The Biotechnology curriculum, which has emerged from molecular biology and chemical engineering, is designed to meet the increasing demands for skilled laboratory technicians in various fields of biological and chemical technology.
A program that focuses on the application of the biological sciences, biochemistry, and genetics to the preparation of new and enhanced agricultural, environmental, clinical, and industrial products, including the commercial exploitation of microbes, plants, and animals. Potential course work includes instruction in general biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, genetics, and cellular biology.
Course work emphasizes biology, chemistry, mathematics, and technical communications. The curriculum objectives are designed to prepare graduates to serve in three distinct capacities: research assistant to a biologist or chemist, laboratory technician/instrumentation technician, and quality control/quality assurance technician.
Graduates should be qualified for employment in various areas of industry and government, including research and development, manufacturing, sales, and customer service.
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate the technical background knowledge needed to support biopharmaceutical manufacturing in accordance with industry standards.
- Demonstrate hands-on laboratory skills and document, interpret, and present results appropriately applying Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs) in accordance with industry standards.
- Demonstrate knowledge of industry regulations and the regulatory environment in the biotechnology industry.
- Effectively discuss current ethical issues surrounding the biotechnology industry and utilize critical thinking skills to make bioethical decisions in accordance with industry standards.
- Apply Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) concepts, including Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs).
A.A.S. in Biotechnology (A20100)
Program of Study
2026-2027 Catalog
A.A.S. in Biotechnology (A20100) Print Version
Program of Study
Fall Semester | |||
| ACA-111 | College Student Success OR | 1 | |
| ACA-122 | Transfer & Career Success | 1 | |
| BIO-111 | General Biology | 4 | |
| BTC-181 | Basic Lab Techniques | 4 | |
| CHM-131 | Intro to Chemistry | 3 | |
| CHM-131A | Intro to chemistry Lab | 1 | |
| CHM-151 | General Chemistry I | 4 | |
| CIS-110 | Introduction to Computers | 3 | |
Spring Semester | |||
| BIO-112 | General Biology II | 4 | |
| BTC-281 | Bioprocess Techniques | 4 | |
| CHM-132 | Organic and Biochemistry | 4 | |
| CHM-152 | General Chemistry II | 4 | |
| **Math Elective | Math Elective | 3/4 | |
Summer Semester | |||
| BIO-175 | General Microbiology | 3 | |
| BIO-275 | Microbiology | 3 | |
| ENG-111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | |
| ISC-220 | Lean Manufacturing | 3 | |
Fall Semester | |||
| BTC-150 | Bioethics | 3 | |
| BTC-250 | Principles of Genetics | 3 | |
| BTC-285 | Cell Culture | 4 | |
| ISC-132 | Manufacturing Quality Control | 3 | |
Spring Semester | |||
| BTC-288 | Biotech Lab Experience | 2 | |
| WBL-111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1 | |
| **English/Communication Elective | 3 | ||
| **Humanitites/Fine Arts Elective | 3 | ||
| ISC-278 | cGMP Quality Systems | 2 | |
| **Social/Behavioral Election | 3 | ||
Elective Options | |||
**Math Elective | |||
| Select one from the following: | |||
| MAT 110 | Mathematical Measurement & Lit. | 3 | |
| MAT 121 | Algebra/Trigonometry I | 3 | |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy | 3 | |
| MAT 152 | Statistical Methods I | 4 | |
| MAT 171 | Precalculus Algebra | 4 | |
**English/Communication Elective | |||
| Select one from the following: | |||
| COM 110 | Introduction to Communication | 3 | |
| COM 120 | Intro to Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3 | |
| ENG 112 | Writing/Research in the Disciplines | 3 | |
| ENG 114 | Professional Research & Reporting | 3 | |
**Social/Behavioral Science Elective | |||
| Select one from the following: | |||
| ECO 251 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 | |
| ECO 252 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 | |
| HIS 111 | World Civilizations I | 3 | |
| HIS 112 | World Civilizations II | 3 | |
| HIS 121 | Western Civilization I | 3 | |
| HIS 122 | Western Civilization II | 3 | |
| HIS 131 | American History I | 3 | |
| HIS 132 | American History II | 3 | |
| HIS 221 | African American History | 3 | |
| POL 120 | American Government | 3 | |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3 | |
| SOC 210 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | |
| SOC 213 | Sociology of the Family | 3 | |
| SOC 225 | Social Diversity | 3 | |
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | |||
| Select one from the following: | |||
| ART 111 | Art Appreciation | 3 | |
| ART 113 | Art Methods and Materials | 3 | |
| ENG 131 | Introduction to Literature | 3 | |
| ENG 231 | American Literature I | 3 | |
| ENG 232 | American Literature II | 3 | |
| ENG 241 | British Literature I | 3 | |
| ENG 242 | British Literature II | 3 | |
| HUM 115 | Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| MUS 110 | Music Appreciation | 3 | |
| MUS 111 | Fundamentals of Music | 3 | |
| MUS 112 | Introduction to Jazz | 3 | |
| PHI 210 | History of Philosophy | 3 | |
| PHI 215 | Philosophical Issues | 3 | |
| PHI 240 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 | |
| REL 110 | World Religions | 3 | |
- *This course is a component of the general education requirements needed for graduation.
- NOTE: Students are required to take ACA 111 in their first semester.
Earn College Credit in High School
A CCP pathway for high school juniors and seniors is available for this program. Visit the Career and College Promise page for more information.
The Career and College Promise (CCP) Program provides opportunities for eligible high school students to start college early, where courses can count for dual credit (credit in the high school and college at the same time), all TUITION-FREE! CCP students accelerate completion of college certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that provide entry-level job skills and/or lead to college transfer credit.
Executive Director for the BEST Center of Eastern NC
Faculty Schedule: Stephanie Winstead
Phone: (252) 246-1207
Email: swinstead@wilsoncc.edu
