PROGRAMS OF STUDY / Gainful Employment Information

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Program Overview

Courses within the Biological Sciences Department prepare students for both vocational careers and for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The courses and laboratories we offer allow students to experience and understand the diversity of life and how it functions on a scale ranging from molecules to ecosystems. Biotechnology courses demonstrate the rise of living organisms and bioprocesses in engineering technology, medicine, and other applications.

Click here to learn more about the Biological Sciences department.

Biotechnology student researches and observes.

Degrees and Certificates

Associate in Science Degree and/or
Certificate of Achievement
Major Biotechnology.............28.5-29 Units
An Associate in Science degree may be earned by completing a
minimum of 60 units of degree credit coursework, including the
major requirements and breadth requirements, with a minimum
grade point average of 2.0. Students must complete all courses for
the major with a grade of “C” or better.

The Biotechnology A.S. degree is appropriate for students wishing
to obtain entry-level employment in the biotechnology industry
while preparing to advance their career by transferring to a 4-year
university.

Required courses, with suggested sequence:

1st semester
One of the following courses:
3 units ENGL 166 Technical Communication
3 units BUS 125 Report Writing
3 units BUS 120 Introduction to Management
3 units BOT 248 Business Correspondence

2nd semester
3 units BIOSC 172 Introduction to Biotechnology
5 units CHEM 120 General College Chemistry I
One of the following courses:
4 units CIS 135 Introduction to Computers
3.5 units CIS 200 Microsoft Access/Information Processing
3.5 units CIS 201 Microsoft Excel/Information Processing

3rd semester
3 units BIOSC 157 Foundations in Biotechnology
3 units BIOSC 159 Introduction to Biotechnology Lab
4 units BIOSC 140 Principles of Biology

4th semester
3 units ENGL 001A Composition and Reading
At least 3 units from the following:
4 units BIOSC 148 General Microbiology
1 unit BIOSC 182 GLP and GMP; Principles and Compliance
1 unit BIOSC 183 Mammalian Cell Culture
1 unit BIOSC 184 ELISA Methodology and Assay Development
1 unit BIOSC 185 Polymerase Chain Reaction, Theory and Applications
1 unit BIOSC 186 Protein Purification and Analysis
1 unit BIOSC 187 DNA Manipulation and Cloning

Associate in Science Degree
Certificate of Achievement
Major – Biological Science................... 20-21 Units
An Associate in Science degree may be earned by completing a
minimum of 60 units of degree credit coursework, including the
major requirements and breadth requirements, with a minimum
grade point average of 2.0. Students must complete all courses for
the major with a grade of “C” or better.

Courses required for the major:
4 units CHEM 109 Introductory Organic and Biochemistry
OR
4 units CHEM 119 Introductory Chemistry
OR
5 units CHEM 120 General College Chemistry
AND
3 units PHYS 110 Descriptive Physics

At least 13 units from the following:
3 units BIOSC 102 Population and Man
4 units BIOSC 110 Introduction to Biological Science
4 units BIOSC 119 Microbiology
4 units BIOSC 132 Human Anatomy
4 units BIOSC 134 Human Physiology
4 units BIOSC 140 Principles of Biology I
4 units BIOSC 141 Principles of Biology II
4 units BIOSC 148 General Microbiology
4 units BIOSC 160 Nutrition

Certificate of Achievement
Biotechnology Technician................. 16.5-17 Units
TThe Biotechnology Technician Certificate of chievement provides
classroom and hands-on laboratory training needed for entry-level
employment in the areas of manufacturing, quality control, quality
assurance, and research and development in the biotechnology
industry.

A Certificate of Achievement may be earned by completing all the
courses required for this certificate with a grade of “C” or better.

The Biotechnology Technician Certificate of Achievement provides
classroom and hands-on laboratory training needed for entry-level
employment in the areas of manufacturing, quality control, quality
assurance, and research and development in the biotechnology
industry.

Required courses, with suggested sequence

1st semester:
3 units BIOSC 172 Introduction to Biotechnology
3 units BIOSC 157 Foundations in Biotechnology
1 unit BIOSC 159 Introduction to Biotechnology Lab

2nd semester
And at least 3 units from the following:
4 units BIOSC 148 Microbiology
1 unit BIOSC 182 GLP and GMP; Principles and Compliance
1 unit BIOSC 183 Mammalian Cell Culture
1 unit BIOSC 184 ELISA Methodology and Assay Development
1 unit BIOSC 185 Polymerase Chain Reaction, Theory and Applications
1 unit BIOSC 186 Protein Purification and Analysis
1 unit BIOSC 187 DNA Manipulation and Cloning

One of the following:
3 units ENGL 166 Technical Communication
3 units BUS 125 Report Writing
3 units BUS 120 Introduction to Management
3 units BOT 248 Business Correspondence

One of the following:
4 units CIS 135 Introduction to Computers
3.5 units CIS 200 Microsoft Access/Information Processing
3.5 units CIS 201 Microsoft Excel/Information Processing

BIOSC-099 Occupational Work Experience

1-4 Units: 60-360 hours of work experience, per term, SC, DG, CSU

Prerequisite: Employment in career-related field.

