# Biotechnology (A.S. Degree)

Berkeley City College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Science

Source: https://bcc.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/39711/39965/39967/40997/41008/40778/40783

##### Summary

##### Program Description

Biotechnology draws from many disciplines, including genetics, immunology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science. Recent advances in biotechnology have resulted in major contributions to the fields of medicine, pharmacy, public health and agriculture. The Associate of Science degree in Biotechnology at Berkeley City College prepares students for employment as technicians and research associates in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, state and federal laboratories, and a range of clinical and academic laboratories. The program also incorporates coursework for those students desiring to transfer to CSU/UC prior to entering the workforce.

**

##### Career Opportunities

**

Technician, research assistant and research associate positions in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, state and federal laboratories and academic and private research laboratories.

**

##### Learning Outcome(s)

**

1.  Demonstrate knowledge and facility with standard laboratory methods and procedures, advanced techniques used in immunology and genetics laboratories, laboratory mathematics, tissue culture, proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials and good laboratory practices.
2.  Demonstrate an ability to work independently and as a member of a team, to read and interpret laboratory protocols, to analyze and troubleshoot results, to utilize information provided in scientific papers when necessary, and to maintain a legible laboratory notebook with accurately recorded data.
3.  Demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts in biology and chemistry, an ability to write a scientific paper and present data in an oral presentation and an ability to address ethical concerns associated with stem cells and recombinant DNA technologies.

##### Requirements

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Required Courses:** | | 18 |
| BIOL 32 | Scientific Literature and Writing | 3 |
| BIOL 33 | Immunology | 4 |
| BIOL 34 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 34L | Genetics Laboratory | 2 |
| BIOL 50A | Introductory Biotechnology with Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 50D | Cell and Tissue Culture | 2 |
| **Select 3 courses from the following list:** | | 10-15 |
| BIOL 1A | General Biology | 5 |
| BIOL 50B | Protein Chemistry and Fermentation | 3 |
| BIOL 50C | Stem Cell Biology and Advanced Molecular Techniques | 3 |
| BIOL 51 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 4 |
| CHEM 1A | General Chemistry | 5 |
| PHYS 3A | General Physics | 5 |
| or PHYS 4A | General Physics with Calculus | 5 |
| **Select one course from the following list:** | | 4-5 |
| MATH 1 | Pre-Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 3A | Calculus I | 5 |
| MATH 16A | Calculus for Business and the Life and Social Sciences | 4 |