Research Laboratory Technology - RTEC
6 courses · Bakersfield College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
RTEC B100 Laboratory Techniques and Methods
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of CHEM B1B or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
This course explores the principles and techniques for effectively and efficiently working in a laboratory setting. The course focuses on building foundational laboratory skills, the practice of laboratory safety, the application of common statistical analysis methods, and the quantification of experimental error. Note: This is an upper division course.
RTEC B101 Laboratory Safety and Materials Management
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
This course covers OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration), FDA (The Food and Drug Administration) - GLP (Good Laboratory Practice), EPA (The Environmental Protection Agency) regulations, ISO (The International Organization for Standardization), and other laboratory standards needed for the reliable and safe operation of a laboratory. The safe handling of compressed gases, harmful chemicals, biological agents, sterile samples, materials storage, and waste disposal will be detailed in the course. The course will also include risk assessment basics, control hierarchy, waste management, and emergency response as it applies to laboratory operations. This is an upper division course.
RTEC B102 Inorganic/Metallic Laboratory Quantification
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of CHEM B1B or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
This course covers the calculations, procedures, and instrumentation skills needed to identify and quantify inorganic compounds and metals in samples. This will include techniques such as gravimetric analysis, Karl-Fischer titration, potentiometric titration, nitric acid sample digestion, flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods related to metal analyses and fuel cell functions. This is an upper division course.
RTEC B103 Biologic/Organic Laboratory Analysis
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of CHEM B30A or equivalent with a grade C or better. AND Successful completion of BIOL B3B or equivalent with a grade C or better.
This course covers the calculations, procedures, and instrumentation skills needed to identify and quantify organic compounds and biologicals in samples. This will include hands-on techniques in gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, FT infrared spectroscopy, NMR spectrometry, UV binding assays, and electrophoresis. Students will become knowledgeable in the processes of genomic sequencing and cytometry. Field trips may be required. This is an upper division course.
RTEC B110 Research Instrument Maintenance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours, 108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of RTEC B103 or equivalent with a grade of C or better. AND Successful completion of RTEC B102 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
This course provides direct experience with maintaining the components of instruments used in RTEC B102 and B103. Students will learn in lecture how these components each function and how to identify when they have failed. Students will then use laboratory time to learn the proper methods for cleaning and replacing critical instrument components, including detailed processes for setting up, calibrating, and tuning laboratory instruments. This is an upper division course.
RTEC B140 Research Project Design and Execution
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
Students will develop and execute a research project. Students will demonstrate elements of program management, apply the scientific method in relation to their project, and build technical competence in professional communication. This course serves as the capstone for the Research Laboratory Technology Bachelor of Science program. This is an upper division course.