Nov 07, 2024  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog

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Biotechnology, Plant Production Concentration, AAS

Location(s): Ankeny



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

The Biotechnology - Plant Production AAS degree is designed to prepare students to work in agricultural and horticultural laboratories, greenhouses and field sites. 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, plant breeding and propagation, plant tissue cloning and extraction and purification of commercially or medically important compounds from plant tissues. 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. Graduates of the Biotechnology - Plant Production AAS degree also qualify to be awarded the Biotechnology Laboratory Methods Certificate .

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Pathway: Math & Science


Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.

More information on this Pathway.

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


Semester 4


Total Credits Required to Complete the Degree - 69


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 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: $15,167**

**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 dependent on industry and position.  Benefits often include: training, healthcare, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, competitive pay, bonus programs and retirement plans.

Program Competencies


  1. Design and conduct basic laboratory experiments
  2. Record, analyze, summarize and present data
  3. Recognize and solve problems using a variety of analytical and critical thinking skills
  4. Present data and other information in oral, written, or graphic form
  5. Use, calibrate and maintain standard laboratory or manufacturing equipment
  6. Work effectively in a group or on a team
  7. 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. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

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 Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive 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 Academic Pathway website.(2024)

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