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.
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.
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.
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate the technical background knowledge needed to support biopharmaceutical manufacturing in accordance with industry standards.
- Demonstrate hands-on laboratory skills and document, interpret, and present results appropriately applying Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs) in accordance with industry standards.
- Demonstrate knowledge of industry regulations and the regulatory environment in the biotechnology industry.
- Effectively discuss current ethical issues surrounding the biotechnology industry and utilize critical thinking skills to make bioethical decisions in accordance with industry standards.
- Apply Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) concepts, including Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs).
A.A.S. in Biotechnology (A20100)
Program of Study
| Fall Semester | |||
| ACA-111 | College Student Success | 1 | |
| BIO-111 | General Biology | 4 | |
| BTC-181 | Basic Lab Techniques | 4 | |
| CHM-131 | Intro to Chemistry | 3 | |
| AND | CHM-131A | Intro to chemistry Lab | 1 |
| OR | CHM-151 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CIS-110 | Introduction to Computers | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | |||
| BIO-112 | General Biology II | 4 | |
| BTC-281 | Bioprocess Techniques | 4 | |
| CHM-132 | Organic and Biochemistry | 4 | |
| OR | CHM-152 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| * | Math Elective | 3 | |
| Summer Semester | |||
| BIO-175 | General Microbiology | 3 | |
| ENG-111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | |
| ISC-220 | Lean Manufacturing | 3 | |
| Fall Semester | |||
| BTC-150 | Bioethics | 3 | |
| BTC-250 | Principles of Genetics | 3 | |
| BTC-285 | Cell Culture | 4 | |
| ISC-132 | Manufacturing Quality Control | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | |||
| BTC-288 | Biotech Lab Experience | 2 | |
| OR | WBL-111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1 |
| ENG-114 | Professional Research & Reporting | 3 | |
| HUM-115 | Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| ISC-278 | cGMP Quality Systems | 2 | |
| PSY-150 | General Psychology | 3 | |
| OR | SOC-210 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
Earn College Credit in High School
A CCP pathway for high school juniors and seniors is available for this program. Visit the Career and College Promise page for more information.
The Career and College Promise (CCP) Program provides opportunities for eligible high school students to start college early, where courses can count for dual credit (credit in the high school and college at the same time), all TUITION-FREE! CCP students accelerate completion of college certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that provide entry-level job skills and/or lead to college transfer credit.
Biotechnology Instructor
Department: Faculty
Phone: (252) 246-1207
Email: swinstead@wilsoncc.edu
Office: G226
Dean of Industrial Technologies
Department: Faculty
Phone: (252) 246-1210
Email: tflewelling@wilsoncc.edu
Office: Lee Technology Center - R146