For more information on this course, refer to Cooperative Education. Units are determined by number of hours worked.

This course offers on-the-job learning experiences for employed students, whether paid or volunteer, in cooperation with their employers. If students’ career goals are directly related to their work they can earn credit for jobs they hold during the term. Students must be enrolled in at least seven units, including their cooperative education units (proportionately fewer in summer session). Students who volunteer for this assignment will earn 1 unit for every 60 hours of volunteer work experience and 1 unit per 90 hours of paid work experience. May be repeated three times.

BIOSC-100 Topics in Biological Sciences

.5-4 Units: 9-72 hours of lecture and/or 27-216 hours of laboratory, per term, SC, DG, CSU

This course covers topics in Biological Sciences. Topics will be chosen to supplement and serve as additions to current offerings in the area, and will be announced each term in the current schedule of classes. May be repeated three times.

BIOSC-102 Population and Man

3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC

This course illustrates past, present and possible future population growths, energy flow, organic and inorganic cycles, population controls in animals, anti-scientific attitudes, geography and resources, air pollution, pesticides, fertility patterns, public health, space, human cultures, and national and international responsibilities. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-106 Experimental Analysis in Biology

.5 Unit: 6 hours of lecture, 12 hours of laboratory per term, P/NP, DG

This course is intended to provide preparation for the successful completion of BIOSC 119, 134, 140, 141, 148, and 155. It introduces students to common experimental techniques and situations in biology and offers practice in the collection, analysis, display, and interpretation of data. Students cover and review metric system, ratios and proportions, graphing, serial dilutions, microscope use, pH and basic chemistry, and some general cell biology and biochemistry. Students who believe they are already adequately prepared may challenge the course by examination. Students have one chance to pass this examination. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-110 Introduction to Biological Science

4 Units: 54 hours of lecture, 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC

This course meets the CSU General Education requirement for Areas B2-Life Science, B3-Laboratory Activity, and the IGETC for Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences under Biological Sciences.

This course covers the principles and concepts of general biology through a study of the cell and its molecular nature, genetics, evolution, and a brief survey of the plant and animal kingdoms. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-119 Microbiology

4 Units: 54 hours of lecture, 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU

Prerequisite: BIOSC 106; AND either CHEM 119 or BIOSC 110

This course meets the CSU General Education requirement for Areas B2-Life Science and B3-Laboratory Activity.

This course provides a survey of microorganisms of particular importance to humans, integrating basic concepts of microbiology and cellular biology. Emphasis is on medical microbiology and immunology, and their practical application to medicine and public health. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-132 Human Anatomy

4 Units: 54 hours of lecture, 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC

This course meets the CSU General Education requirement for Areas B2-Life Science, B3-Laboratory Activity, and the IGETC for Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences under Biological Sciences.

This course covers the structure or morphology of the human body, covering basic cytology, histology and all major organs and organ systems. In addition, the two main integrative systems of the body, the nervous and endocrine systems are also covered, with a greater emphasis on neuroanatomy than on endocrinology. The course is taught both systemically and regionally, with developmental anatomy added when applicable. The muscles, bones, nerves and circulation of the limbs and back are approached regionally so as to better integrate all structures for student comprehension and retention. Organs, organ systems and neuroanatomy are taught from a systemic perspective. Course material progresses from a cellular and tissue level to an organ and organ system level. As each region or organ system is completed, its relationship to other organ systems and the whole organism is stressed. Specific functions especially as they are related intimately to structure are also studied. For example, the presentation of the heart and of the Central Nervous System include information on function. Finally, clinical correlations are given throughout the course as this course is primarily taken by pre-health professionals. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-134 Human Physiology

4 Units: 54 hours of lecture, 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC

Prerequisite: BIOSC 106; and either BIOSC 110 or CHEM 119

This course meets the CSU General Education requirement for Areas B2-Life Science, B3-Laboratory Activity, and the IGETC for Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences under Biological Sciences.

