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.
Apply Now See an Academic Counselor Frequently Asked Questions
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.
New Courses
BIOL 30: Fundamentals of Biotechnology 1
Fall Semester - September 2, 2025
Section 1301:
Tuesday/Thursday 9 – 11:05 a.m. and Thursday 1 – 4:05 p.m.
This Course is For People Who...
- Have an interest in biological/life sciences
- Have an interest in learning how they can use biotechnology to solve problems and save the world
What Will You Learn?
- An overview of biotechnology & the modern-day workforce
- Foundational biology concepts and their application to the biotech industry
- Skills to operate cutting edge laboratory equipment
- Teamwork and leadership skills
- No prerequisites!
BIOL 33: Immunoassay Methods
Fall Semester - September 2, 2025
Section 1302:
Monday/Wednesday 1 – 4:05 p.m.
Learn how thousands of tests are done in a diagnostic lab
- Ovulation LH Test
- Pregnancy hCG/Test
- and more...
Explore high-end paying careers in Biotechnology or clinical labs
- AI-driven Personalized Medicine
- ELISA
- Immunocytochemistry – call division
- MCRBIO 1, PHYS 3, CHEM 10, BIOL 2, BIOL 3, or BIOL 21
Contact Tom Chen or sciencewaivers@smc.edu
- Gain skills to get a high paying job!
- Earn skills badges that get you noticed by employers!
- Built-in academic support sessions!
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 (opens in new window) , MiraCosta (opens in new window) , Moorpark (opens in new window) , and LA Mission College (opens in new window) .