Biotechnology

A.S. Degree Science · Berkeley City College · 2026-2027 Catalog

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.

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Career Opportunities

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

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Learning Outcome(s)

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  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
CourseTitleUnits
Required Courses:18
BIOL 32Scientific Literature and Writing3
BIOL 33Immunology4
BIOL 34Genetics3
BIOL 34LGenetics Laboratory2
BIOL 50AIntroductory Biotechnology with Laboratory4
BIOL 50DCell and Tissue Culture2
Select 3 courses from the following list:10-15
BIOL 1AGeneral Biology5
BIOL 50BProtein Chemistry and Fermentation3
BIOL 50CStem Cell Biology and Advanced Molecular Techniques3
BIOL 51Introduction to Bioinformatics4
CHEM 1AGeneral Chemistry5
PHYS 3AGeneral Physics5
orPHYS 4AGeneral Physics with Calculus5
Select one course from the following list:4-5
MATH 1Pre-Calculus4
MATH 3ACalculus I5
MATH 16ACalculus for Business and the Life and Social Sciences4

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