Biotechnology-Industry
Associate in Science School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Biotechnology A.S. Industry degree is intended to prepare students for employment in the field of biotechnology. This would include but may not be limited to working as a lab technician, in research or agricultural biotechnology.
The student majoring in Biotechnology is generally preparing for employment in the biotechnology industry.
The Associate of Science degree in Biotechnology-Industry is available for students who meet the graduation requirements and complete the following required courses, with a minimum grade of a “C” (or P) in each course in the degree and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Students must complete both courses in the CHEM-02 sequence, with the first course in the sequence satisfying the physical science breadth requirements. BIOL-04A, BIOL-C1000 (formerly BIOL-01), or BIOL-02 should be taken to satisfy the life science breadth requirement..
Program Student Learning Outcomes
A. Students will demonstrate the use and maintenance of equipment found in a standard biotechnology lab.
B. Students will demonstrate the application and comprehension of laboratory math skills where appropriate.
C. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the underlying theory of laboratory skills and work ethic through application, problem-solving skills and teamwork.
D. Students will demonstrate the preparation, comprehension, evaluation, and maintenance of standard documents associated with the biotechnology workplace.
E. Students will demonstrate the comprehension and interpretation and application of federal, state, and local safety regulations within the biotechnology workplace with regards to the quality control of products generated in the laboratory.
Program Requirements:
Program Core: (27 Units)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL-09 | Introduction to Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL-32 | Introduction to Biotechnology | 4 |
| BIOL-32L | Introduction to Biotechnology Lab | 2 |
| BIOL-33 | Biotechnology II: Advanced Laboratory Techniques and Theory | 4 |
| CHEM-02B | Introductory Chemistry: Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry | 4 |
| 10 units from the following courses: | ||
| BIOL-04B | Diversity of Life: Morphology and Physiology | 5 |
| BIOL-06 | Environmental Science | 3 |
| BIOL-16 | General Human Anatomy | 4 |
| BIOL-18 | Principles of Physiology | 4 |
| AGPS-01 | Elements of Plant Science | 4 |
| CPSC-01 | Introduction to Computer Information Systems | 4 |
| orAOM-30 | Introduction to Computer Applications | 3 |
| Required Major Total | 27 | |
Completion of MCCD-GE Breadth : (24 units)
Double Counting (-3 units)
Elective (as needed to reach 60 units) Units: (12 Units)
Total Degree Units: (60 Units)