Biotechnology

DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

Small things can lead to big career opportunities when you earn a biotechnology associate degree from Monroe Community College. If you have an interest in chemistry and molecular biology – the study of life in its smallest, most fundamental form – you can enter a rewarding career in:

  • Health care
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Environmental testing
  • Food processing
  • University research

You can also choose to study for a bachelor's degree in a related field at prestigious schools like RIT, University of Rochester, University at Buffalo, and Syracuse University.

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School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)The School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) prepares you for in-demand careers that solve problems and drive innovation.

FEEL AT HOME IN THE LAB

Your biotechnology program coursework will focus on essential molecular biology concepts, techniques, and instrumentation. Through classes and labs you'll develop an understanding of the interaction between the various systems of a cell, and operate laboratory equipment commonly used in a research setting. 

Upon graduation, you'll be qualified to pursue a career in a wide range of organizations engaged in molecular biology and research. Here is a sample of employers who would value your skills:

  • University of Rochester
  • Highland Hospital
  • Unity Health System
  • Dr. Pepper Snapple Group
  • FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

PRACTICE SCIENCE AND SAVE LIVES

Understanding how organisms work allows us to develop drugs or vaccines to treat disease. With a biotechnology associate degree from MCC, you'll be ready to keep our food supply safe in positions like agricultural or food science technician, and join the fight against disease in positions such as these:  

  • Biomedical engineer
  • Biologist
  • Biochemist
  • Biophysicist
  • Medical and clinical laboratory technologist
  • Microbiologist

The biotechnology A.A.S. degree at MCC offers an excellent foundation in science and health-related academics. Instead of heading right into the profession, you may wish to earn a bachelor's degree. Our biotechnology graduates have gone onto programs at:

  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • Upstate Medical University
  • Stony Brook University
  • Alfred University
  • University at Buffalo
  • University of Rochester
  • Binghamton University
  • Syracuse University

To find out more about the biotechnology A.A.S. degree from Monroe Community College, contact the admissions office at admissions@monroecc.edu or (585) 292-2200.

BIOTECHNOLOGY

A.A.S. Degree - Career Program

Department:Biology

School(s): Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)

MCC Program Code: BT01

Description
Biotechnology is best defined as the exploitation of biological systems or processes. Although this is not an entirely new concept, the current biotechnology boom is the result of recent developments in molecular biology knowledge and techniques.
The Biotechnology career program is recommended for individuals with a strong interest in biology, biochemistry and molecular genetics. Emphasis will be on the molecular biology concepts, techniques, and instrumentation that are basic to understanding the application of biological systems. Graduates of this program may be employed in health care and pharmaceutical companies, microbiological and environmental testing companies, food processing industries, and any university or industry laboratory engaged in molecular biology research and development. Students who are not seeking immediate employment have the option of transferring to a four-year institution to pursue an advanced degree.
Recommended Preparation: Students who plan to complete this program in two years should have successfully completed high school biology with a grade of B or better and high school chemistry with C or better, and three years of high school mathematics including trigonometry; high school physics is recommended.
(Housed in Biology Department)

Program Learning Outcomes
1.Communicate effectively in writing.
2.Solve problems related to biological sciences.
3.Use technology related to biological sciences.
4.Solve problems related to molecular biology.
5.Solve problems related to biochemistry.
6.Conduct experimental protocols in accordance with directions.
7.Evaluate experimental data.
8.Use equipment commonly employed in the biological sciences

Employment Potential
For related jobs: Career Coach
Occupational Resource: https://www.onetonline.org

Requirements for Program Entrance
Intermediate Algebra with Trigonometry (or MTH 104 at MCC). Biology, Chemistry.

Distribution Requirements

Credit Hours
FIRST SEMESTER
ENG 101 College Composition OR
ENG 200 Advanced Composition
3
MTH 165 - College Algebra OR
MTH 175 - Precalculus OR
MTH 210 - Calculus I OR
MTH 211 - Calculus II OR
MTH 212 - Calculus III
3-4
BIO 155 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology (grade of C or higher required) OR
BIO 156 Introduction to Organismal Biology and Ecology (grade of C or higher required)
4
CHE 151 General College Chemistry I (grade of C or higher required)
4
COS 101 College Orientation
1
First Semester Total:
15-16
SECOND SEMESTER
MTH 160 Statistics I (grade of C or higher required)
3
BIO 155 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology (grade of C or higher required) OR
BIO 156 Introduction to Organismal Biology and Ecology (grade of C or higher required)
4
CHE 152 General College Chemistry II
4
HED, PEC, PEM, OR PEW ELECTIVE
1-2
SOC 210 Introduction to Global Studies
3
Second Semester Total:
15-16
THIRD SEMESTER
BIO 221 Principles of Biochemistry
4
MTH 161 Statistics II
3
BIO 225 Bioanalytical Techniques I
4
CRC 125 - Microsoft Office OR
CHE 251 - Organic Chemistry I OR
CHE 252 - Organic Chemistry II OR
PHY 145 - College Physics I OR
PHY 146 - College Physics II OR
PHY 154 - General Physics I OR
PHY 155 - General Physics II OR
PHY 161 - University Physics I OR
PHY 261 - University Physics II
4-5
Third Semester Total:
15-16
FOURTH SEMESTER
BIO 226 Bioanalytical Techniques II
4
BIO 209 General Microbiology
4
BIO 230 Molecular Genetics
4
CRC 125 - Microsoft Office OR
CHE 251 - Organic Chemistry I OR
CHE 252 - Organic Chemistry II OR
PHY 145 - College Physics I OR
PHY 146 - College Physics II OR
PHY 154 - General Physics I OR
PHY 155 - General Physics II OR
PHY 161 - University Physics I OR
PHY 261 - University Physics II
4-5
Fourth Semester Total:
16-17
TOTAL CREDITS:
61-65

Revised: 06/07/2023