Degrees

BIOTECHNOLOGY CONCENTRATION
Associate in Science Degree

• Objectives
• Degree Information
• Recommended Course of Study
• Course Descriptions

Objectives:

Students in the Biotechnology Concentration will:

1. Be given thorough exposure to fundamental concepts in biology and chemistry, with an emphasis on using the scientific method.
2. Acquire a balanced understanding of biology and chemistry through lectures and laboratory experiences, ranging from theoretical principles to their applications in other scientific fields and today’s society.
3. Learn how mathematical analysis and computer technology are used to test hypotheses in biology and chemistry.
4. Apply fundamental concepts of biology and chemistry to achieve an appreciation and understanding of the structure and function of biological molecules as they relate to living systems (molecular biology and biochemistry).
5. Develop an understanding of basic biotechnological methods, procedures, and techniques in the laboratory environment.
6. Gain the necessary knowledge to begin employment as laboratory technicians in biotechnology laboratories or to transfer to four-year institutions and continue studies in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, or molecular biology.

Degree Information

The Biotechnology Program is designed to provide a sound education in basic biology and chemistry plus more advanced coursework in molecular biology and biochemistry.  Students entering the program should have successfully completed two to three years of science in high school.  They should also be familiar with computers and their uses.  The curriculum provides intensive, hands-on laboratory experiences with DNA and other biological molecules that, with appropriate elective courses, will allow students to enter biotechnological laboratories as technicians or prepare them for additional study at four-year institutions.

 Recommended Course of Study

*Developmental courses may be required as prerequisites

**Courses listed in blue are described below. Other course descriptions are listed with Core Requirements

Course Descriptions

BIO 105 (Formerly BI 101) – Human Biology

This course provides a survey of the structure and function of the major body systems and emphasizes the relationship between humans and other living things. Topics include anatomical organization and physiological regulation of the body, reproduction and heredity, and human evolution and ecology (3 Credits). Offered every semester. Click here to view course objectives.

BIO 110 (Formerly BI 102) – Global Ecology

This course provides an overview of ecology by examining the structure and function of populations, communities and ecosystems using an interdisciplinary approach, including examination of human impacts. Topics include the biological nature of life, levels of ecological organization, energy flow, nutrient cycling, population interactions, succession and biomes (3 Credits). Offered in the Fall Semester of odd-numbered years.  Click here to view course objectives.

BIO 115 (Formerly BI 111) – Biological Science

This course presents a survey of the biological world from the basic to the complex. Topics include the nature of life, cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, anatomy and physiology, and the diversity and classification of living things. Two hours lecture and two hours of laboratory per week (3 Credits). Offered every Spring Semester. Click here to view course objectives.

BIO 120 (Formerly BI 124) - General Biology I

This course presents a detailed overview of the general principles of biology for science majors. Topics include the chemical nature of life, cell structure and function, energetics, cell division, genetics, and molecular biology. Intended for science majors. Three hours lecture per week (3 Credits). Corequisite: BIO 121.

BIO 121 (Formerly BI 125) – General Biology Laboratory

Three hours per week (1 Credit). Corequisite: .BIO 120.

BIO 125 (Formerly BI 128) - General Biology II

This course is a detailed overview of evolutionary and organismal biology, with an emphasis on the diversity of living things. Intended for science majors. Three hours lecture per week (3 Credits). Prerequisite: BIO 120. Corequisite: BIO 126.

BIO 126 (Formerly BI 129) – General Biology II Laboratory

Three hours per week (1 Credit). Corequisite: BIO 125.

BIO 130 (Formerly BI 123) - Bioethics

BIO 201 (Formerly BI 201) – Anatomy and Physiology

This course is an in-depth study of the structure and function of the systems and organs of the human body and the inter-relationships of the body’s systems. Emphasis is on the musculoskeletal, nervous and endocrine systems. The course includes one hour per week of lab (3 Credits).   Click here to view course objectives.

BIO 210 (Formerly BI 211) - Molecular Biology

BIO 215 (Formerly BI 212) - Advanced Molecular Biology

This course is an extension of the Molecular Biology course. It will cover DNA and its function as genetic information carrier, including regulation and expression of the information (3 Credits). Prerequisite: BIO 210. Click here to view course objectives.

BIO 220 (Formerly BI 221) – Microbiology

This course provides information concerning the nature and diversity of microorganisms. Additionally, BIO 220 covers specific properties of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms and their roles in the disease process. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week (4 Credits). Prerequisite: BIO 120 and BIO 125.  Click here to view course objectives.

BIO 225 (Formerly BI 222) – Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

This course is an introduction to the principles of ecology and evolution, emphasizing the interrelationships between organisms and their environment. Topics include the historical development of evolutionary theory, the role of genetics, history of life on earth, and physiological, population, community, and ecosystem ecology. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week (4 Credits). Prerequisites: BIO 120and BIO 125.   Click here to view course objectives.

BIO 230 (Formerly BI 232) - Molecular Research

This course will examine techniques available for manipulating DNA. This intense laboratory course will provide instruction in DNA isolation, DNA amplification and sequencing, and library construction. One hour of lecture and six hours of laboratory per week (3 Credits). Prerequisite: BIO 210.  Click here to view course objectives.

BIO 240 (Formerly BI 242) - Cellular Biology

This course provides an analytical study of the cell as a basic unit of biological structure and function. It will examine the role of biological membranes and cellular activity (3 Credits). Prerequisites: BIO 120 and BIO 125.   Click here to view course objectives.

BIO 245 (Formerly BI 243) - Laboratory Methods

This course is designed to provide the student with basic knowledge of laboratory methods. Commonly used laboratory equipment and techniques will be covered so that the student will have hands-on experience. One hour of lecture and six hours of laboratory per week (3 Credits). Prerequisites: CHM 210 and BIO 210.   Click here to view course objectives.

BIO 248 (Formerly BI 244) - BSL-3 and Select Agents

BIO 250 (Formerly BI 252) – Immunology

This course introduces the basic concepts of immunology. It covers the fundamental principles of immune response, including aspects of the regulation of immune response and immunity to infection (3 Credits). Prerequisites: BIO 120 and BIO 125.   Click here to view course objectives.

BIO 270 (Formerly BI 297) - Biology Seminar

This course introduces the student to the literature of molecular and cellular biology. Students will be required to research current literature and to produce and present a paper on a given topic (1 Credit). Click here to view course objectives.