Biotechnology Pre-Professional
Associate in Science School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Associate of Science degree in Biotechnology Pre-Professional is intended to prepare students to transfer to a four-year institution to complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree. This program focuses on developing basic lab competencies in biology, basic molecular biology, genetics and cell biology. This program is intended to prepare students for careers in scientific research as a lab tech, researcher or primary investigator. Potential four-year institutes include but are not limited to University of California, Davis; California Polytechnic University, Pomona; and California State University, San Marcos.
The Associate in Science degree in Biotechnology Pre-Professional 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.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
A. Demonstrate the comprehension and application of laboratory math skills where appropriate.
B. Demonstrate a comprehension of biotechnology theory through the application of basic biotechnology laboratory skills, problem solving skills, work ethic and teamwork.
C. Demonstrate the ability to prepare, comprehend, evaluate, and maintain standard documents associated with the biotechnology workplace.
D. Demonstrate an understanding of federal, state, and local safety regulations and through their application in the biotechnology workplace.
E. Demonstrate an understanding of federal, state and local regulations as they relate to quality control of products produced in the laboratory.
Program Requirements:
Program Core: (30 Units)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL-09 | Introduction to Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL-20 | Microbiology | 4 |
| BIOL-32 | Introduction to Biotechnology | 4 |
| BIOL-32L | Introduction to Biotechnology Lab | 2 |
| BIOL-33 | Biotechnology II: Advanced Laboratory Techniques and Theory | 4 |
| CHEM-04A | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM-04B | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| 3 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 | 30 | |
Completion of MCCD-GE Breadth: (24 units)
Double Counting (-3 units)
Elective (as needed to reach 60 units) Units: (9 Units)
Total Degree Units: (60 Units)