This course is about the function of the human body that covers all major body systems and the two main integrative systems, the nervous and endocrine systems in detail. Course material progresses from a cellular and molecular level to an organism level, and regulation and integration of functions is emphasized. This is because several mechanisms within the body work in similar fashions and understanding them on a molecular level enables students to comprehend how several functions in different systems occur in the body. For example, study of binding characteristics and receptors can be applied to gated membrane transport channels, receptors for hormones, muscle contraction, action of calcium within cells, activation of second messenger systems and many others. Integration and interrelation of functions and some pathologies also are covered. Minimal anatomy is covered, mainly as it is needed to understand the function of the heart, the lungs and pleural membranes and the digestive system. Several clinical correlations are also given throughout the course. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-140 Principles of Biology I

4 Units: 54 hours of lecture, 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC

Prerequisite: CHEM 120 and BIOSC 106

This course meets the CSU General Education requirement for Areas B2-Life Science, B3-Laboratory Activity, and the IGETC for Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences under Biological Sciences.

General introduction to cells and their function, cellular metabolism and energetics, genetic material and its expression, classical genetics, and animal form, function, and development. Intended for transfer majors in biology. BIOSC 140 is not a pre-requisite for BIOSC 141. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-141 Principles of Biology II

4 Units: 54 hours of lecture, 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC

Prerequisite: BIOSC 106 and MATH 120

This course meets the CSU General Education requirement for Areas B2-Life Science, B3-Laboratory Activity, and the IGETC for Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences under Biological Sciences.

An introduction to evolution and natural selection, population genetics, plant development, form, and function, and ecological principles. Intended for transfer majors in biology. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-148 General Microbiology

4 Units: 54 hours of lecture, 54 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC

Prerequisite: BIOSC 106 and CHEM 120 may be taken concurrently.

This course meets the CSU General Education requirement for Areas B2-Life Science, B3-Laboratory Activity, and the IGETC for Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences under Biological Sciences.

This course explores the structure and function of the prokaryotic cell, with emphasis on biochemical pathways, genetics, recombinant DNA technology, and physical and chemical methods of microbial control. Included is a survey of prokaryotes of ecological, medical, and industrial importance. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-155 Biotechnology I: Foundational Concepts and Laboratory Skills

1.5 Units: 18 hours of lecture, 27 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC

Prerequisite: BIOSC 106

Challenge: By examination

This course is designed to teach students wanting to enter the field of Biotechnology how to apply chemical, biochemical, and microbiological concepts to tactual formulations used in Biotechnology labs. Concepts important for working in a regulated environment, laboratory calculation, and technical practice with precision measuring instruments, analytical instruments, and reagents are covered. Good communication and effective teamwork skills are also emphasized. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-156 Biotechnology II: Advanced Concepts
and Laboratory Skills

1.5 Units: 18 hours of lecture, 27 hours of laboratory per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC

Prerequisite: BIOSC 155, or current employment in Biotechnology.

Challenge: Interview with instructor of record.

This course is designed to familiarize students seeking to enter the field of Biotechnology with commonly used assay methods and instrumentation, and to provide training in workplace skills such as instrumentation trouble-shooting, data analysis and keeping a laboratory notebook according to Good Manufacturing Practices regulations. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-157 Foundations in Biotechnology

3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC

Prerequisite: BIOSC 106
Challenge: by exam

Co-requisite: BIOSC 159
Challenge: permission of Instructor

This course is designed to provide students wanting to enter the field of biotechnology with a solid foundation in the chemical, biochemical, microbiological, mathematical, bioinformatic and regulatory concepts used in biotechnology labs. Students practice laboratory calculations, design and analyze experiments, and become familiar with the documentation and practices important for working in a regulated environment (laboratory notebooks, QA/QC, SOP’s, cGMP). Good communication and work-readiness skills are emphasized. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-159 Introduction to the Biotechnology Lab

1 Unit: 54 hours of laboratory per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC

Co-requisite: Either BIOSC 157 or BIOSC 172
Challenge: permission of Instructor

This course meets the CSU General Education requirement for Areas B3-Laboratory Activity, and the IGETC for Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences under Biological Sciences.

