Biotechnology A.A.S. (Career)

Program website

Program Manager: Dr. Savita Prabhakar
Email: sprabhakar@frederick.edu
Phone: 301.846.2564

Program Description

Prepares individuals to work as process operators in biological products manufacturing facilities. Students will combine basic science and communication skills, manufacturing technologies and good manufacturing practices in the course of study. Students will develop a strong basic science foundation with a sound understanding of the major technologies employed in the industry. They will also develop collaborative and disciplined work ethics while consistently practicing problem-solving skills. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals will possess the necessary skills to qualify for employment in a variety of bioprocessing industries.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Articulate central themes of the discipline.
  • Apply and demonstrate entry-level biotechnology skills and techniques.
  • Demonstrate discipline-specific scientific inquiry.
  • Communicate discipline-specific knowledge.
  • Integrate discipline-specific technology.
  • Demonstrate appropriate quantitative skills.
  • Analyze the role of biotechnology in society.

Program Requirements

  • Students must complete their credit English and Mathematics within the first 24 credits.
  • One course must meet the cultural competence graduation requirement.
  • CORE: The General Education CORE is that foundation of the higher education curriculum providing a coherent intellectual experience for all students. Students should check with an advisor or the transfer institution (ARTSYS) before selecting General Education CORE requirements. http://artsys.usmd.edu/
  • In some General Education categories (Mathematics, Biological & Physical Sciences), a 4-credit course selected from the GenEd course list will satisfy the requirement in place of a 3-credit course. Students should check with an advisor before selecting these courses.
  • For the Physical Education, Health, or Nutrition requirement, a 3-credit PHED, HLTH, or NUTR course may satisfy the requirement in place of a 1-credit course. Students should check with an advisor before selecting this course.
  • Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in ENGL 101 English Composition.
English
ENGL 101English Composition3
Mathematics
Mathematics Elective (Gen Ed course list) (MATH 120 or higher)3
Social & Behavioral Sciences
Social & Behavioral Sciences Elective (Gen Ed course list)3
Arts & Humanities
Communication Elective (Gen Ed course list)3
Biological & Physical Sciences
BSCI 150Principles of Biology I4
CHEM 101General Chemistry I4
Physical Education, Health, or Nutrition Requirement
Select one PHED, HLTH, or NUTR course1
Departmental Requirements
BSCI 223Microbiology for Allied Health4
or BSCI 263 Elements of Microbiology (Fall)
BIOT 101Biotechnology and Society3
BIOT 102Regulatory Aspects of Biotechnology (Fall)3
BIOT 103Basic Lab Techniques (Fall)1
BIOT 110Molecular Biology Techniques (Spring)4
BIOT 214Introduction to Biomanufacturing (Fall)4
BIOT 220Cell Biology and Cell Culture Techniques (Spring)4
BIOT 222Cell Therapy and Flow Cytometry (Spring)4
CMIS 105Introduction to Programming2
Electives – Recommended courses below:10
Forensic Biology
Gene Therapy Fundamentals (Fall)
Genetics (Spring)
General Chemistry II
Technical Writing
Internship
Total Credits60

Transfer Note

For more information on careers and transfer, contact the Career and Academic Planning Services office at 301.846.2471 or visit Transfer Services.

Guided Pathway to Success (GPS)

Suggested schedules map your path to degree completion.

Students should meet with an advisor each semester to carefully select and sequence courses based on their specific academic goals and interests. Visit Jefferson Hall or call 301.846.2471 for advising.

Plan of Study Grid
Recommended First SemesterCredits
ENGL 101 English Composition 1 3
Mathematics Elective (Gen Ed course list) (MATH 120 or higher) 1 3-4
BSCI 150 Principles of Biology I 4
BIOT 101 Biotechnology and Society 3
BIOT 102 Regulatory Aspects of Biotechnology (Fall) (Milestone) 3
BIOT 103 Basic Lab Techniques (Fall) 1
 Credits17-18
Recommended Second Semester
BSCI 223
Microbiology for Allied Health
or Elements of Microbiology (Fall)
4
BIOT 110 Molecular Biology Techniques (Spring) (Milestone) 4
CHEM 101 General Chemistry I 4
Electives - Recommended courses below: 2 3
Internship  
Forensic Biology  
Gene Therapy Fundamentals (Fall)  
Genetics (Spring)  
General Chemistry II  
Technical Writing  
 Credits15
Recommended Third Semester
Communication Elective (Gen Ed course list) 3
CMIS 105 Introduction to Programming 2
BIOT 214 Introduction to Biomanufacturing (Fall) (Milestone) 4
Electives - Recommended courses below: 2 4
Internship  
Forensic Biology  
Gene Therapy Fundamentals (Fall)  
Genetics (Spring)  
General Chemistry II  
Technical Writing  
 Credits13
Recommended Fourth Semester
BIOT 220 Cell Biology and Cell Culture Techniques (Spring) 4
BIOT 222 Cell Therapy and Flow Cytometry (Spring) 4
Physical Education, Health, or Nutrition Requirement 1,3
Social & Behavioral Sciences Elective (Gen Ed course list) 3
Electives - Recommended courses below: 2 3
Internship  
Forensic Biology  
Gene Therapy Fundamentals (Fall)  
Genetics (Spring)  
General Chemistry II  
Technical Writing  
 Credits15-17
 Total Credits60-63
1

Take this course within the first 24 credits.

2

Choose electives in consultation with an advisor (credits may vary to fulfill 60 credits for degree)

Part-time Students

Part-time students should complete courses in the order listed on the pathway. Please contact program manager for questions about part-time status.

Students who take fewer than 15 credits each semester or who require developmental English or Math coursework will need additional semesters to complete their degrees. Summer term and January session classes may help students to make faster progress.

Pathway Legend

Milestone - courses with the Milestone notation should be taken within the recommend credit range to stay on track for program completion.

Fall, Spring, Summer - courses with a Fall, Spring, or Summer notation indicate the course is offered in the specified semester only.