Biotechnology, A.S. - View curriculum requirements.

A Model That Works
This program offers specific knowledge and training designed to provide students with entry-level skills for employment as a technician. It also provides the breadth of background sufficient to encourage change and flexibility. It prepares students to work in university labs, medical centers and institutions doing research and prepares them for a variety of industrial applications.

The biotechnology associate of applied science degree program will prepare students to work in biotechnology laboratories associated with universities, medical centers, private research institutions and a variety of industrial applications. Upon completion of this 66- to 68-hour degree, students will be able to find entry-level or higher positions in diverse fields of biotechnology. Along with basic and more advanced science courses, students will take specialized courses such as laboratory safety and biotechnology methods.

The biotechnology associate of science degree program will prepare students who wish to pursue a baccalaureate degree in the biological sciences. Upon completion of this 78-hour degree, students will be able to find entry-level or higher positions in the diverse field of biotechnology. Along with basic and more advanced science courses, students will take specialized courses in subjects such as laboratory safety and biotechnology methods.

The biotechnology vocational certificate is for students seeking employment in the biotechnology industry either in private or academic research laboratories. This certificate will demonstrate to potential employers that the student has experience in performing a variety of techniques necessary for day-to-day operation. The program is generally designed for individuals who are looking to change careers and already have a degree in another discipline.

Following high school, students can pursue several options that will lead them to a career in biotechnology. They may directly enter a four-year college or university to attain a bachelor’s degree. They can enroll in a program at a community college and then either join the workforce or continue their education at a four-year institution. Finally, they may work in entry-level positions with just a high school degree until they decide which path they want to follow.

This is an example of an associate of science degree from Johnson County Community College (www.jccc.edu/biotechnology). It is a 2+2+2 transfer program that a high school graduate can follow and ultimately complete at a four-year institution (2 years high school, 2 years community college and 2 years university). In Johnson County, a Shawnee Mission West graduate could go to JCCC for two years, then transfer to KU-Edwards to complete his or her baccalaureate degree. Alternatively, a student could go to JCCC, get a 2-year associate of applied science degree, and directly join the workforce. Hutchinson Community College also has developed a biotechnology program that will be implemented in 2010 following the construction of a new facility.

Johnson County Community College has strong science curricula that is used to train students in the health occupations. Based on this curricula, three programs in biotechnology were designed with students’ abilities and goals in mind. A one-year certificate program, a two-year associate of applied science program and a two-year associate of science program were developed. The certificate program is designed for those who want to get into the workforce quickly and may already have a degree. The A.A.S. degree is for students who want additional basic chemistry and biology courses, but are not seeking a bachelor’s degree. Students who plan to earn a bachelor’s degree are best suited for the A.S. degree.

The foundation of all of these degrees are three courses: BIOT 160 – Introduction to Biotechnology, BIOT 165 – Laboratory Safety, and BIOT 260 – Biotechnology Methods. The science department also offers an internship (BIOT 265) for the A.A.S. as well as Applied Physics (PHYS 133) for the certificate and A.A.S. programs.