The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” 
. Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” 
.
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” 
which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” 
, be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
The life sciences/biotechnology sector has remained resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Los Angeles region generating $60.8 billion in economic activity in 2020 and hosting more than 1,000 life science innovation companies. It is projected that 16,000 technical jobs will be added to this rapidly growing sector within the next three years. The acceleration of the widening supply-and-demand gap, along with the need for highly skilled technicians, emphasizes the necessity to prepare students to become the next generation of highly skilled workers in this dynamic sector. The stackable Biotechnology Certificate program focusing on cell science and immunological testing will align academic offerings with industry needs and students will be trained in a curriculum that focuses on essential knowledge, state-of-the-art technical skills, and industry-required soft skills. Students will also receive an introduction to nanobiotechnology concepts and their applications in the biomedical, cell therapy, and immunological testing industries.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Upon completion of this program, students will demonstrate knowledge of the broad scope of the biotechnology industry as well as the structure of a company and the importance of project management, workflow, and ethical practices. Students will also be able to describe and perform foundational molecular biology techniques that include quantifying, manipulating, and purifying biological molecules. Students will be able to demonstrate and articulate the importance of aseptic techniques for maintaining and cryopreserving eukaryotic cells as well as perform advanced cellular and immunological techniques to assess and characterize cells and biomolecules. Students will articulate the major advancements and challenges impacting the nanobiotechnology field; describe nanoscience applications in molecular, medical, and environmental contexts; and apply foundational knowledge of chemistry to understand nanomaterial interactions and their impact on the environment. Through these cumulative laboratory experiences, students will be able to apply the scientific method to design controlled experiments and perform data analysis and graphing skills to generate quality figures. Also, students will demonstrate their technical knowledge of the different types of documents and records used in a regulatory environment and communicate novel scientific findings through written and oral communication. Finally, students will become aware of equipment and laboratory space modifications that will promote inclusivity and accommodations for scientists living with disabilities.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education -
Appropriate for
Intersession
-
Available Online -
Global Citizenship
Semester 1
10 Units
This course will introduce students to the broad spectrum of the biotechnology field and workforce, with content that will be accessible and appropriate to students and professionals from diverse disciplines. This course is designed to prepare students to enter the growing biotechnology workforce or to transfer. Students that complete this course will be eligible to take the Los Angeles Regional Bioscience/Biotechnology Industry-Valued Credential. Topics explored in this course include basic molecular and cellular biology, introductory genetics, biomanufacturing, microbiology, agriculture & bioremediation, chemistry, environmental health & safety, quality assurance & regulation, business, ethics, and biotechnology company structure. These concepts are explored by means of class discussions and projects, reading assignments, and lab activities. The course is intended as preparation for the intermediate and advanced biotechnology skills and methods courses as well as internships. By the end of the course, students should be able to describe the general structure and operating practices for a biotechnology company, demonstrate knowledge of fundamental biotechnology concepts in a molecular biology context, and express understanding of biotechnology applications and ethical practices.
- Area I: Natural Science
Chemistry 10 is a survey of introductory chemistry topics with a laboratory component. It is intended as preparation for Chemistry major or those planning to go into a STEM major or as a way to fulfill the science general education requirement. It introduces the main concepts and principles of chemistry and serves as a prerequisite for the General Chemistry sequence (CHEM 11 and CHEM 12). Emphasis is placed on understanding basic chemical principles and their quantitative application in various settings. Experimental techniques, including the safe and competent handling of chemicals and laboratory equipment will also be part of the course.
- Prerequisite: MATH 31 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 49
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
Semester 2
9 Units
This course will introduce students to fundamental molecular and protein chemistry techniques that are essential to the biotechnology field and workforce. This course is designed to prepare students to enter the growing biotechnology workforce or to transfer. Students that complete this course will be prepared for the biotechnology internship course and to take the Los Angeles Regional Bioscience/Biotechnology Industry-Valued Credential or equivalent exams. Topics explored in this course include maintaining an industry standard notebook, following and writing SOPs, and utilizing a digital quality management software; lab safety regulations, aseptic technique, and quality control protocols; preparing and sterilizing solutions, reagents, and experimental materials; usage and maintenance of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment; bioinformatics; and amplifying, extracting, purifying, and analyzing polynucleotides and proteins. These concepts are explored by means of class discussions and projects, reading assignments, and lab activities. The course is intended as preparation for the advanced biotechnology skills and methods courses as well as internships. By the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate competency in following and editing SOPs, explain fundamental molecular and protein chemistry methods, and apply their training to use and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Prerequisite: BIOL 30
- Pre/Corequisite: CHEM 10
- Area I: Natural Science
This course covers concepts and procedures of descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory and inferential statistics. Course content includes: summarizing data; computation and interpretation of descriptive statistics;; classical probability theory; probability distributions; binomial, normal, T, Chi-square and F distributions; making inferences; decisions and predictions. This course develops, analyzes, and interprets confidence intervals for population parameters, hypothesis testing for both one and two populations, correlation and regression, ANOVA, and test for independence. This course develops statistical thinking through the study of applications in variety of disciplines. The use of a statistical/graphing calculator and/or statistical analysis software is integrated into the course.
