Biotechnology (A.A.)
Associate in Arts
Program Advisor: Gina Foley
413-236-4522 • gfoley@berkshirecc.edu
Biotechnology is an expanding field which blends life sciences and engineering. It is a well-established yet, at the same time, fast-developing and diverse field. The biotechnology concentration offers skills and knowledge in medical, agricultural, environmental and chemical biotechnology, providing a strong foundation in subject matter, applications and methodology of the field. The curriculum prepares for employment as well as transfer into baccalaureate programs.
BCC’s biotechnology program is closely linked to baccalaureate programs in the region, and is coordinated with academic institutions and biotechnological industry in the Commonwealth. BCC’s variety of science courses provides a solid foundation and allows students to add special focus. Individually tailored internships help prepare students for their chosen career.
This is a MassTransfer eligible program.
Expected Outcomes
Graduates of this program should be able to:
- Understand relevant principles of cell biology, microbiology and genetics as they relate to medical, agricultural, environmental and chemical biotechnologies;
- Perform laboratory work and analyses with cells, proteins and genes as they relate to biotechnology fields;
- Demonstrate understanding of concepts of experimental design, research and development;
- Understand concepts of workplace functions, standard operating procedures and professional protocols as they relate to biotechnological operations;
- Follow appropriate safety precautions, emergency response protocols and hazardous materials use and management typical of those found in biotechnology; and
- Possess the academic skills, behaviors and attitudes to successfully pursue further studies in a Biotechnology-related discipline.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a degree in this program, a student must complete all program and general education credits, plus the following Additional Requirements.
Program Courses
| BIO-101 | General Biology I | 4 |
| BIO-102 | General Biology II | 4 |
| BIO-111 | Introduction to Botany | 4 |
| BIO-132 | Biological Laboratory Techniques | 3 |
| BIO-230 | Biotechnology | 3 |
| BIO-275 | Independent Study in Life Sciences I | 1 |
| CHM-201 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| ENG- | Literature | 3 |
| MAT-123 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 27 |
BIO-275 Independent Study: See footnote 1
BIO-275 Professional Elective: See footnote 2
General Education Courses
| CHM-101 | Introductory Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHM-102 | Introductory Chemistry II | 4 |
| COM- | Communication | 3 |
| ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 6 |
| ENG- | Literature | 3 |
| - | | |
| HIS-113 | Western Civ to 1500 | 3 |
| - | Or | |
| HIS-121 | World History to 1500 | 3 |
| - | | |
| HIS-114 | Western Civilization Since 1500 | 3 |
| - | Or | |
| HIS-122 | World History Since 1500 | 3 |
| - | | |
| MAT-121 | Precalculus | 4 |
| - | or higher | |
| - | | |
| - | Behavioral & Social Science | 3 |
| - | Environmental Studies | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 35 |
MAT 121 or higher: See footnote 3
Additional Requirements
| Core Competencies Portfolio |
4 items |
| Forum |
4 units |
| Health/Fitness |
30 hours |
Minimum Cumulative Average
| Overall |
2.000 |
All required BIO & CHM courses
and science electives |
2.000 |
Suggested Pathway to Graduation
First Semester
| BIO-101 | General Biology I | 4 |
| CHM-101 | Introductory Chemistry I | 4 |
| - | | |
| MAT-121 | Precalculus | 4 |
| - | or higher | |
| - | | |
| ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 6 |
| - | Behavioral & Social Science | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
MAT 121 or higher: See footnote 3
Second Semester
| BIO-102 | General Biology II | 4 |
| - | Or | |
| BIO-111 | Introduction to Botany | 4 |
| - | | |
| BIO-132 | Biological Laboratory Techniques | 3 |
| CHM-102 | Introductory Chemistry II | 4 |
| MAT-123 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 3 |
| COM- | Communication | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Third Semester
| BIO-230 | Biotechnology | 3 |
| CHM-201 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| - | | |
| HIS-113 | Western Civ to 1500 | 3 |
| - | Or | |
| HIS-121 | World History to 1500 | 3 |
| - | | |
| ENG- | Literature | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Fourth Semester
| BIO-275 | Independent Study in Life Sciences I | 1 |
| - | | |
| HIS-114 | Western Civilization Since 1500 | 3 |
| - | Or | |
| HIS-122 | World History Since 1500 | 3 |
| - | | |
| ENG- | Literature | 3 |
| - | Behavioral & Social Science | 3 |
| - | Environmental Studies | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Environmental Studies: See footnote 2
Footnotes
- Independent Studies will be assigned in accordance with a student’s goals and performance. This may include internship opportunities in a biotechnology-related field.
- Professional Electives may be chosen from BIO, CHM, ENV or ENT designated courses. Completion of an environmentally focused laboratory science (such as BIO-109, BIO-110, ENV-101, or ENV-102) will also fulfill the Environmental Studies requirement.
- Students meetings this requirement with a 3-credit mathematics