Biotechnology Major, BS

Biotechnology Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology program is a degree completion program which offers flexibility that students need and in-demand skills that employers seek. By grounding students in a solid scientific framework, the program equips them with the expertise necessary to thrive across diverse career paths within biotechnology and life sciences, spanning from biotechnology management to regulatory compliance and advanced data technologies. As a distinctive feature, students have the invaluable opportunity to connect with industry-experienced mentors, expanding their professional network and unlocking pathways for career development and advancement.

Graduates from this program will be able to:

• Apply a strong math and science foundation that is critical to meet the demands of the diverse biopharmaceutical industry
• Assist in leading and managing biopharmaceutical development projects
• Be prepared to enter various regulatory paths in the biopharmaceutical industry with knowledge in QA/QC, GCP, GLP, GMP, and regulatory affairs
• Create tools to analyze data that are essential for decision-making in biopharmaceutical development
• Collaborate in team projects, contribute individually, and communicate effectively within their organization with character and integrity
• Be prepared to enter graduate school in related disciplines, e.g., biotechnology, regulatory affairs.

This program is intended for students who have successfully completed core science courses.  Strong applicants will have completed the following:

• Two semesters of biology with lab
• Two semesters of general chemistry with lab
• One semester of College English Writing
• One semester of statistics

Students who completed additional courses at another college/university may be eligible for additional transfer credits.  Students may transfer up to 16 units (50% of the degree).

Requirements

The BS in Biotechnology requires 32 course units (128 semester hours).

Major Requirements

• 4 science courses with lab:
  • Two semesters of biology with lab
  • Two semesters of general chemistry with lab
• MATH 1150 - Statistics  
• Biotechnology Management courses
  • BIOT 1000 - Introduction to Biotechnology  
  • PA 1000 - Introduction to Business  or PA 1530 - Principles of Mangement  
  • LEAD 1010 - Leadership and Decision-Making  
  • BIOT 1200 - Business Operations Management for Biotechnology  
  • BIOT 1400 - Drug Development Process and Regulations  
  • PA 1200 - Project Management Basics  
  • COMM 2100 - Scientific and Technical Communications for Biotech Industry  
  • PHIL 2000 - Bioethical Issues in Biotechnology  
• Optional Tracks

1. Regulatory Compliance
   • BIOT 2000 - QA/QC: Quality by Design for Biopharmaceuticals  
   • BIOT 2100 - Good Clinical Practice: Exploring the Basics  
   • BIOT 2210 - Introduction to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)  
   • BIOT 2220 - Introduction to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)  
   • BIOT 2300 - Regulatory Affairs Process for Biopharmaceuticals  
2. Advanced Data Technologies
   • MATH 1140 - Discrete Mathematics  
   • BIOT 1300 - Introduction to Bioinformatics  
   • BIOT 2500 - Biotechnology Data Insights  
   • CSEC 2150 - Database Management  
   • CSEC 1090 - Python Programming  

• Choose one of the following Communication courses:
  • COMM 2180 - Interpersonal Communication   or
  • COMM 1210 - Effective Speaking and Presenting   or
  • COMM 2360 - Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Management  
• BIOT 2999 - Capstone  

Distribution Requirements

Students are required to take 11 course units to meet the liberal arts distribution requirement for a bachelor of science or a bachelor of general studies degree. This requirement is designed to give students perspectives on human affairs that are essential to be contributing citizens of the world.  Please note that required major courses may also satisfy a Distribution Requirement; consult with your academic advisor if you have questions.  The 11 units must be distributed as follows:

• English/Verbal Expression- two units - ENG 1000 - Introduction to Composition  & ENG 1150 - Intermediate Composition  
• Humanities - three units, distributed among at least two disciplines. One unit must be met a course on ethics.  Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include: ASL, ART, ARTH, ARTS, ENG (not ENG 1000 or ENG 1150), FILM, GERM, HEBR, JAPN, MUSC, PHIL, and TA.  Students may also take COMM 1210 Effective Speaking and Presenting.
• Science/Mathematics - two units. One in math; one in science.
• Social Sciences - three units, distributed among at least two disciplines.  Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include: CJ, COMM, ECON, GOVT, HIST, LEAD, PSYC, and SOC.
• Technology - one unit.  Course subject prefix that satisfies this category: CSEC

Electives

Electives may be selected from the entire spectrum of courses. Please consult your academic advisor with questions.