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Biotechnology

Curriculum Description

Science and Math: Biotechnology

Career Cluster: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Pathway:  Science and Mathematics

Program Major Biotechnology

Pathway Description

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.

Program Major Description

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.

The following represents one way in which the program of study can be completed. Students who aren’t able to follow this plan should consult their academic advisor to be sure that they take courses in the best order for their success.

Associate in Applied Science

A20100
NC CIP: 26.1201
Day, Evening
POS Approved: Fall 2022

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
BIO 111 General Biology I 3 3 0 4
ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry 3 0 0 3
Select one:
Introduction to Chemistry (3) (0) (0) (3)
  AND        
Introduction to Chemistry Lab (0) (3) (0) (1)
  OR        
General Chemistry I 3 3 0 4
Select one:
Introduction to Computers (2) (2) (0) (3)
  OR        
Basic PC Literacy 1 2 0 2
Select one:
Mathematical Measurement and Literacy 2 2 0 3
  OR        
Quantitative Literacy (2) (2) (0) (3)
  OR        
Precalculus Algebra (3) (2) (0) (4)
  Total: 12 10 0 16

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
BIO 112 General Biology II 3 3 0 4
BTC 150 Bioethics 3 0 0 3
MAT 152 Statistical Methods I 3 2 0 4
Select one:
Organic and Biochemistry (3) (3) (0) (4)
  OR        
General Chemistry II 3 3 0 4
Select one:
Interpersonal Psychology (3) (0) (0) (3)
  OR        
General Psychology 3 0 0 3
  Total: 15 8 0 18

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
BTC 181 Basic Lab Techniques 3 3 0 4
___ ___ Humanities/Fine Arts Elective ** ** 0 3
Select one:
___ ___
Technical Specialty Elective * * * 3
  OR        
___ ___
Technical Specialty Elective (**) (**) (**) (4)
  OR        
___ ___
Technical Specialty Elective (**) (**) (**) (5)
Select one:
___ ___
Technical Specialty Elective (*) (*) (*) (3)
  OR        
___ ___
Technical Specialty Elective ** ** ** 4
  OR        
___ ___
Technical Specialty Elective (**) (**) (**) (5)
BIO 250 Genetics 3 3 0 4
  Total: 6 6 0 18

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
Select one:
Public Speaking 3 0 0 3
  OR        
Writing/Research in the Disc (3) (0) (0) (3)
  OR        
Prof Research & Reporting (3) (0) (0) (3)
Select one:
___ ___
Technical Specialty Elective (*) (*) (*) (3)
  OR        
___ ___
Technical Specialty Elective ** ** ** 4
  OR        
___ ___
Technical Specialty Elective (**) (**) (**) (5)
Select one:
Biotechnology Lab Experience (0) (6) (0) (2)
  OR        
Work-Based Learning I 0 0 10 1
  OR        
Work-Based Learning I (0) (0) (20) (2)
BIO 275 Microbiology 3 3 0 4
  Total: 6 3 10 12

Total Credit Hours: 64

Additional Information

Technical Specialty Electives — Select a minimum of 11 credit hours: BTC 270, BTC 281, BTC 282, BTC 283, BTC 285, BTC 286, CHM 263, NAN 251

Humanities/Fine Arts Elective — Select one: HUM 110, HUM 220, PHI 215, or PHI 240. Consult an academic advisor concerning other possible electives.

**Hours will vary depending on course selection.

A20100
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