The curriculum prepares students to work in entry-level positions in the field of biotechnology where a biology or chemistry degree is not required. This is an interdisciplinary program including courses and practical training in math, chemistry, biology, computer skills and English. This program prepares students using scan guidelines. Emphasis is on practical laboratory skills combined with training in quality assurance and quality control in a working laboratory setting. Students are kept informed on current advances in biotechnology by speakers from the industry, internet assignments and tours of local biotech facilities.

This program offers classroom instruction plus supervised work experience in the biotechnology industry. Students must be willing to spend time working on long-term projects and participating in outreach programs.

Students must be able to provide their own transportation in the final semester to an internship site. Employment opportunities include the biomedical industry, academic research labs, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food science labs, and genetic engineering labs.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Students who have previously completed the coursework required for the laboratory assistant option and need only the BIOL 102A – BIOL 102D courses may take a “fast track” and complete the option in 1 year.

Program Outcomes

- Understand, interpret and write laboratory documents, SOPs protocols, and notebook documentation.

- Be able to use, maintain, calibrate and/or validate standard laboratory equipment.

- Be prepared for entry-level technician positions in the biological technology industry and in research laboratories with an emphasis on the medical environment.

Courses that are part of the Biological Technology - Computational Biology curriculum are designed to prepare students to work in the biotechnology industry by providing training in basic data acquisition, management, and analysis in laboratory environments. This is an interdisciplinary program including courses and practical training in statistics, basic concepts of molecular biology, bioinformatics programming, and the use of bioinformatics applications and resources.

Employment opportunities include the biomedical industry, academic research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and genetic engineering laboratories.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Program Outcomes

- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of molecular biology, including DNA, genes, proteins, and genomes.

- Use online resources such as NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) and bioinformatics applications to research and analyze biological data.

- Understand and use computer programs to perform customized analyses of biological data, using statistical measures to determine the significance of results.

The Biological Technology - Laboratory Skills program at Pasadena City College prepares students to work in entry-level positions in the field of biotechnology. Emphasis is placed on program participants developing competencies for working in a laboratory environment, including; performing basic and advanced laboratory techniques; collecting, documenting, and analyzing data; and participating in short-term independent projects. The core curriculum comprises instruction and hands-on training in general laboratory skills, advanced DNA and protein techniques, and mammalian cell culture procedures. Courses are taught in a working laboratory setting which allows students to also learn employability skills as they work. Performance evaluations include assessment of documentation and laboratory skills as well as workplace competencies.

Prerequisites

BIOL 110 INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY

Potential career opportunities available after earning a Certificate of Achievement - Laboratory Skills are available in the following areas: biomedical industry, academic research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, agricultural and food science laboratories, and genetic engineering facilities. Occupations include chemical technicians; instrumentation/calibration technicians; inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Program Outcomes

- Understand, interpret and write laboratory documents, SOPs, protocols and notebook documentation.

- Be able to use, maintain, calibrate and/or validate basic laboratory equipment.

- Be prepared for entry-level technician positions in the biological technology industry and in research laboratories.

The curriculum prepares students to work in entry-level positions in the field of biotechnology in the high-tech industries and research institutions. This is an interdisciplinary program including courses and practical training in math, chemistry, biology, computer skills, and English. Emphasis is placed on program participants developing competency for working in a laboratory environment, including; performing basic and advanced laboratory techniques; collecting, documenting, and analyzing data; and participating in short-term independent projects. Fundamental skills and workplace competencies necessary for successful employment in the biotechnology industry and in research laboratories are also emphasized.

Students are kept informed on current advances in biotechnology by guest speakers and internet assignments to access relevant technical resources and recently published scientific articles.

This program offers classroom instruction in a working laboratory setting and assistance in finding appropriate internships. Students must be willing to spend time working on long-term projects and participating in outreach programs. Students must be able to provide their own transportation to an internship site.

Employment opportunities include positions in the biomedical industry, academic research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, agriculture, and food science genetic engineering laboratories.

Students who have previously completed the coursework required for the Certificate of Achievement and need only the Biology 102A–D courses may take a “fast track” and complete the certificate in 1 year.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Program Outcomes

- Understand, interpret and write laboratory documents, SOPs, protocols, and notebook documentation.

- Be able to use, maintain, calibrate and/or validate standard laboratory equipment.

- Be prepared for entry-level technician positions in the biological technology industry and in research laboratories.

The curriculum prepares students to work in entry-level positions in the field of biotechnology in the high-tech industries and research institutions. This is an interdisciplinary program including courses and practical training in math, chemistry, biology, computer skills, and English. Emphasis is placed on program participants developing competency for working in a laboratory environment, including; performing basic and advanced laboratory techniques; collecting, documenting, and analyzing data; and participating in short-term independent projects. Fundamental skills and workplace competencies necessary for successful employment in the biotechnology industry and in research laboratories are also emphasized.

Students are kept informed on current advances in biotechnology by guest speakers and internet assignments to access relevant technical resources and recently published scientific articles.

This program offers classroom instruction in a working laboratory setting and assistance in finding appropriate internships. Students must be willing to spend time working on long-term projects and participating in outreach programs. Students must be able to provide their own transportation to an internship site.

Employment opportunities include positions in the biomedical industry, academic research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, agriculture, and food science genetic engineering laboratories.

