Biotechnology

Program Description

The Biotechnology Associate of Science Degree is designed to prepare students with a comprehensive background and laboratory technical skills for the purpose of immediate entry into laboratory positions.

Learning Outcomes

Successful graduates will have gained the following skills and knowledge, which will provide them with the flexibility to quickly adapt to a variety of employment or educational options in biotechnology and science.

1. Conduct themselves as laboratory technicians in a biotechnology laboratory with the basic skills and knowledge required to function effectively in a research setting, adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and safety guidelines and procedures.
2. Demonstrate proficiencies in both basic and advanced principles of chemistry and biology that are required by a person working as a laboratory technician or planning to enter into a four-year college science program.
3. Explain the basic principles of genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology.
4. Employ sterile technique in the handling of microbial cultures with knowledge of what is safe and what is hazardous.
5. Prepare solutions and perform accurate measurements using precision instruments such as spectrometers and micropipettes.
6. Demonstrate skills in the use of molecular laboratory techniques including cloning to create recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) constructs, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), protein purification, and immunoblotting.
7. Utilize computers to collect and analyze experimental data and to document data in clear and concise technical reports.
8. Evaluate biotechnology techniques that are utilized in original scientific research literature and communicate their significance using the appropriate scientific terminology.
9. Recognize the ethical issues that are relevant to the field of biotechnology.

This program has articulation agreements with the Biomolecular Sciences Program at Central Connecticut State University and the Biology and Biochemistry Programs at Eastern Connecticut State University.

Degree Requirements

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Students currently employed in the Biotechnology field may prefer to select an Advanced Science Elective.

Total Credits: 60-62