Biotechnology, Agronomy Concentration, AAS

Program Details

Semester 1

• ENG 105 - Composition I Credits: 3
• BIO 112 - General Biology I Credits: 4
• SDV 108 - The College Experience Credits: 1
• AGA 114 - Principles of Agronomy Credits: 3
• AGA 154 - Fundamentals of Soil Science Credits: 3
• Select one course from Option 1 Credits: 2-3

Semester 2

• BIO 113 - General Biology II Credits: 4
• AGB 235 - Intro to Agricultural Markets Credits: 3
• AGA 284 - Pesticide Application Cert. Credits: 3
• Select one course from Option 2 Credits: 4

Semester 3

• BIO 186 - Microbiology Credits: 4
• AGA 381 - Crop Scouting Credits: 3
• AGP 333 - Precision Agriculture Appl. Credits: 3

Semester 4

• BIO 146 - Genetics Credits: 3
• ENG 106 - Composition II Credits: 3
• MAT 156 - Statistics Credits: 3
• AAS degree core Social and Behavioral Science/Humanities course   Credits: 3
• Select one course from Option 3 Credits: 4

Semester 5

• AGA 211 - Grain and Forage Crops Credits: 3
• BIO 250 - Cell & Molec Bio-Nucleic Acids Credits: 5
• BIO 251 - Cell & Molecular Bio-Proteins Credits: 5
• BIO 249 - Biotechnology Internship Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this Degree - 72*

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

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs

Approximate total for program: $15,746**

**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. Design and conduct basic laboratory experiments.
2. Record, analyze, summarize and present data.
3. 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₎