Biotechnology Lab Technician 3-Year Degree Program

Madison College’s Biotechnology Laboratory Technician associate degree program can be completed in two or three years.

Is the 3-Year Plan Right for Me?

The three-year course plan is ideal for those who wish to pursue a Biotechnology associate degree on a part-time basis. This option is specifically tailored to students who are unable to commit to a full-time course schedule due to various reasons, such as work commitments of more than 15 hours per week, family obligations or personal reasons.

Each year, most entering biotech students choose this plan over the traditional two-year course of study to allow them to focus on maximizing success and learning while still meeting their other obligations. Students can often find part-time industry jobs that provide additional professional experience beyond what they might earn on the two-year plan.

The three-year plan is slightly flexible; however, all modifications to the plan must be made in consultation with a program faculty advisor. This plan takes into account all program and course prerequisites, so if you deviate from it, it may take an additional year to complete your degree.

This program is not offered online.

Biotechnology Associate Degree 3-Year Plan Curriculum

The courses listed below outline the graduation requirements for students entering this program. Graduation requirements may vary depending on the semester in which a student is admitted to the program, and program requirements are subject to change.

Year 1 | Fall Semester (11 Total Credits)

10-007-110 Biotech Applications (1 cr.)
10-007-108 Hazardous Materials (1 cr.)
10-007-115 General Cell Biology (4 cr.)
10-806-186 Intro to Biochemistry* (4 cr.)

*Students who have not taken high school chemistry or General Chemistry at Madison College (10-806-134) should take 10-806-134 and see a Biotechnology program instructor for advising to create a personalized three-year plan.

Year 1 | Spring Semester (11 Total Credits)

10-007-111 Biotech Career Seminar (1 cr.)
10-007-136 Laboratory Math for Biotechnology (1 cr.)
10-007-103 Biotech. Lab. Skills for a Regulated Workplace (3 cr.)
10-007-105 Bioprocess Technology (3 cr.)
10-007-135 Applied Chemistry for Biotechnology (4 cr.)

Year 2 | Fall Semester (12 Credits)

10-007-123 Cell Culturing (3 cr.)
10-007-124 Molecular Biology I (3 cr.)
10-801-195 Written Communication★ (3 cr.)
10-809-199 Psychology of Human Relations★ (3 cr.)

★ Or college transfer alternative

Year 2 | Spring Semester (10 Total Credits)

10-007-104 Chromatography Techniques (3 cr.)
10-007-125 Research Methods in Molecular Biology (3 cr.)
10-007-174 Applied Microbiology (4 cr.)

Year 3 | Fall Semester (12 Total Credits)

10-007-112 Biotech. Employment Skills (1 cr.)
10-007-122 Protein Bioseparations Methods (3 cr.)
10-007-152 Making Biotechnology Products (2 cr.)
10-801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication★ (3 cr.)
10-809-197 Contemporary American Society★ (3 cr.)

★ Or college transfer alternative

Year 3 | Spring Semester (12 Total Credits)

10-007-121 Applied Biochemistry (3 cr.)
10-007-126 Occupational Work Experience (3 cr.)
10-809-195 Economics★ (3 cr.)
Elective (3 cr.)

Note: Completion of the program requires a 3-credit elective. This elective can be taken any semester or during the summer.