Nov 21, 2024  
2022-2023 Course Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


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Biotechnology, Animal Science Concentration, AAS



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The Biotechnology Associated in Applied Sciences (AAS) Degree has the three areas of concentration: Greenhouse Production Concentration  , Animal Science Concentration and Biomass Operations Technology Concerntration .

The Biotechnology - Animal Science AAS degree is designed to prepare students to work in agricultural industries and research laboratories. Technicians may work in the areas of laboratory research, nutritional product development, quality control, manufacturing and testing. Specific career opportunities could require skills related to laboratory development of feed additives which impact the health and development of animals, formulating livestock rations and identifying common diseases. The degree is structured to allow students to develop marketable job skills while incorporating the requirements for an Associate in Applied Sciences degree. The program includes many hands on and lab-based courses, which enable students to apply what they learn in biology, microbiology, horticulture, genetics, chemistry, statistics, 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. Students participate in internships in cooperation with potential employers. Please check with the Biotechnology program chairperson or an advisor for additional assistance. Total minimum credits required to complete this AAS degree is 71. Graduates of the Biotechnology - Animal Science AAS degree also qualify to be awarded the Agribusiness Animal Science Certificate  and the Biotechnology Laboratory Methods Certificate .

For more information about the Biotechnology program, please visit our website at https://www.dmacc.edu/programs/biotechnology/Pages/welcome.aspx.

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.

Students start Fall or Spring semester


Graduation Requirements


To earn a Biotechnology AAS degree, a student must be accepted into the Biotechnology program, complete all course work as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Semester 2


Option 1 - Select 1 course


Semester 3


Option 2 - Select 1 Course


Semester 4


Total Credits Required to Complete the Degree - 71*


*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.

Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$178.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5
Books (approximate) 275 280 180 230 275
Supplies 120 120 125 125 120

Approximate total for program: $14,488**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Record, analyze, summarize and present data.
  • Properly use, calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment.
  • Prepare reagents and chemicals used in the laboratory.
  • Design and conduct basic laboratory experiments or processes.
  • Use current technology such as gel electrophoresis, chromatography, or protein and DNA analysis for research,  manufacturing or quality control processes

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in groups or teams.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Accuracy and attention to detail.
  • A good understanding of concepts of biology, chemistry, math and computers.
  • Self-motivation and ability to complete projects on time.

What Else Should I Consider about this Degree program?


  • This is a competitive and rapidly changing field. You need to continually learn new things and to keep your skills up to  date.
  • This field requires attention to detail and an ability to recognize and solve problems.
  • Some parts of the job can be very repetitive.
  • There is opportunity for advancement, but it will often require additional formal education in addition to demonstrated performance as described above.
  • This is a rapidly growing field with more than 1,000 biotech companies, academic institutions, state biotech centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 33 other nations searching for students trained in biotechnology (iowabio.org).
  • Anticipated average starting salary $25,000-$38,000 depending on industry and position.  Benefits often include: healthcare, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, competitive pay, bonus programs and retirement plans.

Program Competencies


  1. Allow transfer as a Biology, Biological Sciences, Microbiology or Biotechnology major to a four-year institution with a minimum loss of credits, depending on the programs available at the various colleges and universities
  2. Obtain a full-time or part-time position in the field of Biotechnology
  3. Design and conduct basic laboratory experiments
  4. Accurately record, analyze, summarize and present data
  5. Identify and solve problems using a variety of analytical and critical thinking skills
  6. Present data and other information in oral, written, or graphic form
  7. Use properly, calibrate and maintain standard laboratory or manufacturing equipment
  8. Work effectively in a group or on a team
  9. Demonstrate the basic workplace skills of listening, writing, computing, problem-solving, interpersonal relationships and leadership

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/admissions/Pages/checklist.aspx.(2021)

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