Program Code: 3621
The Biotechnology Laboratory Technology Program is a two-year program at Santa Fe College that prepares you to go directly into a specialized career locally or nationally in one of the most exciting emerging fields today. Graduates from our program will be given hands on experience in techniques including mammalian, plant, yeast & bacteria cell culture, DNA/RNA/protein extraction and purification, Western & Southern blot analysis, PCR (including rt & q-PCR), ELISA, enzyme activity assays, and genetic cloning & sequencing. Upon completion of the A.S. in biotechnology students will qualify for entry level associate or technician level positions at several local companies or academic/governmental laboratories. The program also provides a sound basis for further education in the sciences by giving students hands-on biotechnology laboratory experience. The program is sustained by a formal partnership between Santa Fe College, University of Florida and industries related to biotechnology. The curriculum, faculty and facilities were established with guidance from local employers to meet student needs.
Potential Careers
- Biological Technician
- Cell Culture Technician
- Research Assistant
- Laboratory Technician
- Quality Control Technician
- Bio-Manufacturing Associate
- Validation Technician
Upon completion of all program requirements, students will graduate with an Associate in Science 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.
Requirements for Admissions
Acceptance Criteria
In order to qualify for the first semester of Biotechnology courses, students must:
- Demonstrate college readiness in reading, writing, math, and science. College level algebra and [introductory chemistry (or higher) or core biology] must be taken prior to or during the first semester.
Be able to perform the following essential functions:
- Have a 2.0 overall GPA in previous coursework.
- 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, pipetting, and manual entry of data into computers.
- Demonstrate microscopic and macroscopic visual acuity required to perform all technical activities requiring visual skills.
- Computer Requirement
- Access to and on-going use of a computer is required for all students. The Emerging Technologies department expects each student entering the BLT program to acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to his or her degree program. Competency in the basic use of a computer is required.
Biotechnology Laboratory Technology Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Students will be able to Conduct research or assist in research, including the collection of information and samples, water, soil, plants, and animals.
- Students will possess the technical background to Analyze experimental data and interpret results from biotechnology research.
- Students Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
- Students display proficiency in, computer-interfaced equipment.
- Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.
- Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing.
- Students Isolate, identify, and prepare specimens for examination.
- Conduct standardized biological, microbiological, or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products.
- Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
- Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.
- Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
- Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
- Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
Performance Standards
After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:
- 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.
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:
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