Program Degrees and Certificates
- Biotechnology, A.A.S
Loading...
- Biotechnology Lab Technician, C.S.C
Loading...
Supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) called the Northern Virginia Biotechnology Leadership in Education (NOBLE) Project, this program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary for entry-level employment in biotechnology and related industries. Coursework will help students 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. In preparation for the required internship, the program provides students with instruction on resume and cover letter preparation, interpersonal skills, and workplace culture.
The faculty and staff of the Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Biotechnology Program are excited to have you join our program. We actively seek guidance from an Advisory Committee selected from local biotechnology industry and transfer institutions and strive to ensure the education and training you receive from the NOVA Biotechnology Program is cutting edge and relevant in the current job market.
To learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study, please visit here. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.
Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, including but not limited to certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.
NOVA Biotechnology program AAS degree recipients are prepared to enter biotechnology and related industries as laboratory, research, or manufacturing technicians, among other positions. Students receiving the Career Studies Certificate may enter the field at the assistant or associate scientist levels.
See Frequently Asked Questions about the Biotechnology Program.
Although an A.A.S. degree is not designed to be a transfer degree, we have taken special care to include as many transferable courses as possible. At least 2/3 of our credits are transferable to higher institutions. We understand that many of our graduates will want to continue their education. We are facilitating articulation agreements with local colleges and universities for 100% transferability.
Our faculty members all have experience in research and industry, as well as teaching. Note: When contacting key faculty for assistance, place the term biotechnology somewhere in the topic line of your e-mail, it will process your message faster.
Please, feel free to contact us if you need more information about our new program and courses. There is at least a faculty member on each campus who can help you decide on how to choose your courses according to your needs or career goals.
For general Biotechnology Program questions, please email biotech@nvcc.edu and one of the Biotechnology Program faculty will respond to your questions.
For specific advising questions, the Biotechnology Program Faculty Advisors are:
Our current facilities include a biotechnology center at the Manassas Campus where we house gel electrophoresis supplies, thermocyclers, and a DNA Sequencer in addition to basic laboratory equipment.
As more equipment is purchased and put in place, we can assure that all students will have a first-hand experience with the equipment. To date we have acquired digital analytical scales for use in validation, digital pipettors, electrophoresis units, multi-purpose centrifuges, microscopes, thermocyclers, cell culture facilities, gel documentation and analysis software, and laminar flow hoods. Currently, the Manassas Campus has a computerized DNA sequencer to analyze DNA of microbes, plants, and blood. This provides students with invaluable skills for jobs related to DNA technologies, and provides a brief introduction to Bioinformatics.
Curricula are being developed in current courses such as Microbiology and Botany to use the DNA sequencer. Our new DNA Methods course will include sequencing but also the use of RFLP patterns to discriminate organisms and microsatellites to compare genotypes.
Alexandria Campus
David Fernandez
Annandale Campus
Todd Tupper
Loudoun Campus
Mitra Jahangeri
Manassas Campus
Xin Zhou
Woodbridge Campus
Vasanthi Krishnan