This course is designed to provide students with training in the skills and applications commonly used in biotechnology and molecular biology laboratories. It will provide technical practice with analytical instruments, the formulation and use of reagents, and the culture and study of model organisms. Students will learn and apply the Scientific Method, perform data analysis, keep a laboratory notebook according to cGMP, follow Standard Operating Procedures and practice good communication and teamwork skills as they carry out laboratory experiments that reveal foundational concepts of biology, biotechnology, and molecular biology. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-160 Nutrition

3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC

This course provides a study of the essential nutrients, their function in the body, and how to determine the food needs of the normal individual. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-172 Introduction to Biotechnology

3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC

This course will teach students about all aspects of the biotechnology field, with content appropriate for a wide range of students and professionals. Topics will include the biology, business, and legal/ethical issues surrounding biotechnology; cells, genes, DNA, proteins, genetic engineering, drug development, biofuels, agriculture, bioremediation, biotechnology company structure, and the regulations affecting the field. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-182 GLP and GMP; Principles and Compliance

1 Unit: 18 hours of lecture, per term, LR, DG, CSU

This course will introduce students to the laws, regulations, and quality practices associated with the biotechnology industry, with emphasis on the development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Students will gain hands-on experience navigating and using the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. Not repeatable.

BIOSC-183 Mammalian Cell Culture

1 Unit: 15 hours of lecture and 9 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU

Prerequisite: BIOSC 155, or challenge by skill demonstration, including accurate use of micropipetors, dilution mathematics, and cell culture hood.

This course is designed to prepare students for employment as cell culture technicians. Students will learn aseptic techniques, how to work in a cell culture hood, how to compose mammalian cell culture media and the function of each medium component, how to use a hemacytometer and vital staining to count cells and determine viability, how to passage cells, and how to cryopreserve cell cultures. In addition, students will be introduced to concepts of stem cell research, including multi-potent and totipotent cell lines. May be repeated one time.

BIOSC-184 ELISA Methodology and Assay
Development

1 Unit: 15 hours of lecture and 9 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU

Prerequisite: BIOSC 155, or challenge by skill demonstrations, including accurate use of micropipetors, dilution mathematics, generation and interpretation of a standard curve.

This course introduces students to Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbant Assays (ELISA), a highly versatile method used to identify and quantify proteins, both in the biotechnology industry and in medical diagnosis. Students will gain extensive hands-on experience with instruments, method development and optimization, and data analysis. May be repeated one time.

BIOSC-185 Polymerase Chain Reaction, Theory and
Applications

1 Unit: 15 hours of lecture and 9 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU

Prerequisite: BIOSC 119, 140, 148, or 156; or challenge by successful completion of a college level course in Cell or Cell and Molecular Biology.

This course will teach the theory and practice of DNA replication in vitro (the Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR]), with emphasis on understanding the role of each reaction component. In addition, this course will provide students with hands-on experience in extracting genomic DNA from a variety of sources, choosing primer pairs needed to amplify selected genes, composing experimental and control reactions, programming the DNA thermalcycler, and analyzing the reaction products with agarose gel electrophoresis. Applications of PCR in medical diagnosis, forensic analysis, research, and agriculture will be discussed. May be repeated one time.

BIOSC-186 Protein Purification and Analysis

1 Unit: 15 hours of lecture and 9 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU

Prerequisite: BIOSC 119, 140, 148, or 156; or challenge by successful completion of a college level course in Cell or Cell and Molecular Biology.

This course will teach how to isolate a specific protein from a complex cell lysate using affinity chromatography. The isolated protein will be analyzed by qualitative and quantitative protein assays. The size and purity of the isolated protein will be analyzed by SDS-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). May be repeated one time.

BIOSC-187 DNA Manipulation and Cloning

1 Unit: 15 hours of lecture and 9 hours of laboratory, per term, LR, DG, CSU

Prerequisite: BIOSC 119, 140, 148, or 156; or challenge by successful completion of a college level course in Cell or Cell and Molecular Biology.

This course is designed to teach students how to construct a genomic library of a viral DNA. Students will learn to use the molecular tools of cloning and analysis of recombinant DNAs. May be repeated one time.

BIOSC-298 Independent Study

.2-4 Units: 3.6-72 hours of independent study, per term, SC, DG, CSU

Prerequisite: Educational contract of study signed by an instructor, department chair and senior dean of instruction. Topics must extend beyond regular course offerings.

This course is designed for selected students to pursue independent study in Biological Sciences under the direction of an instructor. May be repeated three times.

BIOSC-300 Field Studies

.1-4 Units: 1.8-72 hours of lecture and/or 5.4-216 hours of laboratory, per term, SC, DG

This course provides the opportunity for students to participate in field experience in various disciplines. In all cases, field classes will be oriented toward direct involvement by the student in some outside activity which should supplement the classroom experience. May be repeated three times.

Page was Last Modified on 9/18/2012