2020-2021 Catalog

Biotechnology (A.A.)

Associate in Arts

Program Advisor: Gina Foley

413-236-4522 • gfoley@berkshirecc.edu

Biotechnology is an expanding field which blends life sciences and engineering. It is a well-established yet, at the same time, fast-developing and diverse field. The biotechnology concentration offers skills and knowledge in medical, agricultural, environmental and chemical biotechnology, providing a strong foundation in subject matter, applications and methodology of the field. The curriculum prepares for employment as well as transfer into baccalaureate programs.

BCC’s biotechnology program is closely linked to baccalaureate programs in the region, and is coordinated with academic institutions and biotechnological industry in the Commonwealth. BCC’s variety of science courses provides a solid foundation and allows students to add special focus. Individually tailored internships help prepare students for their chosen career.

This is a MassTransfer eligible program.

Expected Outcomes

Graduates of this program should be able to:

  • Understand relevant principles of cell biology, microbiology and genetics as they relate to medical, agricultural, environmental and chemical biotechnologies;
  • Perform laboratory work and analyses with cells, proteins and genes as they relate to biotechnology fields;
  • Demonstrate understanding of concepts of experimental design, research and development;
  • Understand concepts of workplace functions, standard operating procedures and professional protocols as they relate to biotechnological operations;
  • Follow appropriate safety precautions, emergency response protocols and hazardous materials use and management typical of those found in biotechnology; and
  • Possess the academic skills, behaviors and attitudes to successfully pursue further studies in a Biotechnology-related discipline.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a degree in this program, a student must complete all program and general education credits, plus the following Additional Requirements.

Program Courses

BIO-101General Biology I

4

BIO-102General Biology II

4

BIO-111Introduction to Botany

4

BIO-132Biological Laboratory Techniques

3

BIO-230Biotechnology

3

BIO-275Independent Study in Life Sciences I

1

CHM-201Organic Chemistry I

4

ENG-
Literature

3

MAT-123Elementary Statistics

3

Total Credit Hours:27

BIO-275 Independent Study: See footnote 1
BIO-275 Professional Elective: See footnote 2

General Education Courses

CHM-101Introductory Chemistry I

4

CHM-102Introductory Chemistry II

4

COM-
Communication

3

ENG-
English Composition/Writing

6

ENG-
Literature

3

-
 

HIS-113Western Civ to 1500

3

-
Or

HIS-121World History to 1500

3

-
 

HIS-114Western Civilization Since 1500

3

-
Or

HIS-122World History Since 1500

3

-
 

MAT-121Precalculus

4

-
or higher

-
 

-
Behavioral & Social Science

3

-
Environmental Studies

3

Total Credit Hours:35

MAT 121 or higher: See footnote 3

Additional Requirements

Core Competencies Portfolio 4 items
Forum 4 units
Health/Fitness 30 hours

Minimum Cumulative Average

Overall 2.000
All required BIO & CHM courses
and science electives
2.000

Suggested Pathway to Graduation

First Semester

BIO-101General Biology I

4

CHM-101Introductory Chemistry I

4

-
 

MAT-121Precalculus

4

-
or higher

-
 

ENG-
English Composition/Writing

6

-
Behavioral & Social Science

3

Total Credit Hours:18

MAT 121 or higher: See footnote 3

Second Semester

BIO-102General Biology II

4

-
Or

BIO-111Introduction to Botany

4

-
 

BIO-132Biological Laboratory Techniques

3

CHM-102Introductory Chemistry II

4

MAT-123Elementary Statistics

3

ENG-
English Composition/Writing

3

COM-
Communication

3

Total Credit Hours:18

Third Semester

BIO-230Biotechnology

3

CHM-201Organic Chemistry I

4

-
 

HIS-113Western Civ to 1500

3

-
Or

HIS-121World History to 1500

3

-
 

ENG-
Literature

3

Total Credit Hours:14

Fourth Semester

BIO-275Independent Study in Life Sciences I

1

-
 

HIS-114Western Civilization Since 1500

3

-
Or

HIS-122World History Since 1500

3

-
 

ENG-
Literature

3

-
Behavioral & Social Science

3

-
Environmental Studies

3

Total Credit Hours:14

Environmental Studies: See footnote 2

Footnotes

  1. Independent Studies will be assigned in accordance with a student’s goals and performance. This may include internship opportunities in a biotechnology-related field.
  2. Professional Electives may be chosen from BIO, CHM, ENV or ENT designated courses. Completion of an environmentally focused laboratory science (such as BIO-109, BIO-110, ENV-101, or ENV-102) will also fulfill the Environmental Studies requirement.
  3. Students meetings this requirement with a 3-credit mathematics