | 6 | 4 | |
BTC-287 Advanced Molecular Techniques PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • BIO-175 or BIO-275 and BIO-250 or BTC-250This course provides students with experience in molecular techniques employing modern procedures, equipment, and technology. Topics include cloning, sequencing and analysis of DNA samples, PCR/qPCR/RT-PCR, DNA typing (STR analysis), microarrays, and bioinformatics applications. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss and perform advanced genetic, biochemical, and bioinformatic procedures using reagents and equipment according to prescribed protocols. Register for this class |
BTC-287 | Advanced Molecular Techniques | 8 | 4 |
CHM-152 General Chemistry II PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • CHM-151This course provides a continuation of the study of the fundamental principles and laws of chemistry. Topics include kinetics, equilibrium, ionic and redox equations, acid-base theory, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, introduction to nuclear and organic chemistry, and complex ions. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of chemical concepts as needed to pursue further study in chemistry and related professional fields. Register for this class |
CHM-152 | General Chemistry II | 6 | 4 |
| Higher CIS/CSC (As per bioinformatics certificate) | 3 | 3 | |
| BTC-286 | Immunological Techniques | 6 | 4 |
BTC-286 Immunological Techniques PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • BTC 285This course covers the principles and practices of modern immunology, including the interactions between the various cellular and chemical components of the immune response. Topics include antigens, humoral immunity, cellular immunity, complement, immunological assays, and hybridoma use and production. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss the immune response, perform immunological assays, and make monoclonal antibody-producing hybridomas. Register for this class |
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| Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 | 3 | |
| Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective | - | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 9-17 | 10-14 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose one from the following: | |||
WBL-112 Work-Based Learning I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies. Register for this class |
WBL-112 | Work-Based Learning I | 20 | 2 |
| Semester Total | 0-20 | 0-2 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 57-63 | |||
printBasic Laboratory Certificate
| Course Number |
Course TITLE |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO-111 | General Biology I | 6 | 4 |
BIO-111 General Biology I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take DRE-097 DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050 OR RED-090 ENG-090 DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050This course introduces the principles and concepts of biology. Emphasis is placed on basic biological chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, metabolism and energy transformation, genetics, evolution, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of life at the molecular and cellular levels. Register for this class |
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| BTC-181 | Basic Laboratory Techniques | 6 | 4 |
BTC-181 Basic Laboratory Techniques PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the basic skills and knowledge necessary in a biological or chemical laboratory. Emphasis is placed on good manufacturing practices, safety, sustainable lab practices, solution preparation, and equipment operation and maintenance following standard operating procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and perform basic laboratory procedures using labware, solutions, and equipment according to prescribed protocols. Register for this class |
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| CHM-131 | Introduction to Chemistry | 3 | 3 |
CHM-131 Introduction to Chemistry PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050 and RED-090 ENG-090 or DRE-096This course introduces the fundamental concepts of inorganic chemistry. Topics include measurement, matter and energy, atomic and molecular structure, nuclear chemistry, stoichiometry, chemical formulas and reactions, chemical bonding, gas laws, solutions, and acids and bases. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of chemistry as it applies to other fields. Register for this class |
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| CHM-131A | Introduction to Chemistry Lab | 3 | 1 |
CHM-131A Introduction to Chemistry Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050 and ENG-090 RED-090 or DRE-096; Coreq CHM 131This course is a laboratory to accompany CHM 131. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experiences that enhance materials presented in CHM 131. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize basic laboratory procedures and apply them to chemical principles presented in CHM 131. Register for this class |
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| CIS-110 | Introduction to Computers | 4 | 3 |
CIS-110 Introduction to Computers PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems. Register for this class |
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| Semester Total | 22 | 15 | |
printBioinformatics Certificate
| Course Number |
Course TITLE |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTC-181 | Basic Laboratory Techniques | 6 | 4 |
BTC-181 Basic Laboratory Techniques PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the basic skills and knowledge necessary in a biological or chemical laboratory. Emphasis is placed on good manufacturing practices, safety, sustainable lab practices, solution preparation, and equipment operation and maintenance following standard operating procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and perform basic laboratory procedures using labware, solutions, and equipment according to prescribed protocols. Register for this class |
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| CIS-155 | Database Theory/Analysis | 4 | 3 |
CIS-155 Database Theory/Analysis PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces database design theories and analyses. Emphasis is placed on data dictionaries, normalization, data integrity, and data modeling. Upon completion, students should be able to design normalized database structures which exhibit data integrity. Register for this class |
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| CSC-124 | Introduction to Data Science Programming | 4 | 3 |
CSC-124 Introduction to Data Science Programming PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the key technologies used to manipulate, store and analyze big data. Topics include scripting languages, noSQL databases, database scalability, performance metrics and tuning. Upon completion, students should be able to use programming techniques to investigate data sets and algorithms. Register for this class |
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| Semester Total | 14 | 10 | |
Graduates of the associate degree program may find employment in various areas of industry and government including academic research labs, pharmaceutical production, environmental testing facilities, biomanufacturing, and medical testing labs.
Mean annual wage: $49,490