Biotechnology Laboratory Technician

Associate Degree in Applied Science

Program number: 100072

• Overview
• Admission
• Curriculum
• Outcomes
• Careers

Overview

Overview

Madison College's Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program offers hands-on training needed to be successful in today's biotech job market.

The Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program is a good fit for recent high school graduates, professionals returning to the workforce or changing careers, or those who want to gain new skills to advance their current career.  

Program Prerequisites

• A high school degree, including a year of biology is required.
• A year of high school algebra and a year of high school chemistry are helpful. 
• Biology, chemistry and algebra classes are offered at Madison College to help meet requirements.

Program Courses

Courses emphasize workplace skills in communication, safety, time management and professionalism. Classes will introduce you to technical skills in:

• Growing bacteria
• Working with DNA
• Purifying proteins
• Performing laboratory tests
• Working with mammalian cell culture

All Biotechnology Laboratory Technician students must complete an internship before they can graduate.

Courses are developed with local industry advice and are taught in fully-equipped laboratories that allow you access to the supplies and equipment used in the biotech industry.

The Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program can be completed in as little as two years or up to three years.

Upon graduation you can start a career or transfer to a four-year college. 

Program Details

Biotechnology Laboratory Technician is on a career pathway that includes this associate degree, a post-baccalaureate certificate and an intensive post-baccalaureate certificate. All will prepare you for a good job and with the associate degree, you can transfer to another college to earn your bachelor’s degree. Learn at your own pace and increase your earning potential with credentials that keep you moving on your career path.

Students in the Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program can attend full or part time.

Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Program classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:

• Madison - Truax

Explore financial aid eligibility for Biotechnology Laboratory Technician.

All courses for this program are offered only in person.

Biotechnology Laboratory Technician

Admission

Admission

To Apply

View the admission requirements for application deadlines, materials, and requirements.

• Review the admission checklist to learn how to apply to a program or certificate at Madison College.
• Attend an Academic Information Session to get started in the admission process.
• Visit MATC to learn more about the Madison College experience including campus tours and program open houses.

After Acceptance

Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at MATC. 

Questions?

Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or (608) 246-6210.

Curriculum

Curriculum

Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2018-2019 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

Current program students (including newly admitted), go directly to your Degree Progress Report (also referred to as an Advising Report or Academic Requirements) to view:

• Progress toward your specific requirements
• Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

If you have questions after reviewing your report, please see Advising Services.

First Semester

10-007-103

Biotechnology Laboratory Skills for a Regulated Workplace

3 credits

10-007-108

Hazardous Materials - Biotechnology

1 credits

10-007-111

Biotechnology Career Seminar

1 credits

10-007-115

General Cell Biology

4 credits

10-007-136

Laboratory Math for Biotechnology

1 credits

10-801-195

Written Communication

3 credits

Choose from one of the following courses:

10-806-127

Chemistry 1

4 credits

20-806-201

General, Organic & Biological Chemistry

5 credits

Second Semester

10-007-104

Chromatography Techniques

3 credits

10-007-105

Bioprocess Technology

3 credits

10-007-110

Biotechnology Applications

1 credits

10-007-174

Applied Microbiology

4 credits

10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Communication

3 credits

Choose from one of the following courses:

10-806-129

Chemistry 2

4 credits

20-806-216

Chemistry for Biotechnology

3 credits

Third Semester

10-007-122

Protein Bioseparations Methods

3 credits

10-007-123

Cell Culturing

3 credits

10-007-124

Molecular Biology 1

3 credits

10-007-152

Making Biotech Products in a Quality Environment

2 credits

10-809-197

Contemporary Amer Society

3 credits

10-809-199

Psychology Of Human Relations

3 credits

10-007-112

Biotechnology Employment Skills

1 credits

Fourth Semester

10-007-121

Applied Biochemistry

3 credits

10-007-125

Research Methods in Molecular Biology

3 credits

10-007-126

Occupational Work Experience

3 credits

10-809-195

Economics

3 credits

 

Elective

3 credits

Recommended Electives

10-007-137

Selected Topics in HPLC

1 credits

10-007-155

Quality Regulations and Standards for Biotechnology

2 credits

20-806-203

Introductory Zoology

5 credits

Outcomes

Outcomes

MATC Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program graduates are prepared to:  

• Follow policies and procedures when working in regulated laboratory environments.
• Demonstrate health and safety techniques.
• Demonstrate a variety of math and technical laboratory skills necessary to perform in multiple areas of the biotechnology laboratory.
• Use appropriate computer software and hardware skills to accomplish biotechnology lab tasks.
• Manage laboratory data.
• Apply active listening, oral, and written communication skills to follow procedures.
• Adhere to professional and ethical standards in the biotechnology profession.
• Demonstrate technical knowledge of specialized techniques and instrumentation.

Careers

Earning your Associate Degree in Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as:  

• Biotechnology Research Technicians - Complete scientific work in academic research laboratories, government research laboratories and biotechnology companies under direct supervision.
• Biotechnology Production Technicians - Produce useful products using biological systems including bacterial and yeast cells, plants and animals.
• Laboratory Technicians - Complete scientific work and conduct experiments in research and development or production laboratories in various biological and biochemical companies and private or public agencies.
• Quality Control/Assurance Technicians - Check product performance/characteristics to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize liability using physical, chemical and biological test equipment and instrumentation to ensure that the product is within acceptable tolerance.

With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:

• Research Scientists
• Entry-level Scientists
• Associate Scientists
• Process Scientist 

Over 90% of Madison Area Technical College Biotech students are placed in related jobs. Graduates have worked in more than 50 different companies in the Dane County area. 

Find local job openings on TechConnect.