Program Overview

Biotechnology Certificate of Specialization

Related Degrees & Certificates

• AS Associate in Science Degree Program
  • Biology | 60 units
  • Biology: Pre-Nursing | 60 units
• AS-T Associate in Science Degree for Transfer
  • Biology | 60 units
  • Nutrition and Dietetics | 60 units

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in basic lab skills and analysis commonly used in molecular biology and biotechnology.
• Explain the basis for and applications of techniques in biotechnology.

Recommended High School Preparation

• One year of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, four years of Mathematics, English

University Transfer Program

Use Assist to identify lower division major preparation for the California State University and the University of California systems. For independent or out-of-state colleges and universities use their catalogs to locate this information. Transfer Services can assist you to gather this information.

About the Program

Career opportunities for those who major in the Biological Sciences and obtain a Bachelor’s or advanced degree include a variety of interesting occupations related mainly to biology, agriculture or medicine. Biological professions include anatomist, aquatic biologist, bacteriologist, biologist, biotechnologist, botanist, cytogeneticist, cytologist, ecologist, embryologist, entomologist, geneticist, herpetologist, ichthyologist, mammalogist, marine biologist, microbiologist, molecular biologist, morphologist, mycologist, ornithologist, paleobotanist, paleozoologist, parasitologist, pathologist, pharmacologist, photobiologist, phycologist, physiologist, protozoologist, systematist, taxonomist, toxicologist, tropical biologist, virologist, wildlife biologist, and zoologist.

Many biologists are educators as well as scientists. Biologists are also employed as forensic scientists, illustrators, museum specialists, naturalists, photographers, and science writers/editors. Agricultural professions include agricultural biologist, agrigeneticist, animal scientist, apiculturist, farmer/farm manager, field crop manager, fish and game warden, food technologist, foresters/forestry technicians, horticulturist, plant and animal breeder, plant and animal physiologist, plant quarantine/ pest control inspector, range scientist, and soil scientist/conservationist.

Medical professions include audiologist, chiropractor, coroner, dentist, exercise physiologist, health care administrator, medical laboratory technologist/technician, medical librarian, nurse, nutritionist, optometrist, pharmacist, physician, podiatrist, public/ environmental health specialist, sanitarian, speech pathologist, and veterinarian. Additional medical careers include specialists in sports medicine, and manual arts, music, occupational, physical, and recreational therapists.

Program Overview

For gainful employment information, see the program's website.

Program Requirements

Requirements

• Required Core Courses: 6 units
  • BIOL 123 | Biotechnology Workshop | 1 unit
  • CHEM 210 | General Chemistry I | 5 units
  • OR
  • CHEM 220 | General Chemistry II | 5 units
• Required Selective Courses: Select one course from the following:
  • BIOL 110 | General Principles of Biology | 4 units
  • BIOL 210 | General Zoology | 5 units
  • BIOL 220 | General Botany | 5 units
  • BIOL 230 | Introductory Cell Biology | 4 units
  • BIOL 240 | General Microbiology | 4 units
• Total Required Units: 10 - 11