- Prerequisite: MATH 20 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 18 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 49 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 50
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
Semester 3
14 Units
This course focuses on the documentation in regulatory environments, particularly as they relate to the biotechnology/bio- manufacturing workforce. Various modes of scientific communication to a broad range of audiences including scientists, regulatory agencies, and the general public is emphasized. The course also expands on concepts of scientific writing and experimental design covered in prerequisite classes and addresses the bioethical obligations of being a professional or citizen scientist.
NOTE: Can be taken in intersession AFTER semester 2 to complete the Biotechnology/Life Science Lab Assistant Certificate in 1 year.
- Prerequisite: BIOL 31
- Area I: Natural Science
Students become acquainted with the career fields related to the discipline of the internship by working in a professional setting. Students spend a minimum of 120 hours during the term under the supervision of a professional in the field. Learning objectives and exit internship evaluation are required. Limited availability.
NOTE: Can be taken in intersession BEFORE or AFTER semester 2 to complete the Biotechnology/Life Science Lab Assistant Certificate in 1 year.
This course involves study of several types of microorganisms with emphasis on bacteria. Principles of microbiology, metabolism, genetics, immunology, and medical and nonmedical applications are considered. The laboratory includes aseptic transfer techniques, cultural characteristics, methods of microscopy, and analytical techniques for identifying microbial organisms. The course content is related to both general and clinical applications including recent molecular biological and serological techniques.
- Prerequisite: CHEM 10 or
- Prerequisite: CHEM 19 or
- Prerequisite: eligibility for Chemistry 11 and
- Prerequisite: PHYS 3 or
- Prerequisite: BIOL 3 or
- Prerequisite: BIOL 21
- Advisory: eligibility for English 1
- 5B: Biological Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B2 - Life Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This course will build upon students’ knowledge of cell and molecular biology by introducing students to techniques and methods that are critical for culturing, studying, and genetically manipulating eukaryotic cells. This course is designed to prepare students to enter the growing biotechnology workforce or to transfer. Students that complete this course will be eligible to take the Los Angeles Regional Bioscience/Biotechnology Industry-Valued Credential exam. Topics explored in this course include eukaryotic gene expression patterns and signal transduction pathways; biomanufacturing principles for eukaryotic cells; proper culturing and handling of eukaryotic cells; application of cell biology tools to manipulate and edit genes in eukaryotic cells; quality assurance & regulation; business, ethics, and biotechnology company structure. These concepts are explored by means of class discussions and projects, reading assignments, and lab activities. The course is intended as preparation for internships or transfer into biomanufacturing bachelor programs. By the end of the course, students should be able to describe & demonstrate aseptic technique; culture, maintain, and prepare eukaryotic cells for long-term storage; describe and perform cell specific assays; explain the layout and use required equipment to culture cells; and demonstrate knowledge of biotechnology applications and ethical practices.
- Prerequisite: BIOL 31 and
- Area I: Natural Science
Semester 4
7 Units
This techniques-focused course will provide knowledge and skills in the use of antibody-related reagents and antibody-based assays as a tool in biotechnology, biomedical research, or clinical laboratories. It focuses on the specific properties of antibody reagents for the identification and quantification of various biological or environmental molecules. Students learn basic immunology, the theoretical basis of antigen-antibody reactions, micropipetting techniques, and how to design, perform, analyze, and troubleshoot modern immunoassay-related techniques. The course will prepare students for work-ready skills in a bioscience research and biotechnology industry career.
- Prerequisite: BIOL 31
- Area I: Natural Science
This survey course will introduce students to the broad field of nanobiotechnology by highlighting principles of nanoscience and nanotechnology and their applications in biomolecular, biomedical, medical, and environmental nanoscience. These concepts will be reinforced through research presentations from industry professionals that utilize the techniques and methodologies discussed during lectures. This course is designed to prepare students to enter the growing biotechnology workforce or to transfer. Topics explored in this course include the history of nanoscience and its impact on society; synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials; chemical properties and potential interactions in biological systems; and the industry and workforce applications of nanomaterials. The course is intended to supplement the advanced biotechnology skills and methods courses and to assist students in networking with industry professionals. By the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate competency in the methods for fabricating and characterizing nanomaterials used in biological contexts; describe the impact that nanobiotechnology has on society; apply their knowledge of biotechnology and nanoscience to design a novel experiment; engage and communicate with industry professionals.
- Prerequisite: BIOL 32 or
- Prerequisite: BIOL 33
- Area I: Natural Science