Associate in Science

Biotechnology Laboratory Technology (2199)

Biotechnology laboratory technology isn’t about bench work. It’s about tackling problems and applying the solutions to just about everything we produce from antibiotics to zoom lenses. It’s about saving lives, solving crimes, conserving our resources, improving our food supply and protecting our environment. It is considered the most important applied science of the 21st century and the gateway to the future.

North Florida’s need for technologists is high. To meet it, Florida Community College, in partnership with the area’s top medical researchers, industrial scientists and manufacturers, developed a Biotechnology Laboratory Technology Associate in Science program. The 2-year core curriculum combines a strong general education with professional-level courses in chemical reagents, biochemical analysis, recombinant (combined) DNA techniques, culturing bacteria, animal or plant cells, purifying and/or characterizing DNA and proteins, and collecting and assessing data. You’ll also develop essential work skills such as professional behavior and appearance, dependability, ethics, following directions and team work.

FCCJ’s medical and biotechnical partners include Baptist, Flagler, Memorial St. Luke's, St. Vincent, the Naval Hospital, Mayo Clinic and Orange Park Medical Center, as well as Medtronics, Pfizer, Vistakon and Xomed. Our labs have state of the art equipment that few colleges can afford or match, and master classes are taught by the areas leading scientists and researchers.

Internships
This program includes on-site training with a Northeast Florida manufacturer or medical research center.

Career Opportunities, Rapid Placement
Biotechnology is a $500 billion per year industry. North Florida is home to dozens of companies involved in biolab technology or biomanufacturing. Your degree program readies you for entry-level positions as biotechnology research technicians, biotechnology manufacturing technicians or cell culture technicians.

Biotechnologists are employed as laboratory technicians by clinical research and pharmaceutical drug development laboratories such as Mayo Clinic, Medtronic, Pfizer and Vistakon. You also have great opportunities in forensic investigation, environmental improvement and protection, and agricultural product enhancement to feed an expanding global population.

Cost
Estimated tuition is $4,050 (for Florida residents, as of 7/06). Contact the program manager for additional costs (textbooks, materials, fees).

Biotechnology Laboratory Technology (2199)
Curriculum

General Education Courses
ENC 1101	English Composition I	3
	*Humanities	3
MAC 1105	College Algebra	3
	*Social and Behavioral Sciences	3
BSC 2010C	Principles of Biology I	4
	Credit Hours	16

Professional Courses
STA 2023	Elementary Statistics	3
CHM 2045C	General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis I	4
CHM 2046C	General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis II	4
BSC 1421	Introduction to Biotechnology	1
BSC 1404C	Introduction to Biotechnology Methods	3
MCB 2010C	Microbiology	4
BSC 2020C	Human Biology	4
BSC 2420C	Biotechnology Methods I	4
BSC 2427C	Biotechnology Methods II	4
BSC 2419C	Protein Biotechnology and Cell Culture	4
BSC 2435	Introduction to Bioinformatics	3
BSC 1943	Internship	3
	Credit Hours	41

Professional Electives
CHM 1025C	Introduction to General Chemistry	4
CHM 1032C	Principles of General Chemistry	4
CHM 2205C	Introductory Organic/Biochemistry	4
CHM 2930	Selected Topics in Chemistry	3
BSC 2931	Selected Topics in Biological Sciences	1
	Credit Hours	4

Total Credit Hours: 61

*Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements.

Notes
This associate in science degree program is intended primarily for students who desire to complete an associate degree and become employed. Students who decide to pursue university transfer study must meet certain course and test requirements. For details see your advisor.

Record of a Conviction of a Crime
Companies or agencies used for some clinical, internship or cooperative education classes may require students to undergo drug screening and/or criminal background checks prior to placement at their sites. Students whose drug screening or criminal background checks are unsatisfactory may be denied access to the company or agency. Withdrawal from the program may be necessary if students cannot be placed for clinical, internship or cooperative education classes.