Biotechnology, AS Degree
Associate of Science Biology · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Natural Sciences Division www.elcamino.edu/academics/divisions/natural-sciences/
The Biotechnology AS degree program is a lab-skills based program that includes two Certificates of Achievement (Biotechnology Laboratory Assistant and Biotechnology Technician Certificate) with the option to transfer to a four-year program. This AS degree builds on foundational biotechnology lab skills acquired in the two stackable certificate programs to further advance student knowledge of concepts and practices employed in modern biotechnology industries including proteins and other biomolecules and quality and regulatory compliance. With close interactions with local biotechnology industry partners, the industry-responsive curriculum taught in this degree program will prepare students for entry-level positions and career advancement in the biotechnology sector with the option to transfer to a four-year institution.
For Gainful Employment program information, please visit www.elcamino.edu/academics/areas-of-study/biology.php
Require Core:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 75 | Introduction to Biotechnology | 3 |
| BIOL 76 | Introduction to Biotechnology Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 77 | Biotechnology A: Basic Lab Skills | 4 |
| BIOL 78 | Quality and Regulatory Compliance in the Biosciences | 2 |
| BIOL 79 | Biotechnology B: Proteins and other Biomolecules | 4 |
| MICR 33 | General Microbiology | 5 |
| CHEM 1A | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| orCHEM 4 | Beginning Chemistry | 5 |
| orCHEM 4H | Honors Beginning Chemistry | 5 |
| orCHEM 20 | Fundamentals of Chemistry | 5 |
| orCHEM 21A | Survey of General and Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| MATH 170 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| orSTAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
| orSTAT C1000H | Introduction to Statistics - Honors | 4 |
Total Major Units: 26-28
Elective Units: 14-19
optional but preferred elective options:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| APHY 34A | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| APHY 34B | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 130 | Fundamentals of Molecular Biology | 3 |
| CHEM 1B | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| MEDT 1 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| NUTR 110 | Introduction to Nutrition Science | 3 |
| PHYO 31 | Human Physiology | 4 |
GE Patterns
Complete one of the following:
ECC GE: 24 units
Required for local degrees (AA and AS).
Cal-GETC: 34 units
Required for transfer degrees (AA-T and AS-T).
Electives
As needed to reach a minimum of 60 degree-applicable units.
Minimum Degree Total: 60 units