What is Biotech & Why is This Industry For You?
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The union of technology, engineering, and biology to make medicines, vaccines, biofuels, foods, or medical devices that will benefit and improve society.
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Amazing, high paying careers in industries like pharmaceuticals, research, medial diagnostics, agriculture, regenerative medicine, food/beverages, and bioindustrial.
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Over 3,900 bioscience innovation companies supporting a workforce of more than 200,000 in the Los Angeles region with a 10% growth rate each year.
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Program Paths
Biotechnology
Associate Degree
This Associate degree program prepares students to enter the life science/biotechnology industry — or transfer to a Bachelor’s degree in biomanufacturing program at another California Community College — with the knowledge and skills they need to operate cutting-edge laboratory equipment, perform and analyze experiments, and use scientific principles to address biomedical issues that are impacting society and the planet.
Biotechnology/Life Sciences Laboratory Assistant
Certificate of Achievement
This Certificate program provides an overview of the applications and underlying principles of biotechnology, the fundamentals of laboratory procedures and safety protocols, the preparation and maintenance of glassware and other lab equipment, and how to record, analyze and present data.
Biotechnology & Cell Science Laboratory Technician
Certificate of Achievement
This Certificate program — which provides a foundation in the principles of biotechnology, laboratory and safety protocols, how to prepare samples for analysis, and how to perform experiments for research projects — offers an introduction to nanobiotechnology concepts and their applications in the biomedical, cell therapy, and immunological testing industries.
Courses Start in the Spring Semester - February 17, 2026
BIOL 30: Fundamentals of Biotechnology 1 (5 Units)
Section: 1303
Lecture: Tuesday/Thursday at 9 to 11:05 a.m. on main campus and Thursday 1 to 4 p.m.
Discover how biotechnology is shaping the world around us. This course introduces students to the science, technology, and careers that drive the biotech industry. Through hands-on labs, projects, and discussions, you’ll explore topics like molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biomanufacturing, environmental applications, ethics, and business operations.
Entry Level
- No prerequisites!
BIOL 31: Fundamentals of Biotechnology 2: From Genes to Proteins (5 units)
Section: 1304
Lecture: Monday/Wednesday at 9 to 10:20 a.m. on main campus and 11 a.m. to 2:05 p.m.
Advance your biotech skills through hands-on molecular biology and protein chemistry. Learn how to maintain lab notebooks, follow SOPs, use industry-standard lab equipment, and apply key techniques like DNA amplification and protein purification. This course prepares students for advanced biotechnology courses and internships.
Prerequisite
- Biology 30 - Fundamentals of Biotechnology 1
BIOL 32: Cell Culture Methods & Techniques (5 units)
Section: 1305
Lecture Tuesday/Thursday at 8 to 11:05 a.m. on main campus
Gain hands-on experience culturing, studying, and genetically modifying eukaryotic cells. Learn key lab skills in aseptic technique, cell maintenance, biomanufacturing, and gene editing, along with principles of quality assurance, ethics, and industry operations. This course prepares students for biotechnology internships in academia and cell therapy/cell culture facilities.
Prerequisite (one of the following)
- BIOL 30, MCRBIO 1, PHYS 3, CHEM 10, BIOL 2, BIOL 3, or BIOL 21
Contact: Karen Cavassani or sciencewaivers@smc.edu
These Courses are For People Who have an interest in...
- A sustainable seafood supply
- Endangered species restoration
- Learning how to use science to solve problems
- Aquarium systems design, construction & management
What Will You Learn?
- An overview of aquaculture
- Foundational biology concepts & their application to the aquaculture industry
- Skills to operate cutting edge laboratory equipment
- Teamwork & leadership skills
Student Spotlight
Ana Hernandez
Andrew Liu
Robert Munn
Brenna ThomasResources
How to Join
You can apply to the Biotechnology Program at any time during the year. Make sure to schedule an appointment with an academic counselor to draft an educational plan so that you complete the correct general requirements.
Biotech News
Keep up to date with the latest news on SMC's Biotech Program and our partnerships with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Health Sciences University.
Transfer Opportunities
Continue your training in biotechnology by earning a bachelor’s degree in biomanufacturing at one of four California Community Colleges: Solano, MiraCosta, Moorpark, and LA Mission College.