Biological Sciences

Associate Degree Program

Biotechnology provides a career path for students with an interest in science and how things work. This option is designed for students who intend to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program after graduation.

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms or biological systems to create or modify products or processes. Using yeast to make bread or beer is an application of biotechnology that dates back thousands of years. More modern examples include DNA fingerprinting, developing strains of pest-resistant crops, producing specialized medicines, and altering bacteria for industrial waste cleanup. When you select the biotechnology/biological sciences option, you will acquire a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that enables you to perform complex laboratory procedures and analyze data for research and testing purposes.

The curriculum includes four semesters of science, math, computer, and core courses with a focus on preparation for transfer to a four-year institution.

This program is offered at the Georgetown and Stanton campuses.

What You Can Do

In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills to prepare you for positions such as:

• Transfer to University of Delaware or Delaware State University or other four-year institution
• Industrial laboratories
• Public health laboratories
• Research laboratories
• Biotechnician for a variety of laboratory settings

What You Will Earn

Competitive starting salaries range from $25,000 - $31,000.

What You Will Learn

Program Graduate Competencies

The Program Graduate Competencies listed below identify the major learning goals related to your specific program of study and identify the knowledge and skills you will have when you graduate to be successful in your chosen field.

1. Apply knowledge of the theories and principles of biology and biotechnology.
2. Employ good laboratory practices (GLP) and safety guidelines to conduct common laboratory operations.
3. Employ standard laboratory documentation practices for data management and laboratory notebooks.
4. Utilize chemical principles and apply mathematics in the preparation of laboratory solutions.
5. Analyze samples by common quantitative and qualitative techniques.
6. Perform separation techniques on biological samples and interpret results.
7. Perform laboratory techniques used in microbiology, immunology and biotechnology.
8. Apply calculus in the solution of problems.
9. Demonstrate professional behavior and communication skills.

Core Curriculum Competencies

The Core Curriculum Competencies listed below identify what you will be able to do as a graduate, regardless of your program of study. You will acquire these core competencies through general education courses and program-specific coursework. You will be expected to use relevant technology to achieve these outcomes:

1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree?

This is a Connected Degree, an agreement with another institution in order to offer graduates a smooth transition into a four-year degree program.