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Biotechnology Certificate
Program Available at:
- El Centro
Catalog Year 2024-2025 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.
Degree Type Level 1 Certificate
GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher
TSI May be Exempt
For more information, visit the Dallas College Biotechnology webpage and your success coach at your campus.
This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing the Biotechnology Level I Certificate. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn a Level I Certificate in Biotechnology. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. See catalog for official certificate requirements.
Dallas College Biotechnology program offers individuals the choice of a Level I Certificate program. The program is designed to prepare the graduate for entry-level positions in biotechnology, biological research, and industrial laboratories. Biotechnology students will study the theories of modern advances in biotechnology, molecular biology, DNA and RNA technology, and bioethics. Skills will include laboratory management and safety, laboratory operations, planning, recording, and reporting experiments, caring for equipment, and living cells, cell and tissue culture, immunology, pipetting, technical writing, and statistical analysis. The final semester will incorporate bioethics, biomedicine, and research on special topics pertinent to the field of biotechnology. An externship is embedded within the curriculum that will provide a transitional experience from course work to workplace. The biotechnology program will also provide a foundation for students who would like to continue a bachelor's and/or graduate degrees. Job opportunities include medical schools, pharmaceutical and industrial companies, colleges, universities and rapidly new emerging occupations. Courses that complete the certificate are noted below.
Students pursuing this certificate are waived from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards, but must meet course prerequisites, as long as the student completes the TSI waiver form prior to enrollment.
SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS
All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official certificate requirements.
CERTIFICATE MINIMUM: 41 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS
PREREQUISITES
BIOL 1406 – Biology for Science Majors I This is a Core course.
MATH 1314 – College Algebra This is a Core course.
CHEM 1411 – General Chemistry I This is a Core course. Prerequisite of MATH 1314 or equivalent academic preparation before enrolling in the course.
NOTE: A 2.5 GPA ON prerequisite courses is requested or approval from instructor/program coordinator.
Total Hours: 11
SEMESTER 1 (MayTerm/Summer)
MLAB 1335 – Immunology/Serology
BITC 1240 – Quality Assurance for the Biosciences
SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your success coach to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
- Meet with your success coach to research your career options and opportunities for job shadowing.
Total Hours: 5
SEMESTER 2 (Fall)
BITC 1302 – Biotechnology Laboratory Methods and Techniques
BITC 2441 – Molecular Biology Techniques
BITC 2431 – Cell Culture Techniques
BITC 1250 – Special Studies and Bioethical Issues of Biotechnology
SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with a faculty advisor or success coach regarding placement for the internship course.
Total Hours: 13
SEMESTER 3 (Spring)
BITC 2286 – Internship-Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician This is the capstone course for this award.
BITC 2311 – Biotechnology Laboratory Instrumentation
BITC 2445 – Medical Biotechnology
BITC 1391 – Special Topics in Biological Technology/Technician
SEMESTER 3 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your success coach to request an official program of study audit and confirm or update your academic/career path and program of study.
- After reviewing your degree plan and program of study, meet with your success coach to apply for the Biotechnology Level I Certificate.
- Sign up for commencement.
- Meet with your success coach for assistance in preparing for job search.
- Join the Alumni Network
Total Hours: 12
DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 41 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS