Chair Mary El-Semarani
Program Coordinator/Associate Professor Mary El-Semarani, MS
Program Advisor Deborah Robinson
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Biotechnology (IB) is a program that focuses on the application of the biological sciences, biochemistry, and genetics to the preparation of new and enhanced agricultural, environmental, clinical, and industrial products, including the commercial exploitation of microbes, plants, and animals. The Industrial Biotechnology program includes instruction in bioinformatics, gene identification, phylogenetics and comparative genomics, bioinorganic chemistry, immunoassaying, DNA sequencing, xenotransplantation, genetic engineering, industrial microbiology, drug and biologic development, enzyme-based production processes, patent law, biotechnology management and marketing, applicable regulations, and biotechnology ethics. All B.A.S. degree seeking students are required to complete the same basic requirements as traditional baccalaureate students, including 36 hours of General Education, and demonstration of foreign language competence. The entrance requirements for this program include specific, lower division coursework in math and science. Therefore, students are strongly advised to consult with an advisor as early as possible to plan their progress through this degree program in order to finish in an appropriate time frame.
The Industrial Biotechnology Program at Santa Fe College is located at the Charles R. and Nancy V. Perry Center for Emerging Technologies. The Center is in Alachua in the heart of Florida’s high-tech corridor, about 13 miles from SF’s Northwest Campus. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities and programs that directly relate to and support the greater mission of Santa Fe College.
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Biotechnology adheres to the State of Florida common course prerequisites and curriculum frameworks. All B.A.S. degree seeking students are required to complete the same basic requirements as traditional baccalaureate students, including 36 hours of General Education, and demonstration of foreign language competence. The entrance requirements for this program require students choose specific courses in biological sciences, chemistry, and mathematics within their lower division 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.
Bachelor of Applied Science degree students will enroll in courses full-time at the Perry Center for Emerging Technologies and will complete either an internship (BSC 4191) or an independent research project (BSC4910C) as part of the requirements for the B.A.S. program. The internship will include on campus attendance as well as placement at an internship site approved by the program coordinator Part time students will be allowed to take courses if space is available. The internships will only be offered on a full-time basis and will be used to evaluate students’ mastery of the program’s learning outcomes.
Upon completion of all program requirements, students will graduate with a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accredited Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree in Industrial Biotechnology. Industrial Biotechnologists may serve in several different settings. Some work in hospitals, clinics, and medical centers, but positions are also available in industrial settings such as public health, reference, and research laboratories. These individuals may practice as generalists, typically covering the areas of serology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, and immunohematology or they may specialize in one scientific area. Graduates will find opportunities for advancement into management or teaching positions after gaining experience within the field. Industry also offers job opportunities in the area of sales, public relations, research and development. Continued academic specialization and advanced degrees are also another option which in turn bring further employment opportunities and benefits.
Getting Started
Santa Fe College expects all students to acquire or have access to the computer hardware and software necessary for the program.
- Complete an SF application for admission or readmission online at www.sfcollege.edu.
- Arrange for official transcripts from high school to be sent to the Office of Records and Admissions.
- Arrange for official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended to be sent to the Office of Records and Admissions at least one month prior to the start of the term. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial advisement purposes.
Qualifying for Admission
In order to qualify for admission to the Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Industrial Biotechnology you must:
Be able to perform the following essential functions:
- Ability to use oral and written communication effectively in the English language and to read, understand and follow directions both written and oral.
- Display manual dexterity required to perform laboratory tasks, e.g,. operation of various instruments, performance of pipetting procedures, and manual entry of data into computers.
- Demonstrate microscopic and macroscopic visual acuity required to perform all technical activities requiring visual skills.
- Have a 2.5 overall GPA in previous coursework.
- Have earned a minimum of an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts degree or 60 credit hours* from a regionally accredited educational institution.
- Have successfully completed the following common program prerequisite courses (or appropriate substitutions) with a grade of C or higher:
BSC 2010 - General Biology 1
BSC 2010L - General Biology 1 Lab
BSC 2011 - General Core Biology 2
BSC 2011L - General Core Biology 2 Lab
CHM 2045 - College Chemistry 1
CHM 2045L - College Chemistry 1 Lab
CHM 2046 - College Chemistry 2
CHM 2046L - College Chemistry 2 Lab
CHM 2210 - Organic Chemistry 1
CHM 2210L - Organic Chemistry 1 Lab
CHM 2211 - Organic Chemistry 2
CHM 2211L - Organic Chemistry 2 Lab
MAC 2233 - Survey of Calculus
PHY 2053 - General Physics 1
PHY 2053L - General Physics 1 Lab
PHY 2054 - General Physics 2
PHY 2054L - General Physics 2 Lab
STA 2023 - Introduction to Statistics
Applying to the Industrial Biotechnology Program
Submit your completed program application materials to: Emerging Technologies program advisor at the Perry Center, 14180 NW 119th Terrace, Alachua, FL 32615. Complete applications include:
- A completed Industrial Biotechnology program application form.
- Satisfactory completion of all prerequisite course work (or written plan for completion of coursework attached to your application which details your plans for finishing) prior to the program’s starting semester.
Foreign Language Competency and General Education
Individuals who have not completed their foreign language prior to enrolling at SF must complete two semesters of college-level sequential foreign language study before finishing the B.A.S. program. Students may select their General Education classes from any eligible courses within SF’s approved General Education package. The B.A.S. program requires 36 credit hours of General Education in order to meet graduation standards, but students should choose classes which also will satisfy the Common Program Course Prerequisites.
Program Exit Requirements
Students will complete either an internship (BSC4191) or an independent research project (BSC4910C) as part of the requirements for the B.A.S. program. The internship will include on campus attendance as well as placement at an internship site approved by the program coordinator. The BAS degree in Industrial Biotechnology will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the College’s curriculum totaling 120 credit hours. A minimum 2.5 overall GPA is required for internship assignment, and students must earn a grade of “C’ (2.0) or higher in required courses with a minimum 2.0 program of study GPA for graduation.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Biotechnology - Overview of Credits Required
General Education 36 credit hours (A.S. grads may need up to 18 hours)
Industrial Biotechnology Core 45 credit hours
Pre-Professional 35 credit hours
Electives 4 credit hours
Total Required for program 120 Credit Hours