Program Code: 3621
The Associates Degree in Biotechnology adheres to the State of Florida common course prerequisites and curriculum frameworks. All A.S. degree seeking students are required to complete 15 hours of General Education courses. The entrance requirements for this program require students choose specific courses in biological sciences (8 credit hours), chemistry (8 credit hours), and mathematics within their general education coursework to finish the degree in an appropriate timeframe. Therefore, students are strongly advised to consult with an advisor as early as possible to plan their progress through this degree program. Students enroll in courses full-time or part-time and complete a research project with a department faculty member or an internship in their final semester at affiliated laboratories.
If starting as a freshman, the suggested course sequence for this program schedules a full load of classes each semester including summers over two years for a total of 61 semester credit hours. If starting as a sophomore with the required prerequisites, the suggested sequence of courses takes one year to complete. Students from other colleges and universities requesting to enter the biotech core portion of the program must document comparable prerequisite course work before admission to the program.
Upon completion of all program requirements, students will graduate with a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accredited Associate of Sciences degree in Biotechnology. Note: This degree is not contingent on passing any external exams or licensures. Graduates may be eligible for certification by exam in various areas including safety and quality control when available from state or federal agencies. Fees for exams vary by organization.
Biotechnology Laboratory Technology Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the organizational structure of a bioscience workplace.
- Demonstrate knowledge of legislative regulations in a bioscience workplace.
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills by analyzing data collected in a bioscience workplace.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the specific skills-sets employed in a bioscience workplace.
- Demonstrate knowledge of workplace professionalism and communication.
Application is a two-step process:
- Application for Admission to SF: Students should complete the admission process online. This requires that students arrange for official transcripts from high school as well as official transcripts from any post-secondary institution attended to be sent to the Office of Records. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial advisement purposes only and will not be used for program admission consideration.
- Application for admission to the Biotechnology program: Students should email the academic advisor for an application.
Contact Information:
Deborah Robinson; Program Advisor
Perry Center for Emerging Technologies
14180 NW 119th Terrace, Alachua, FL 32615
Phone: 352-381-3767
Mary El-Semarani, M.S., Program Coordinator
Perry Center for Emerging Technologies
14180 NW 119th Terrace, Alachua, FL 32615
Phone: 352-381-3755
Acceptance Criteria
In order to qualify for admission to the Associates degree in Biotechnology students must:
1. Be able to perform the following essential functions:
a. Possess sufficient eyesight to observe, manipulate, and evaluate instrumentation and procedures
b. Possess sufficient hearing to communicate, manipulate, and evaluate instrumentation and procedures
c. Possess sufficient physical ability to move 25 pounds and stand for at least 2 hours
d. Possess sufficient English verbal and written skills to communicate effectively with potential employers
e. Possess sufficient fine motor coordination to safely perform laboratory techniques
f. Possess sufficient intellectual and emotional abilities to exercise independent judgment and discretion
2. Have a 2.0 overall GPA in previous coursework.
3. Have successfully completed the following prerequisite courses (or appropriate substitutions) with a grade of C or higher:
a. ENC 1101 College Composition (3 credits)
b. MAC 1105 College Algebra (3 credits)
Allergy Advisory
The use of chemicals and latex/latex-based products may exist in program environments such as, but not limited to, classrooms and training labs, hospitals, research laboratories, and some area industries. Individuals with chemical or latex allergies should seek expert advice from their health care provider so that they may receive information to make an informed decision regarding their exposure to chemicals/latex in the field.
Applicants who receive an A.S. degree in the Biotechnology program will successfully complete a total of 62 credits (19 hours of general education and 43 hours of program courses) with coursework in the following classes: