Associate of Applied Science Degree
Purpose: This program is designed to prepare graduates for employment in entry-level positions at biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as laboratory, research, or manufacturing technicians. Coursework will develop an understanding of basic scientific principles in biology and chemistry, and will emphasize laboratory techniques and procedures such as solution and media preparation, DNA purification and analysis, electrophoresis, chromatography, maintenance of cells in culture, and quality control techniques.
Transfer Information: Transfer is not the primary purpose of an A.A.S. program, but NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Many of the courses within the program are accepted for transfer to almost any senior institution. Students interested in transfer should contact their academic advisor early in their program.
Application Process: Individuals wishing to enroll in the A.A.S. in Biotechnology should follow these steps for admission, starting at least one semester prior to when they wish to enroll in the program:
- Attend an information session or schedule an advising appointment with a Biotechnology academic advisor.
This can be completed prior to or after steps 2-4. Students are encouraged to seek information very early in the process.
- Apply to NOVA.
Students may choose to enroll in the A.S. in General Studies prior to their acceptance into the program.
- Take the College placement test for English and Mathematics in one of the College's Testing Centers (located on each campus).
- Complete pre-admission requirements for the program.
Students applying to the A.A.S. program must have documentation of the following:
• placement into college-level English (ENG 111)
• placement into MTH 151 or higher
• completion of BIO 101 with "C" or better
Students who are currently enrolled in BIO 101 may apply to program and be admitted on a provisional basis until their final grade is submitted. If a student has taken BIO 101 or any of the course requirements at another institution, he/she must submit official transcripts and if applicable, foreign transcripts, and submit a formal evaluation of the courses/degree, along with a Request for Evaluation of Transcript Form (125-049), for each institution.
- Apply to the program. Applicants need to fill out the application online. This will automatically be e-mailed to Biotechnology Program coordinator. S/he will review the student's application, test scores, and transcripts to confirm he/she is eligible for admission. An advising session will be scheduled if not already completed. Students will be notified within 2–4 weeks as to whether they have been accepted or not.
- Receive Biotechnology Program Handbook and register for core biotechnology classes, BIO 250 and BIO 253.
1 May substitute BIO 173.
2 Students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution for a baccalaureate degree should complete the CHM 111–112 series.
3 Must complete one of the following: MTH 157, MTH 181, MTH 241, or MTH 271. Please see advisor for additional information on transferability of courses.
4 See social/behavioral sciences courses listed under General Education Electives.
5 Biotechnology elective in the science category may be selected from the following 4-credit courses: BIO 102, BIO 110, BIO 120, BIO 251, BIO 252,and BIO 256. The 3-credit course CHM 260 may also be chosen. Students who choose CHM 260 must take one additional credit in a science course or in the Biotechnology Experiential Learning category. Students who wish to transfer may use BIO 102 for this category.
6 Students who plan to transfer to a university may wish to consider taking ENG 112.
7 This requirement may be satisfied by a total of 3 credits selected from BIO 290, BIO 296, BIO 297, and BIO 299. A total of 3 credits in this category is required, from a combination of 1 – 3 credits in any of these courses. Students must be approved by the Biotechnology program coordinator(s) for an internship or Cooperative Education assignment. Criteria for approval include successful completion of biotechnology courses (including a demonstrated proficiency of basic lab skills), a professional work ethic, and an ability to work well with others. Please see a Biotechnology academic advisor for assistance in determining eligibility and placement or for approval of a topic for a Project or Supervised Study.
8 May substitute CST 100, CST 110, CST 115, CST 227, or CST 229.
9 See humanities/fine arts courses listed under General Education Electives.