Biotechnology REVISED

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: 41.0101
Day, Evening
POS Approved: Fall 2024

Fall Semester - 1st 8 weeks

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
BIO 111 General Biology I 3 3 0 4
BTC 150 Bioethics 3 0 0 3
ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry 3 0 0 3
  Total: 9 3 0 10

Fall Semester - 2nd 8 weeks

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
BIO 112 General Biology II 3 3 0 4
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: 5 5 0 7

Spring Semester - 1st 8 weeks

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
BTC 181 Basic Lab Techniques 3 3 0 4
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)
  Total: 6 6 0 8

Spring Semester - 2nd 8 weeks

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
BTC 281 Bioprocess Techniques 2 6 0 4
Select one:
Organic and Biochemistry 3 3 0 4
  OR        
General Chemistry II (3) (3) (0) (4)
  Total: 5 9 0 8

Summer Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
BIO 275 Microbiology 3 3 0 4
Select one:
Writing/Research in the Disc (Global) (3) (0) (0) (3)
  OR        
Public Speaking (Global) 3 0 0 3
  Total: 6 3 0 7

Fall Semester - 1st 8 weeks

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
BIO 250 Genetics 3 3 0 4
BTC 285 Cell Culture 3 3 0 4
  Total: 6 6 0 8

Fall Semester - 2nd 8 weeks

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
BTC 270 Recombinant DNA Tech 3 3 0 4
CIS 110 Introduction to Computers 2 2 0 3
  Total: 5 5 0 7

Spring Semester - 1st 8 weeks

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
MAT 152 Statistical Methods I (Global) 3 2 0 4
Select one:
Biotechnology Lab Experience (0) (6) (0) (2)
  OR        
Work-Based Learning I 0 0 10 1
  Total: 3 2 10 5

Spring Semester - 2nd 8 weeks

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
Select one:
Interpersonal Psychology (3) (0) (0) (3)
  OR        
General Psychology (Global) 3 0 0 3
Select one:
Technology and Society (Global) 3 0 0 3
  OR        
Human Values and Meaning (Global) (3) (0) (0) (3)
  OR        
Philosophical Issues (3) (0) (0) (3)
  OR        
Introduction to Ethics (Global) (3) (0) (0) (3)
  Total: 6 0 0 6

Total Credit Hours: 66

Additional Information

*BTC 288 and WBL 111 are offered over 16 weeks (whole semester).

Please see the program coordinator for advising related to transferring to WSSU for BSc in Clinical Laboratory Science or Biology.

A20100