Biotechnology Option Environmental Science, A.S. Degree

Program Design

The Biotechnology Option leads to an A.S. degree in Environmental Science. The program is designed to prepare students to join the growing biotechnology sector at the level of technician. Biotechnology is the manipulation of living organisms and/or biological processes to provide useful products. Students who complete this option may wish to further their education or seek employment as technicians in the pharmaceutical, agricultural or environmental industries. Students should not confuse this program with the Liberal Arts and Science, A.S. Degree Environmental Science suggested course sequence.

The program is offered through a collaborative arrangement between Middlesex Community College and Manchester Community College. The A.S. degree is awarded by Middlesex Community College. The two-year program will normally begin in the fall semester and will include a minimum of 62 credits in science, mathematics, social sciences and humanities. The applied courses in biotechnology techniques will be conducted at Middlesex Community College on transfer to that college. There is also the opportunity to carry out an internship with biotechnology companies located in the state.

Due to the agreement between Middlesex Community College and Manchester Community College, all designated courses taken at Manchester will transfer to Middlesex, provided a grade of "C" has been obtained.

For further information on this option, please contact the Biotechnology Coordinator at Middlesex Community College, Marci Swede, 860-343-5872, or Jon Morris at Manchester Community College, 860-512-2771.

^ These courses are available only at Middlesex Community College. Students are encouraged to consult their advisor in planning their course of studies.

Learning Outcomes

Successful graduates will have gained the following skills and knowledge, which will provide them with the flexibility to quickly adapt to a variety of employment or educational options in biotechnology and science.

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will

1. Students will know how to conduct themselves, as lab technicians in a biotechnology laboratory with the basic skills and knowledge required to function effectively in a research setting.
2. Demonstrate proficiencies in both basic and advanced principles of chemistry and biology that are required by a person working as a lab technician or planning to enter into a four-year college science program.
3. Write clear precise technical reports that document and analyses their work in a laboratory setting.
4. Demonstrate the basics of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
5. Describe the culture found within the scientific community and what is expected of persons employed in a research laboratory.
6. Keep a proper notebook required in a research setting.
7. Know the basic principle of genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology.
8. Employ sterile technique in the handling of bacterial cultures with knowledge of what is safe and what is hazardous.
9. Understand and have skills in making solutions used in the laboratory as well as how to make accurate measurements using precision instruments such as balances and micropipettors.
10. Students will have gained skills in the use of recombinant DNA techniques, PCR, DNA sequence analysis, HPLC, gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, UV/VIS spectroscopy, as well as the use of the computer to collect and analyze experimental data.
11. Use computers to generate written reports, analyze data, collect information from databases, and use the Internet.
12. Have an appreciation for the ethical issues that are relevant to the newly emerging field of biotechnology.

In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes identified with the General Education Component.

Source: 2008-2009 Course Catalog