(Level I Certificate)

El Centro only

• Students pursuing this certificate are waived from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards, but must meet course prerequisites.
• Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by the college awarding the degree.

Degree Plan Code: C1.BIOTECH.08

The El Centro and Mountain View College Biotechnology program offers individuals the choice of a Level I Certificate or a two year Associate Degree program. The program is designed to prepare the graduate for entry-level positions in biotechnology, biological research and industrial laboratories.

Biotechnology students will study the theories of modern advances in biotechnology, molecular biology, DNA and RNA technology, and bioethics. Skills will include laboratory management and safety, laboratory operations, planning, recording, and reporting experiments, caring for equipment and living cells, cell and tissue culture, genetics, pipetting, technical writing, and statistical analysis. The final semester will include a capstone internship which will provide a transitional experience from course work to workplace. The biotechnology program will also provide a foundation for students who would like to continue a bachelor's and/or graduate degrees.

Job opportunities include: medical schools, pharmaceutical and industrial companies, colleges, universities and rapidly new emerging occupations.

SEMESTER I - Summer

SEMESTER II

SEMESTER III

+Elective - must be selected from the following:

NOTE: Students enrolling in this program who plan to transfer to a four-year institution should consult an advisor or counselor regarding transfer requirements and the transferability of these courses to the four-year institution of their choice.