BIOTECHNOLOGY
Associate of Applied Science Degree LO, MA
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 faculty advisor early in their program.
Recommended
Preparation: Students should be
proficient in high school English, Algebra and Biology.
Two Years Credits
1st Semester
BIO 101
General Biology 4
1 CHM 111 College Chemistry I or CHM101 General
Chemistry I 4
ENG 111
College Composition I 3
ITE 115
Intro to Computer Applications & Concepts 3
SDV
SDV elective 1
Total 15
2nd
Semester
BIO 250
Biotechnology Research Methods and Skills 3
BIO 253
Biotechnology Concepts 3
CHM 112
College Chemistry II or CHM102 General Chemistry II 4
2 MTH Elective 3-5
Total
14
3rd Semester
BIO 205
General Microbiology 4
3___ Social Science Elective 3
Total 7
4th
Semester
BIO 165 Principles
in Regulatory and Quality Environments for 2
Biotechnology
BIO 180 Introduction
to Careers in Biotechnology 1
BIO 206 Cell Biology 4
4___ Biotechnology Science Elective 3
5ENG 115 Technical Writing 3
6PED/RPK Elective 1
Total 14
5th
Semester
7___ Biotechnology Applied Science Elective 4
8___ Biotechnology Experiential Learning
Elective 3
BIO 254
Capstone Seminar in Biotechnology 2
9CST 126 Interpersonal Communication 3
10___ Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3
Total 15
Total credits for the
A.A.S. Degree in Biotechnology = 65
1
Students
who wish to transfer should complete CHM111/112 series.
2Students must complete
one of the following: MTH157, MTH181, MTH 241, or MTH 271. Please see advisor
for additional information on transferability of courses. If students chose a
3-credit math course, they will need to take an additional credit to meet the
65-credit total for this curriculum.
3The social science
elective may be selected from the social/behavioral sciences courses listed
under General Education Electives.
4Biotechnology elective
in the science category may be selected from BIO 110 (General Botany, 4 cr.),
BIO 120 (General Zoology, 4 cr.), BIO 251 (Protein Applications in
Biotechnology, 4 cr), BIO 252 (Nucleic Acid Methods,
4 cr), BIO 256 (General Genetics, 4 cr.), CHM 260
(Introductory Biochemistry, 3 cr.) or MDL 215 (Immunology, 2 cr.) Students who choose MDL 215 must take one additional
credit in a science course or in the Biotechnology Experiential Learning
category.
5 Students who plan to
transfer to a university may wish to consider taking ENG 112 College
Composition II.
6
The
PED requirement may be met by one of the following options: PED 116, 1 cr. a PED
activities course, 1 cr.
7Biotechnology elective
in the applied science category may be selected from BIO 251 (Protein
Applications in Biotechnology, 4 cr.) or BIO 252 (Nucleic Acid Methods, 4 cr.).
8 Biotechnology electives
in the experiential learning category may be selected from BIO 290 (Coordinated
Internship), BIO 296 (On-Site Training
in Biotechnology), BIO 297
(Cooperative Education), BIO 298 (Seminar and Project), and BIO 299 (Supervised Study). 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 NOVA for an internship. 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 biotech faculty
advisor for assistance in determining eligibility and placement.
9Students can also
substitute CST 100, 110, 115, 227 or 229.
10Humanities/fine arts
elective may be selected from the humanities/fine arts courses listed under
General Education Electives.