Biotechnology (AAS)
Award: Associate of Applied Science Degree
No. of credits required: 60
For more information: Contact Associate Professor Jaclyn Madden, 443-412-2046, jmadden@harford.edu (August 15 - June 15); stem@harford.edu; or Admissions, 443-412-2109.
Program Description
The biotechnology program prepares students with the concepts, techniques, and skills needed for entry-level bioscience laboratory work in biotechnology, chemical, and biological laboratories. The program provides a foundation in principles of the natural and physical sciences and a strong emphasis on biotechnology and analytical techniques and applications, as identified by biotechnology industry members. The biotechnology industry is expected to continue to grow in Maryland and the region.
Program Goals
- Explain the basic principles, concepts, and techniques of biotechnology.
- Apply principles, methods, and quantitative skills to novel problems and situations.
- Execute biotechnology laboratory tasks utilizing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs).
- Demonstrate critical thinking and scientific process skills.
- Evaluate appropriate sources of scientific information.
- Analyze the role of biotechnology in society and employ the skills of scientific communication.
- Demonstrate professional judgement and behaviors that adhere to principles of the responsible conduct of research.
Employment Information
The primary roles and responsibilities of Biological Technologists or Laboratory (Lab) Technicians, are to help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments. Under the supervision of biologists, microbiologists, chemists, and medical scientists, bio/lab technicians perform scientific tests, experiments, and analyses. To conduct experiments and analyses, they use traditional laboratory instruments, advanced robotics, and automated equipment. Additionally, they use specialize computer software to collect, analyze, and model experimental data. Biotechnicians who work with zoologists and wildlife biologists may need to be able to travel through wilderness areas and hike rugged terrain in order to assist with collecting field samples. They may administer new medicines and treatments to lab animals; separate proteins from other cell material; study living microbes; and stain specimens to aid identification. They may test samples in environmental impact studies, or monitor production processes to help ensure that products are not contaminated. They work in the government sector, healthcare and private industry.1
- 1
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Biological Technicians, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/biological-technicians.htm (visited April 29, 2021).
Diversity Requirement
To satisfy the diversity requirement: Associate degree students must complete one 3-credit diversity course (D). It is recommended that students select one of the 3-credit (GB), (GAH), (GI) course electives from those that also appear on the approved list of diversity course graduation requirements.
Recommended Course Sequence
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | English Composition (GE) | 3 |
| BIO 120 | General Biology I (GL) | 4 |
| BIO 128 | Introduction to Biotechnology | 4 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I (GL) | 4 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| BIO 211 | Microbial Biotechnology | 4 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II A (GL) | 4 |
| Select from the following: 1 | 4 | |
| Introduction to Statistics (GM) | ||
| Introductory Statistics with Programming Applications (GM) | ||
| Precalculus Mathematics (GM) | ||
| Calculus I (GM) | ||
| Behavioral/Social Science Elective (GB) 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| BIO 208 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIO 212 | Principles of Biomanufacturing | 4 |
| BIO 213 | Cell Culture Techniques | 4 |
| Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| BIO 214 | Molecular Techniques | 4 |
| BIO 215 | Immunology Principles and Applications | 4 |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Program Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
Students may not receive credit for both DSCI 102 Introductory Statistics with Programming Applications (GM) and MATH 216 Introduction to Statistics (GM).
- 2
Students must complete one course (3-credits) that meets the diversity requirement for graduation.
Program Electives (choose a total of 6 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 121 | General Biology II (GL) | 4 |
| BIO 191 | Independent Study: Biology | 1 |
| BIO 192 | Independent Study: Biology | 2 |
| BIO 193 | Independent Study: Biology | 3 |
| BIO 194 | 4 | |
| BIO 271 | Cooperative Education I: Biology | 1 |
| BIO 272 | Cooperative Education II: Biology | 2 |
| BIO 273 | Cooperative Education III: Biology | 3 |
| BIO 274 | Cooperative Education IV Biology | 4 |
| CHEM 207 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 208 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CSI 131 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| CSI 132 | Computer Science II | 4 |
| DSCI 101 | Introduction to Data Science | 3 |
| MATH 109 | Precalculus Mathematics (GM) | 4 |
| MATH 203 | Calculus I (GM) | 4 |
| MATH 204 | Calculus II (GM) | 4 |
| PHYS 101 | Introductory Physics I (GL) | 4 |
| PHYS 102 | Introductory Physics II (GL) | 4 |
| PHYS 200 | General Physics I Lab (GL) | 1 |
| PHYS 203 | General Physics: Mechanics and Particle Dynamics (GS) | 3 |
| PHYS 204 | General Physics II: Heat, Electricity and Magnetism (GL) | 4 |
| PHIL 220 | Bioethics (GAH) | 3 |
| ENG 109 | English Composition: Research Writing | 3 |
| ENG 209 | Technical Writing | 3 |
General Education Degree Requirements
Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:
Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)