Biotechnology, AS
Program Description
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.
Program Curriculum
60 credits
Utah Tech 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.
General Education Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| English | 3-7 | |
| Mathematics | 3-5 | |
| American Institutions | 3-6 | |
| Life Sciences | 3-10 | |
| Physical Sciences | 3-5 | |
| Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Literature/Humanities | 3 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
Biotechnology Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 1610 & BIOL 1615 | Principles of Biology I (LS) and Principles of Biology I Lab (LAB) | 5 |
| BTEC 1010 | Fundamentals of Biotechnology | 3 |
| BIOL 2060 | Principles of Microbiology (Removing this class as it doesn't fit with the changes to the biotech program. We are encouraging students to take the upper division of this class in a new BS Biotech degree) | 3 |
| BTEC 2030 | Cell Culture Techniques | 2 |
| MATH 1050 | College Algebra / Pre-Calculus (MA) (or higher) | 4 |
| CHEM 1210 & CHEM 1215 | Principles of Chemistry I (PS) and Principles of Chemistry I Lab (LAB) | 5 |
| Biotech Electives- Pick 3 courses below | ||
| BTEC 2010 | DNA Methods and Analysis | 2 |
| BTEC 2020 | Protein Purification and Analysis | 2 |
| BTEC 2050 | Zebrafish Maintenance & Methodology | 2 |
| BIOL 2300 | Fundamentals of Bioinformatics | 2 |
| BIOL 2070 | Introduction to Machine Learning in Biology and Medicine | 3 |
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.