Biotechnology Laboratory Technology AS

What is Biotechnology Laboratory Technology?

The fascinating science of biotechnology utilizes living organisms and biological systems to make or modify products for a specific use through:

DNA manipulation and analysis.
Expression and purification of proteins.
Cell and tissue culture techniques.
Enzyme and antibody assays.
Research design and laboratory safety.
Computer analyses of DNA & protein sequences (bioinformatics).

If you have an interest in the sciences and a desire to position yourself at the cutting edge of emerging industries, HCC’s biotechnology laboratory technology program can prepare you for a rewarding hands-on career in biotechnology research, cell and tissue culture or biotechnology manufacturing.

The two-year program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to perform in a high-tech laboratory environment. The program offers flexibility for students to focus in the fields of engineering, environmental sciences, math and science, information technology or the health sciences.

After conducting coursework and research, students have the option of participating in a biotechnology internship with local industry partners. We also instill in each student an awareness of basic biomedical and bioethical practices and standards in current academia, research, and industry.

Career Opportunities

Life Sciences/Biological Concentration

Clinical Research
Pharmaceutical companies
Biotechnology firms
Forensic investigation
Environmental improvement & protection

Engineering/Manufacturing Concentration

Bio-manufacturing firms
Medical manufacturing
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Process industry (food and pharmacy)
Water Treatment

Program Required Courses

AS.BIO.TECH (60 Credit Hours)

This program prepares students seeking positions as biotechnology laboratory technicians, biological technicians, and medical or clinical technicians. It will enable individuals currently employed in biotechnology occupations to update skills to address changing technologies for career advancement. Biotechnology is a high-skill, high-demand, high-wage industry.

YEAR I – First Semester

†ENC 1101 English Composition I - 3 cr.
†MAC 1105 College Algebra - 3 cr.
†MCB 2000 Microbiology and Human Disease - 3 cr.
†MCB 2000L Microbiology and Human Disease Laboratory - 1 cr.

YEAR I – Second Semester

†BSC 2010 Biology I Cellular Processes - 3 cr.
†BSC 2010L Biology I Cellular Processes Laboratory - 1 cr.
*†CHM 2045 General Chemistry I - 3 cr.
*†CHM 2045L General Chemistry I Laboratory - 1 cr.
†STA 2023 Elementary Statistics - 3 cr.

YEAR I – Third Semester

BSC 2420 Biotechnology I - 3 cr.
BSC 2420L Biotechnology I Laboratory - 2 cr.
†CHM 2046 General Chemistry II - 3 cr.
†CHM 2046L General Chemistry II Laboratory - 1 cr.
Elective - 3 cr.

YEAR II – First Semester

†AMH 2020 Modern American History or †POS 2041, American Government
BSC 2427 Biotechnology II - 3 cr.
BSC 2427L Biotechnology II Laboratory - 2 cr.
†BSC 2435C Bioinformatics - 3 cr.

YEAR II – Second Semester

†BSC 2419C Plant and Animal Cell Culture - 3 cr.
†PHI 1010 Introduction to Philosophy - 3 cr.
Elective - 10 cr.

*Select 13 credit hours from the following:

†BSC 1092 Human Biology - 3 cr.
†BSC 1092L Human Biology Laboratory - 1 cr.
BSC 2943 Biotechnology Internship - 3 cr.
†BSC 2011 Biology II Biodiversity - 3 cr.
†BSC 2011L Biology II Biodiversity Laboratory - 1 cr.
†CGS 2100 Computer Information Technology and Literacy - 3 cr.
†CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry I - 4 cr.
CHM 2210L Organic Chemistry I Laboratory - 1 cr.
†CHM 2211 Organic Chemistry II - 4 cr.
CHM 2211L Organic Chemistry II Laboratory - 1 cr.
†ETI 1110 Introduction to Quality - 3 cr.
ETI 1701 Industrial Safety - 3 cr.
ETI 1802 Introduction to Process Technology - 3 cr.
†MAC 1106 Combined College Algebra/Pre-Calculus - 5 cr.
†MAC 2233C, Calculus for Business and Social Sciences – 3 cr.
†MAC 2311 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I - 5 cr.
†MAC 2312 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II - 5 cr.
†MAC 2313 Calculus and Analytic Geometry III - 5 cr.
†MAP 2302 Differential Equations - 3 cr.
†MCB 2910L Guided Undergraduate Research - 1 cr.
†PHI 1600 Ethics - 3 cr.
†PHY 1025 Fundamental of Physics - 3 cr.
†PHY 1025L Fundamental of Physics Laboratory - 1 cr.
†PHY 2053 General Physics I - 3 cr.