Laboratory Technology: Biotech Option

  What is Laboratory Technology: Biotech Option?

The field of biotechnology is defined as the manipulation of living organisms or their parts. The goal of biotechnology is to either produce or study a useful product, such as a drug, from a living organism to ultimately benefit society. Biotechnicians assist scientists who conduct research in medicine and agriculture. They may help improve early detection of cancer, help find a cure for AIDS or produce higher quality formula for infants. Biotechnicians may also be involved in forensics and paternity DNA testing. Those who work in pharmaceutical or medical diagnostics companies help develop and manufacture medicinal pharmaceutical preparations. 

  Success Factors

Students who are successful in this major are detail-oriented and like working in a laboratory environment.  Biotechnicians must be able to both work independently and as part of a team. Strong science and math skills and a desire to continually learn new things are required.

  Career Possibilities

The biotechnology industry is rapidly expanding and is always in need of technicians. Graduates of the laboratory technology: biotech program can expect to be employed in laboratories working in biomedical and cancer research, molecular and cell biology, pharmaceutical research and production, forensic DNA analysis or genomics. Job opportunities exist in government, industry and universities. The opportunity for permanent employment is enhanced by the optional biotech internship.

  Majoring in Laboratory Technology: Biotech Option

The laboratory technology: biotech program at Raymond Walters College (RWC) is a two-year associate of applied science degree that offers students who are interested in biology an opportunity to gain the skills needed to become an active member of a laboratory research team. The program is designed to prepare students for the day-to-day tasks of working in a biological research or production laboratory.  Students will gain both a theoretical understanding of chemical and biological principles as well as an intensive hands-on experience in basic chemistry and biological laboratory skills. Students will learn essential laboratory techniques in molecular biology, cell biology, protein chemistry, microbiology and cell culture. In addition, students will learn to manage data and follow safe laboratory practice.

The laboratory technology: biotech major can be completed in two years of full-time study. Completion of the program will take longer if the student chooses to pursue part-time study.

  Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this program. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently confirmed or enrolled, you can check your degree requirements online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the Course Applicability System (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.

Effective for students entering 2007-2008 academic year

Prerequisites:
High school algebra I, plane geometry or algebra II, biology and chemistry, all with grades of "C" or better.

FRESHMAN YEAR

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
English Composition I, II	28ENGL101-102	6
College Algebra I, II	28MATH173, 174	6
Fundamentals of Biology I, II, III     or Biology I, II, III	28BIOL126-128 or 28BIOL101-103	15
General Chemistry I, II	28CHEM104, 105	10
Laboratory Safety	28CHEM271	3
Laboratory Data Management	28BIOL175	3
Orientation to Laboratory Technology	28CHEM181	1
Effective Public Speaking	28COMM171	3
General education elective*		3
Total		50
Summer I
Microbiology I	28BIOL281	5
General education electives*		3
Total		8

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
Biotech I:  Protein Separation Lab	28BIOL243	5
Biotech II:  Molecular Biology Lab	28BIOL244	5
Biotech III:  Cell Culture Lab	28BIOL245	5
Molecular Genetics & Bioinformatics	28BIOL278	3
Applied Chem. Analysis I	28CHEM221 & 231	5
Bio-organic Chemistry Lecture	28CHEM204	4
Introduction to Biochemistry I	28CHEM205	4
Analytical Chemistry for Biotech	28CHEM255	4
Biotech Seminar	28BIOL231	2
Intermediate English	28ENG289	3
General education electives*		3
Biotech Internship**	28BIOL279	1-5
Total		42-57

*Select courses from three of the following general education areas: humanities, literature, social sciences, historical perspectives, fine arts, diversity and culture, social and ethical issues.

**Optional internship. Requirements for admission to optional biotech internship: completion of all sophomore biology and chemistry courses, except Biotech III (28BIOL245) and Robotics, with a minimum 2.5 grade point average.

Total hours = 100-105 hours       

Students planning to attend UC's College of Allied Health Sciences for a bachelor’s degree should take Survey of the Clinical Laboratory (35CLSC201).

  UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

The laboratory technology: biotech program at RWC was the first AAS degree-granting biotechnology program in the greater Cincinnati area. Graduates of this program are employed in labs throughout the Cincinnati area, including UC's Genome Research Institute, Children's Hospital Research Foundation and P&G.  Biosciences as a field is expanding in the country and in the Cincinnati area. Local employers are eager to hire more graduates of RWC's well-established programs.

Articulation agreements exist that allow graduates of this program to complete a BS degree at UC's College of Allied Health Science's clinical laboratory technology program or at UC's College of Applied Science's chemical technology program. Students interested in either of these BS programs should discuss with their advisor additional course work they could take to fulfill requirements of the BS programs.

RWC offers two additional laboratory technology options: biochemistry and chemistry. Most of the first-year course work and some of the second-year course work is shared among the three laboratory technology options, allowing students the flexibility to change or double major. Class size in all of the laboratory technology classes is small, providing students with individual attention.

  Special Programs

Students of the laboratory technology: biotech program have the opportunity to participate in an optional internship during their sophomore year. The internship will be performed in a biomedical research or pharmaceutical laboratory in the local area. The internship will be for a maximum 20 hours/week and is expected to be paid.  Students participating in the internship will gain hands-on work experience while earning credit toward their degree, as well as make valuable contacts for permanent employment opportunities.

To qualify for the biotechnology internship, students must have completed all the sophomore-year biology and chemistry courses, except Biotech III (28BIOL245), with a minimum 2.5 grade point average.

Individuals with a bachelor's degree who are interested in this field should inquire about a professional certificate in biotechnology. The certificate course work consists of the technical portion of this program and is equivalent to one year of full-time study.

  Admission Requirements

This program is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and the desire to succeed in college. Although admission is open, students accepted into the program must meet the academic standards of the program to advance to upper levels of study.

In addition to the college requirements, students applying to this program must have completed high school algebra I, plane geometry or algebra II, biology and chemistry, all with grades of "C" or better.

  Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Students changing majors from other programs or colleges within UC will be considered based on the same criteria as outside transfers.

  International Student Requirements

Students who did not graduate from a high school in the United States and do not have permanent residence in the United States must take the TOEFL. The program requires a minimum overall TOEFL score of 515 (paper-based test) or 187 (computer-based test) or 66 (Internet-based test). Those with permanent residency must take the math and English placement tests.

  Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the degree, students must fulfill the requirements of the program and must have at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

  Application Deadlines

Students may enter the program during any quarter. Many courses are sequential, however, and are offered only one quarter per academic year. Entering during winter or spring quarter may extend the length of the program.

  Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University of Cincinnati Raymond Walters College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.