Biological and Chemical Technologies

This curriculum prepares individuals to apply scientific principles and technical skills in support of biologists and biotechnologists in research, industrial, and government settings.   

Coursework, most of which is hands-on, includes topics such as fermentation technology, cell culturing, protein purification, biologic synthesis, assaying and testing, quality control, industrial microbiology, bioprocessing, chromatography and bioseparation, genetic technology, laboratory and hazardous materials safety, and computer applications 

Standard	Definition of Standard	Students should be able to:
Critical Thinking Skills	Biotechnology students should be able to analyze and assess various laboratory and scientific scenarios in order to arrive at conclusions and make informed decisions.	Reasoning, measuring, calculating, analyzing data, formulating ideas. Problem solving as it relates to laboratory issues. Exercising appropriate judgment specific to various situations. Abiding by laboratory safety guidelines. Working efficiently. Research information from the internet, books, media, laboratory reference manuals, company technical support personnel in order to operate equipment safely and perform laboratory procedures with minimal or no assistance. Progressing towards self- sufficiency and working independently with minimal supervision.
Mobility/Motor Skills	Biotechnology students should possess gross and fine motor skills, enabling them to learn laboratory skills and work safely in the lab. Able to stand on hard or concrete floors for prolonged periods of time Able to work with hands, being able to feel by touch, with finger dexterity	Perform delicate operations, which require adequate hand-eye coordination. Perform manual laboratory procedures with agility. Operate sensitive laboratory equipment, including computers, touch screens,keyboards, and computerized equipment.
Technological	Biotechnology students should be proficient in or capable of learning technology relevant to the laboratory and classroom	Use a computer or computerized device. Navigate and use learning management systems such as Blackboard. Send and retrieve work/school related emails and be able to attach documents to emails Use the internet for gathering information e.g. researching laboratory related issues Work with software that accompany laboratory equipment and devices. Maintain or troubleshoot equipment according to manufacturer guidelines.
Auditory Skills	Biotechnology students should be able to ensure safe and effective laboratory operations. Effectively hear sounds that indicate potential issues and problems in the laboratory environment	Effectively communicate with other laboratory personnel while in the lab and be able to follow directives. Detect and assess equipment and alarm sounds
Visual Skills	Biotechnology students possess sufficient visual ability for observing and assessing laboratory results, and for reading and following laboratory procedures.	Visualize small, microscopic organisms using a binocular microscope. View very small changes in color and sufficient perception of depth (texture, shape, and size).  Differentiate visual characteristics of specimens, reagents etc. (e.g. color, clarity, and viscosity) Read and understand text, numbers, graphs,  and other data in small print and on a monitor screen.
Communication Skills	Biotechnology students should be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. Appropriate interpersonal interaction with other students, faculty, staff, facility owners, customers, and other technicians	Clearly record, in writing, relevant documents such as lab notebooks, term papers, laboratory protocols, standard operating  Understand and execute written and oral instructions received in English Use professional jargon when communicating within the discipline.
Interpersonal Skills	Biotechnology students should be able to positively interact or display professionalism when interacting with other members of the Biotechnology program including, but not limited to, classmates, teammates, instructors, laboratory technicians, work based learning supervisors etc.  Students should also be able to interact with individuals with different social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.	Adapt appropriately to changing situations and/or environments in the  laboratory. Maintain composure under stressful or hostile conditions. Show respect to fellow students, faculty, coworkers, supervisors etc. Demonstrate honesty, integrity, dependability and accountability in a laboratory setting. Be respectful and tolerant to everyone irrespective of their race, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, disability, religious or moral beliefs.
Behavioral Skills	Behave in a safe, professional and appropriate manner in both dress and actions as required by the program Biotechnology students should be able to tolerate a variety of environmental stressors.	Wearing safety glasses or other required PPE and approved clothing at all times while working in the lab, regardless of the tasks being performed. Work safely with potentially infectious organisms, samples, and other hazardous materials. Follow specific regulatory guidelines in the laboratory. Remain focused and alert in  a fast paced, highly  stressful (sometimes unpredictable) work environment.