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Biotechnology Certificate

Part Time

This program roadmap represents one possible pathway to complete the program. Please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. This roadmap is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.

Catalog:
2025-26
Total Units:
24
Start Term:
Spring

First Year

Semester 1 (Spring)

12 Units
CAT. COURSE UNIT Prerequisites
RE
CHEM 309
Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry
5
Req
ENGL C1000
Academic Reading and Writing
3
RE
BIOL 310
General Biology
4

Semester 2 (Fall)

7 Units
CAT. COURSE UNIT Prerequisites
Req
BIOT 301
Biotechnology and Human Health
3
(see below)
RE
STAT C1000
Introduction to Statistics
4

BIOT 301 prerequisite: BIOL 303, BIOL 310, BIOL 400, BIOL 440, BIOL 442, or BIOT 307

Second Year

Semester 3 (Spring)

5 Units
CAT. COURSE UNIT Prerequisites
RE
BIOT 305 1
Introduction to Bioinformatics
1
(see below)
Req
BIOT 311
Biotechnology Laboratory Methods - Molecular Techniques
2
(see below)
Req
BIOT 312
Biotechnology Laboratory Methods - Microbial and Cell Culture Techniques
2
(see below)

BIOT 305 prerequisite: BIOL 303, BIOL 310, BIOL 400, BIOL 440, BIOL 442, BIOT 301, or BIOT 307

BIOT 311/312 prerequisite: BIOL 300, BIOL 303, BIOL 310, BIOL 400, BIOL 440, BIOL 442, or BIOT 307 

1 or BIOT 307 or BIOT 498

Explanation of Categories
RE Restricted Elective A course selected from a list of elective courses specified for this program in the course list in the catalog, which can be replaced with another course from the same list
Req Required Core A course that is required for this program

Career path

Career Options:

This certificate opens the door for entry-level work in the bioscience industry in the areas of research and development, production, clinical testing, and diagnostic work, but many employers require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Potential employers include biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as laboratories in hospitals, government and universities.

Advising Notes:

  • BIOL 303 and 310 meet the minimum requirements for this certificate, but BIOL 400, 440, or 442 are recommended as they better prepare students for success in biotechnology.
  • This certificate can be started in the fall as well. See a counselor to adjust the coursework.

Scheduling Notes:

  • BIOT 301 is offered in the fall.
  • BIOT 305 is offered as a 2nd-8-week class in the spring.
  • BIOT 311 is offered as a 1st-8-week class in the spring.
  • BIOT 312 is offered as a 2nd -8-week class in the spring.

Other Notes:

  • Most of the courses in this certificate can also be applied toward the Biotechnology A.S. degree.
  • An internship (BIOT 498) is highly recommended as it opens up potential employment opportunities. Students can earn between 0.5 – 4.0 units for related paid or unpaid work experience including volunteer and internship positions through BIOT 498. See the Work Experience website for more information.

Published April 12, 2025

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