Biotechnology, AAS


Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Biotechnology will train students to harness cellular and molecular processes in living & non-living organisms to develop technologies and products that help improve lives and the health of the planet. Students accomplish this through an interdisciplinary study of relevant science disciplines, including the biological sciences, chemical sciences, and biotechnology. Students interested in pursuing a Bachelors of Biotechnology can earn the Associates of Applied Science as a milestone to their BS Biotechnology degree.

This program provides knowledge and experience through lecture and laboratories that immerses students in the biotechnology field's ever-evolving techniques, protocols, practices, and careers, qualifying them for entry-level positions in the biotechnology industry. This degree will also articulate with the Biotechnology Certificate from Dixie Tech for their students looking continue their education and earn an AAS degree. Students will analyze and solve problems associated with biotechnology in medicine, agriculture, livestock, the environment and other related sectors. Local support for this program comes from the following local biotechnology companies, Soft Cell Biological Research, Soft Cell Laboratories, Intermountain- Precision Genomics, Red Mesa Science and Refining, Deseret Laboratories, and Gene Stat. These companies will provide internships, mentorship, and employment opportunities for students in the program. Ultimately, we see the program creating a pipeline for the local and regional biotechnology industry.


Program Curriculum

63 credits

GENERAL EDUCATION & INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The required General Education courses for the Associate of Applied Science degree at Utah Tech include a course in English, Quantitative Reasoning and Human Relations. 

General Education Requirement
ENGL 1010Introduction to Writing (EN)3-4
or ENGL 1010D Introduction to Writing (EN)
PSY 1010General Psychology (SS, GC)3
SSC 1010Trailblazer Connections 2
MATH 1050College Algebra / Pre-Calculus (MA) (or higher) 14

Biotechnology Requirements

BIOL 1610
BIOL 1615
Principles of Biology I (LS)
and Principles of Biology I Lab (LAB) 1
5
BTEC 1010Fundamentals of Biotechnology 13
BTEC 1015RInnovation-Based Learning (Must take three times) 11 (3)
BTEC 2030Cell Culture Techniques 12
CHEM 1210
CHEM 1215
Principles of Chemistry I (PS)
and Principles of Chemistry I Lab (LAB) 1
5
Total Hours15-16

Biotech Electives- pick 2 courses from the list below 

BTEC 2010DNA Methods and Analysis 12
BTEC 2020Protein Purification and Analysis 12
BTEC 2050Zebrafish Maintenance & Methodology 12
BIOL 2070Introduction to Machine Learning in Biology and Medicine3
BIOL 2300Fundamentals of Bioinformatics2

Electives 

Electives 28-29

 1. Course Fee Requires. See Course Fee Tab for details.  


Graduation Requirements

  1. Complete a minimum of 63 college-level credits (1000 and above).
  2. Complete at least 20 semester hours of credits at Utah Tech for institutional residency.
  3. Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher