Biotechnology
The Biotechnology curriculum is designed to meet the increasing demands for skilled laboratory technicians in various fields of biological and chemical technology. Course work emphasizes biology, chemistry, mathematics, and technical communications.
Graduates may find employment in various areas of industry and government including research and development, manufacturing, sales, and customer service.
The Biotechnology Program at Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) is a collaborative educational program offered by Alamance Community College (ACC) and GTCC. Students are able to complete the first two semesters as well as some selected general education courses from the second year at GTCC. Students who successfully complete at least the first two semesters at GTCC will be admitted to the Alamance Community College program and will be able to complete the program requirements at ACC. Alamance Community College will award the Associate of Applied Science degree to all students who meet degree requirements.
Credentialing Options
Biotechnology, AAS - CIP Code: 26.1201
A 20 10 0 AL
Contact: (336) 334-4822, ext. 50357
The Biotechnology curriculum is designed to meet the increasing demands for skilled laboratory technicians in various fields of biological and chemical technology.
Course work emphasizes biology, chemistry, mathematics and technical communications. The curriculum objectives are designed to prepare graduates to serve in three distinct capacities: research assistant to a biologist or chemist; laboratory technician/ instrumentation technician; and quality control/quality assurance technician.
Graduates may find employment in various areas of industry and government including research and development, manufacturing, sales, and customer service.
The Biotechnology Program at GTCC is a collaborative educational program offered by Alamance Community College (ACC) and GTCC. Students are able to complete the first two semesters, as well as some selected general education courses from the second year, at GTCC. Students who successfully complete at least the first two semesters at GTCC will be admitted to the Alamance Community College program and will be able to complete the program requirements at ACC. Alamance Community College will award the Associate of Applied Science degree to all students who meet degree requirements.
Program Outcomes:
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
- Evaluate the principles and concepts related to biotechnology.
- Demonstrate effective lab skills necessary for the biotechnology workforce.
- Incorporate critical thinking in a variety of independent and collaborative laboratory projects.
- Demonstrate academic skills necessary for transition into articulating educational institutions.
- Incorporate laboratory procedures in a safe and organized manner into laboratory exercises.
Courses that may be completed at GTCC
Fall Semester I
- ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry
ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry
Close - BIO 111 General Biology I
BIO 111 General Biology I
Close - BIO 112 General Biology II
BIO 112 General Biology II
Close - Humanities/Fine Arts Elective Credits: 3 2
- MAT 171 Precalculus Algebra
MAT 171 Precalculus Algebra
Close
Total Credits: 18
Spring Semester I
- ENG 114 Professional Research & Reporting
ENG 114 Professional Research & Reporting
Close - Chemistry Elective Credits: 4 1
- CIS 110 Introduction to Computers
CIS 110 Introduction to Computers
Close - Chemistry Elective Credits: 4 1
- Social/Behavioral Science Elective Credits: 3 3
Total Credits: 17
Courses that may be completed at ACC
- BIO 250 Genetics
BIO 250 Genetics
Close - BIO 275 Microbiology
BIO 275 Microbiology
Close - Credits: 4
- Credits: 3
- BTC 281 Bioprocess Techniques Credits: 4
- BTC 286 Immunological Techniques Credits: 4
- BTC 288 Biotech Lab Experience Credits: 3
- CHM 263 Analytical Chemistry Credits: 5
- WBL 112 Work-Based Learning I
WBL 112 Work-Based Learning I
Close - PHY 120 Health Sciences Physics Credits: 4
Total credit hours required for degree: 72
Electives
1. Chemistry Electives
- CHM 131 Introduction to Chemistry
CHM 131 Introduction to Chemistry
Close - CHM 131A Introduction to Chemistry Lab
CHM 131A Introduction to Chemistry Lab
Close - CHM 151 General Chemistry I (Recommended if pursuing 4-year degree)
CHM 151 General Chemistry I
Close - CHM 132 Organic and Biochemistry
CHM 132 Organic and Biochemistry
Close - CHM 152 General Chemistry II (Recommended if pursuing 4-year degree)
CHM 152 General Chemistry II
Close
2. Humanities/Fine Arts Electives
- ART 114 Art History Survey I
ART 114 Art History Survey I
Close - ART 115 Art History Survey II
ART 115 Art History Survey II
Close - COM 231 Public Speaking
COM 231 Public Speaking
Close - MUS 110 Music Appreciation
MUS 110 Music Appreciation
Close - PHI 215 Philosophical Issues
PHI 215 Philosophical Issues
Close
3. Social/Behavioral Science Electives
- ECO 251 Principles of Microeconomics
ECO 251 Principles of Microeconomics
Close - ECO 252 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO 252 Principles of Macroeconomics
Close - POL 120 American Government
POL 120 American Government
Close - PSY 150 General Psychology
PSY 150 General Psychology
Close - SOC 210 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 210 Introduction to Sociology
Close
Note:
Additional Biology courses including
and can be taken at GTCC for credit at ACC.Frequently Asked Questions
You will need to follow the general enrollment process for GTCC. During the advising process you will have the opportunity to indicate your desire to study within this curriculum. Your advisor will help you sign up for the specific courses you need.
Jameson McCann, Professor of Biology and Coordinator of Biotechnology
Yes, if you are admitted to GTCC, you can qualify for this program. It is important to note that some students may be required to complete some developmental education courses before registering for degree courses.
Careers for students with an AAS Biotechnology degree are vast including: laboratory research technicians, medical technologists, biomanufacturing technicians, and clinical lab technicians.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% increase in growth of biotechnology jobs over the next ten years. The average annual salary for these jobs is $40,000.
In high school, you should take available courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
General Biology I (BIO111), General Biology II (BIO 112), Introduction to Chemistry + Lab (CHM131, 131A), Organic and Biochemistry (CHM 132), Microbiology (BIO275), Genetics (BIO250), Writing and Inquiry (ENG111), Art Appreciation (ART111), General Psychology (PSY150), and Introduction to Computers (CIS110)
You can complete the first two semesters of the AAS Biotechnology degree at GTCC and then complete the remaining course requirements at ACC, where the degree is awarded.