The Biotechnology Associate in Science degree provides students with two options after successful completion of the degree. Students have the option to transfer to a four-year college immediately after completing the program. The AS degree is structured to prepare transfer students for a wide range of majors including Genetics, Medicine, Pharmacology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or Biochemistry, etc. The program includes many lab-based courses, which enable students to apply what they learn in chemistry, math and statistics, biology, microbiology, genetics and molecular biology. Specific skills such as written and oral communications, critical thinking, problem-solving, computer skills and small-group collaboration are an integral part of the program. With the hands-on lab experience provided during the program, students will also qualify to work in research laboratories at their transfer institution, which is a major advantage as they continue their career in the biological sciences.
Students also have the option to begin a career within the Biotechnology industry immediately after graduation. Biotechnology is a rapidly expanding field that spans many different disciplines including agriculture, environmental testing and monitoring, medical diagnostic tests and treatments, industrial product development and production, and criminal investigation. Technicians may work in the areas of laboratory research, product development, quality control, manufacturing and testing. Specific career opportunities could require skills related to genetic engineering of plants or microorganisms, gene therapy to correct human health problems, DNA fingerprinting, laboratory sample preparation and testing, vaccine development, or production of food, drugs and other consumer products. Students participate in internships in cooperation with potential employers. Graduates can look forward to a career with competitive pay and benefits in a field that continues to expect job growth into the future. With the hands-on experience provided during the program, you can advance within industry and can easily continue your education at any time.
For more information about the Biotechnology program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/biotechnology.
Location: Ankeny
Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.
Students start Fall or Spring semester.
Program Entry Requirements
- Complete an application for admission to the Biotechnology Program.
- Satisfy the assessment requirement.
- Attend any required information/registration session.
- Must submit proof of one year of high school chemistry or Academic Achievement Chemistry I & II or successful completion of CHM 122 .
- Must submit proof of two years of high school algebra or MAT 063 & MAT 073 .
- Demonstrate satisfactory writing skills on college entrance or assessment exam.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a Biotechnology AS degree, a student must be accepted into the Biotechnology program, complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.
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