Associate in Science with a Biotechnology Certificate

Program Details

Semester 1

• ENG 105 - Composition I Credits: 3
• Select one course from Option 1 Credits: 1
• Select one course from Option 2  Credits: 3
• Any 3 credits Any AS Core Humanities      Credits: 3
• Any 3 credits Any AS Core Social Behavior Science     Credits: 3

Semester 2

• BIO 112 - General Biology I Credits: 4
• CHM 165 - General Chemistry I Credits: 4
• ENG 106 - Composition II Credits: 3
• Any 3 credits Any AS Core Social Behavior Science    Credits: 3

Semester 3

• MAT 156 - Statistics Credits: 3
• BIO 186 - Microbiology Credits: 4

Semester 4

• BIO 113 - General Biology II Credits: 4
• BIO 146 - Genetics Credits: 3
• CHM 175 - General/ Inorg Chemistry II Credits: 4
• Select one course from Option 3 Credits: 3

Semester 5

• BIO 249 - Biotechnology Internship Credits: 3
• BIO 250 - Cell & Molec Bio-Nucleic Acids Credits: 5
• BIO 251 - Cell & Molecular Bio-Proteins Credits: 5
• Select 3 credits of Any AS Core Distributed   Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 64

Fixed Costs

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

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

Varied Costs

Approximate total cost for the program: **14,072

**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 Program or Career Choice?

• This is a competitive and rapidly changing field. A desire for continuous learning is important.
• 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 with experience or additional formal education.
• This is a rapidly growing field with more than 200 companies in Iowa searching for students trained in biotechnology. Many employing companies also provide financial support to employees who want to continue their formal education.
• Anticipated average starting salary $37,440 - $45,760

Program Competencies

1. Prepare students for the option to transfer
2. Prepare students for the option to gain employment in the field of Biotechnology
3. Conduct laboratory experiments
4. Record, analyze, summarize, and present data accurately
5. 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, calibrate, and maintain standard laboratory 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

AY2025

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₎