Students who have previously completed the coursework required for the Certificate of Achievement and need only the Biology 102A–D courses may take a “fast track” and complete the certificate in 1 year.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Program Outcomes

- Understand, interpret and write laboratory documents, SOPs, protocols, and notebook documentation.

- Be able to use, maintain, calibrate and/or validate standard laboratory equipment.

- Be prepared for entry-level technician positions in the biological technology industry and in research laboratories.

The curriculum prepares students for entry-level employment in automotive air conditioning repair or as preparation for master technician status. Students will receive instruction and hands-on experience in servicing, repairing, and diagnosing of automotive air conditioning systems. The Refrigerant Handlers Certification Examination given by the International Mobile Air Conditioning Society (IMAC) is included in this training. The use of precision equipment and specialty tools is emphasized. Students are encouraged to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Exam for Heating and Air Conditioning (A7).

This program has lab fees, uniform, and DMV requirements. This curriculum is National Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) approved and renewed in 2016.

An Occupational Skills Certificate is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Program Outcomes

- Apply automotive heating and air conditioning systems theories of operation to practical diagnostic scenarios encountered during automotive heating and air conditioning service repairs.

- Demonstrate the proper setup and operation of automotive air conditioning systems refrigerant identification, recovery, and recharging equipment.

- Practice skills necessary to obtain the United States Clean Air Act Section 609 Certification through examination from the International Mobile Air Conditioning Society (IMAC).

The curriculum prepares the student for entry-level employment as a lube technician, entry-level mechanic, or fleet repair technician in an automotive engine repair facility. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience with basic diagnostic tools and procedures. Engine diagnosis testing will also cover the oiling, fuel, cooling, intake, and exhaust systems. Use of precision measuring equipment is practiced. Students are encouraged to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Exam for Engine Repair (A1). ASE Student Examinations are administered within program courses.

This program has lab fees, physical requirements, program uniforms, and driver’s license requirements. This curriculum is National Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) approved and renewed in 2016.

An Occupational Skills Certificate is awarded upon successful completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Program Outcomes

- Demonstrate the proper setup and operation of engine mechanical system diagnostic tools used in the automotive industry.

- Describe engine mechanical operating systems and control assemblies, their theories of operation, and practical diagnostic scenarios used to track failed components or systems encountered during engine repair.

- Apply skill sets pertaining to the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) standards and performance tasks for automotive engine repair.

The curriculum prepares students for entry-level employment in brake system service, suspension inspections and repair, and tire and wheel repair including 4-wheel alignment. Systems of both foreign and domestic vehicles and a wide variety of vehicle models are covered. Antilock brake systems (ABS) are discussed and service procedures are demonstrated. The use of precision equipment such as computerized alignment machines, brake disc, and drum lathes, and diagnostic scan tools keep students current with the latest industry standards. All applicable machining procedures and technical calculations are covered. Students are encouraged to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams for Suspension and Steering (A4), and Brakes (A5). ASE Student Certification Examinations are administered within the program courses.

This program requires a lab fee, a program uniform, and a valid driver’s license. Tools are provided and are not required for the program.

An Occupational Skills Certificate is awarded upon successful completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Program Outcomes

- Apply a practical diagnosis, service, maintenance, and repair based on the theory and operation of automotive brakes, suspension, and steering systems.

- Demonstrate the safe setup and operation of automotive brakes, suspension, and steering system tools and equipment required by the automotive industry.

- Perform NATEF laboratory tasks in an acceptable amount of time in a safe and consistent manner.

The curriculum prepares students for entry-level employment in brake system service, suspension inspections and repair, and tire and wheel repair including 4-wheel alignment. Systems of both foreign and domestic vehicles and a wide variety of vehicle models are covered. Antilock brake systems (ABS) are discussed and service procedures are demonstrated. The use of precision equipment such as computerized alignment machines, brake disc, and drum lathes, and diagnostic scan tools keep students current with the latest industry standards. All applicable machining procedures and technical calculations are covered. Students are encouraged to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams for Suspension and Steering (A4), and Brakes (A5). ASE Student Certification Examinations are administered within the program courses.

This program requires a lab fee, a program uniform, and a valid driver’s license. Tools are provided and are not required for the program.

An Occupational Skills Certificate is awarded upon successful completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Program Outcomes

- Apply a practical diagnosis, service, maintenance, and repair based on the theory and operation of automotive brakes, suspension, and steering systems.

- Demonstrate the safe setup and operation of automotive brakes, suspension, and steering system tools and equipment required by the automotive industry.

- Perform NATEF laboratory tasks in an acceptable amount of time in a safe and consistent manner.

The curriculum prepares students for entry-level employment in transmission repair. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience in removing, rebuilding, and adjusting manual and automatic transmissions and transaxles, clutches, drivelines, universal joints, constant-velocity (CV) joints, and differentials. The use of precision equipment and specialty tools is emphasized. Students are encouraged to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) examinations for Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (A2) and Manual Drive Train and Axles (A3). ASE Student Certifications are administered within the program courses.

This program has lab fees, uniform, and DMV requirements. This curriculum is National Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) approved and renewed in 2016.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Program Outcomes

- Demonstrate the proper setup and operation of transmission diagnostic and service tools used in the automotive industry.

- Apply automatic and manual transmission theories of operation to practical diagnostic scenarios encountered during service and repairs of automatic and manual transmissions/transaxles and drive trains.

- Apply hands-on skill sets pertaining to the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) standards and performance tasks for automatic and manual transmissions, transaxles, and drive trains.