Biotechnology Option, Arts and Science, A.A.

CONTACT

Emily Rabinsky, 413.552.2470, erabinsky@hcc.edu

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This program is intended for the student who is interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree in the life sciences utilizing the basic principles of biotechnology. This technology is based on recent advances in the discipline of recombinant DNA technology. Students completing this option will have acquired the necessary laboratory skills and theoretical background for transfer to state or private colleges. Career and research opportunities include, but are not limited to: animal sciences, agrigenetics, immunogenetics, pharmaceutics, biomedical technologies, forensics, and environmental sciences.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

describe the basic biological principles that underlie the field of biotechnology
perform common laboratory techniques and calculations relevant to biotechnology
collect and analyze experimental results
use laboratory equipment safely and properly
follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and proper documentation guidelines
demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills
collaborate with others to complete tasks
apply critical thinking skills to troubleshoot issues that arise in the lab

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: 30 CREDITS

ENG 101(A) - Composition I Credit(s): 3
ENG 102(A) - Composition II Credit(s): 3
Social Science Elective (B) Credit(s): 3¹
Social Science Elective (B) Credit(s): 3
Humanities Elective (C) Credit(s): 3²
Humanities Elective (C) Credit(s): 3
MTH 104(D) - College Algebra Credit(s): 4
or
MTH 108(D) - Precalculus Credit(s): 4
or
MTH 113(D) - Calculus I Credit(s): 4
BIO 107(E) - General Biology I: Introduction to Cell Functions Credit(s): 4
BIO 108(E) - General Biology II: Diversity of Life on Earth Credit(s): 4

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: 24 CREDITS

BIO 106(E) - Introduction to Biotechnology Credit(s): 4
BIO 229(E) - Microbiology Credit(s): 4
BIO 240(E) - Cell Culture and Protein Purification Credit(s): 4
CHM 121(E) - Chemistry for Science and Engineering Students I Credit(s): 4
CHM 124(E) - Chemistry for Science and Engineering Students II Credit(s): 4
CRC 101 - Career Readiness Competencies Credit(s): 1
MTH 142(D) - Statistics Credit(s): 3

PROGRAM ELECTIVES: 8 CREDITS

select 2 of the following:

BIO 243(E) - Genetics Credit(s): 4
CHM 221(E) - Organic Chemistry I Credit(s): 4 ³
CHM 222(E) - Organic Chemistry II Credit(s): 4 ³
MTH 108(D) - Precalculus Credit(s): 4
MTH 113(D) - Calculus I Credit(s): 4
PHS 111(E) - Physics for Engineers and Science Majors I Credit(s): 4 ⁴
PHS 112(E) - Physics for Engineers and Science Majors II Credit(s): 4 ⁴

TOTAL: 62 CREDITS

NOTES

¹ECN 101 : Suggested Social Science Elective

²PHI 120 : Suggested Humanities Elective

³Students selecting CHM 221 must also then take CHM 222

⁴Students selective PHS 111 must also then take PHS 112

Only 6 non-Arts and Science credits may be taken towards an A.A. degree.

This program qualifies for the MassTransfer STEM block, which guarantees credit transfer to Massachusetts state colleges and universities. MassTransfer grants students automatic acceptance to certain Massachusetts state colleges and universities by achieving the minimum grade point average and the HCC degree. Students who enroll in programs with the 28 credit MassTransfer STEM general education foundation block will need to complete the associate degree in order to waive the general education requirements at a Massachusetts State University. In addition to the completion of the associate’s degree and the STEM general education foundation at Holyoke Community College, students will need to complete an additional 12 credits in general education requirements at the four-year college. If a student will not complete the degree before transferring it is recommended that they complete the 34 credit MassTransfer general education foundation block. Students should meet with Mark Broadbent, Coordinator of Transfer Affairs to discuss their transfer plans.

Depending on course selection, 50% of this program can be completed online. Go to Online Learning for more information.

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