Biotechnology, AS

Program Overview

The Associate's Degree in Biotechnology at Utah Tech trains students to harness cellular and molecular processes to develop technologies and products that improve lives and the planet. Through interdisciplinary study, students gain knowledge and experience in biotechnology techniques, protocols, and practices, qualifying them for entry-level industry positions. The program also prepares students for further education in related bachelor's degrees and fosters a pipeline for the local biotechnology industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Associate’s Degree in Biotechnology will train students to harness cellular and molecular processes in living & non-living organisms to develop technologies and products that help improve lives and the health of the planet. Students accomplish this through an interdisciplinary study of relevant science disciplines, including the biological sciences, chemical sciences, and biotechnology. This program provides knowledge and experience through lecture and laboratories that immerses students in the biotechnology field's ever-evolving techniques, protocols, practices, and careers, qualifying them for entry-level positions in the biotechnology industry. Additionally, the program will prepare students to continue their education towards Utah Tech bachelor's degrees in Biology, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, or Biochemistry. Students will analyze and solve problems associated with biotechnology in medicine, agriculture, livestock, the environment and other related sectors. Local support for this program comes from the following local biotechnology companies, Soft Cell Biological Research, Soft Cell Laboratories, Intermountain- Precision Genomics, Red Mesa Science and Refining, Deseret Laboratories, and Gene Stat. These companies will provide internships, mentorship, and employment opportunities for students in the program. Ultimately, we see the program creating a pipeline for the local and regional biotechnology industry.

Outline:

• General Education Requirements: All Utah Tech General Education requirements must be fulfilled.
A previously earned degree may fulfill those requirements, but courses must be equivalent to Utah Tech's minimum General Education standards in American Institutions, English, and Mathematics.
• Course List:
• English (3-7 credits)
• Mathematics (3-5 credits)
• American Institutions (3-6 credits)
• Life Sciences (3-10 credits)
• Physical Sciences (3-5 credits)
• Fine Arts (3 credits)
• Literature/Humanities (3 credits)
• Social & Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)
• Exploration (3-5 credits)
• BIOL 2060 & BIOL 2065: Principles of Microbiology and Principles of Microbiology Lab (4 credits)
• BTEC 1010: Fundamentals of Biotechnology (3 credits)
• BTEC 2020: Protein Purification and Analysis (2 credits)
• BTEC 2030: Cell Culture Techniques (2 credits)
• BTEC 2040: Advanced Nucleic Acids Laboratory (3 credits)
• MATH 1050: College Algebra / Pre-Calculus (or higher) (4 credits)
• Graduation Requirements:
• Complete a minimum of 60 college-level credits (1000 and above)
• Complete at least 20 semester hours of credits at Utah Tech for institutional residency
• Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Graduation Plan:
• 1st Year:
• Fall Semester (16 credits):
BIOL 1610 & BIOL 1615 (5), BTEC 1010 (3), ENGL 2010 (3), ENGL 1010 (3), MATH 1050 (4)
• Spring Semester (14 credits):
BIOL 2060 & BIOL 2065 (4), SSC 1010 (2), BTEC 2010 (3), General Education (Fine Art) (3)
• 2nd Year:
• Fall Semester (18 credits):
BTEC 2020 (2), BTEC 2040 (3), General Education (Literature/Humanities) (3), General Education (Social/Behavioral Sciences) (3), General Education (Exploration) (3), General Education (American Institutions) (3), Elective (4)
• Spring Semester (15 credits):
BTEC 2030 (2), BTEC 3020 (2), Elective (3), CHEM 1210 & CHEM 1215 (5)
• Total Hours: 63

Careers:

The program qualifies graduates for entry-level positions in the biotechnology industry.

Other:

The program is designed to create a pipeline for the local and regional biotechnology industry. The program also prepares students to continue their education towards Utah Tech bachelor's degrees in Biology, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, or Biochemistry.