The Fluorescence Bioscience Microscopy Certificate of Achievement program prepares students for entry- and mid-level jobs in bioscience imaging, research and microscopy, including in the biotech industry. 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Career opportunities include employment as a director of an imaging core, research lab technician, imaging specialist in a research lab or biotechnology company, imaging equipment sales consultant, imaging product management, software development and sales, microscopy training and research consultant.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students who complete the certificate will be able to:

🗸 Confidently acquire digital images on a variety of research-level optical microscopes, including phase, DIC, and widefield epifluorescence.
🗸 Operate diverse microscopy software programs.
🗸 Prepare brightfield specimens for optical microscopy.
🗸 Execute basic cell and molecular biology lab techniques, including aseptic technique, following good lab practices.
🗸 Identify areas of the biotech industry that are relevant to their chosen career pathways.

The Natural History and Resources Certificate of Achievement educates students on the biodiversity of the Bay Area and beyond and how that biodiversity interacts with humans in different ecosystems and scales. Coursework provides a foundation on local flora, fauna, and geology, as well as an ecosystem-driven approach to explore natural resources such as water, forests, and ecosystem services. Graduates of the program can expect to be prepared for entry-level employment in the field of natural resources and the environment. In the Natural History and Resources Program, students will:

- Discover the vast diversity of animals, plants, fungi, and microscopic organisms through courses in botany, ornithology, entomology, herpetology, and more.

- Learn the principles of biogeography and the interplay between biology and geology.

- Participate in field trips and field courses around the Bay Area and beyond.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The Natural History and Resources Certificate of Achievement prepares students for careers focused on organismal diversity and ecosystem functioning, specifically the positions of biological technician, ecological technician, ecological restoration technician, nature interpreter, field technician, biological consultant, and environmental consultant working for natural resource government agencies, environmental non-profits, and environmental consulting firms.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

- Provide an overview of the form and function of local biodiversity (flora and fauna) and understand the ecological roles of these organisms.

- Demonstrate an understanding of the various ecosystems and natural resources in the Bay Area and their importance.

- Demonstrate practical skills, such as species identification, field documentation, and environmental impact report preparation, used by professionals in the field.

The Ceramics certificate program provides comprehensive preparation for employment in the field of ceramic arts. Introductory through advanced coursework allows students to build and refine broad-based skills and concepts from design principles to portfolio development. Merritt College Ceramics students have exhibited art work in gallery and museum venues, been featured in national publications, catalogs and books, and have lectured at conferences and symposia. Upon completion of this program, students have obtained jobs in the profession including college ceramics technician, community arts center instructor, assistant to noted Bay Area artists or public art commissions, ceramic supply salesperson, gallery representative, and as studio artists. A Certificate of Proficiency will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the requirements specified below. The Certificate of Proficiency is not indicated on the student’s transcript.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The Ceramics Certificate of Proficiency offers a broad range of career opportunities. Upon completion, students will have the skills to market their work at art fairs, work in galleries and museum shops, teach ceramics at community centers, and work in sales positions in ceramic supply companies.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 Successfully and consistently create ceramic objects that demand skillful control of the medium and processes to build a unique body of work for portfolio presentation.

🗸 Demonstrate knowledge of history and concepts of both ancient and contemporary clay art practice.

🗸 Demonstrate working knowledge of clay bodies, building techniques, finishing and glazing, kiln firings and alternative firing techniques.

A Certificate of Proficiency in Botanical Illustration provides students with the skills and portfolio to apply to advanced scientific illustration programs, or the basis for a career as a botanical artist. It is also an attractive resume enhancement for students in other related programs, such as landscape design, botany and biology.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

A Certificate of Proficiency in Botanical Illustration enables students to develop the skills and portfolio to apply to advanced scientific illustration programs, or pursue a career as a botanical artist. It also provides a resume enhancement for students in other programs, such as landscape design, botany and biology, and environmental studies.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 Create visually accurate renderings of diverse plant materials, demonstrating technical competence in both drawing and watercolor techniques.

🗸 Recognize, identify and illustrate basic plant structures relating to stems and their modifications, roots and their modifications, leaves and their modifications, flowers and their modifications, floral inflorescences and fruits.

🗸 Knowledge of the history of Botanical Illustration, contemporary Botanical artists and development of personal illustration style

The Art Foundation certificate program prepares students to enter vocational programs and fields of study that require knowledge of basic drawing, painting, color theory, 2-D composition and design.

Note: Students should see a counselor at least once each semester to plan for their educational goal(s).

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The Art Foundation Certificate of Achievement prepares students to advance in vocational programs, such as Graphic Design, Illustration, Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Media Arts, Video, Architecture, Arts Education, and Childhood Education.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 Write a visual analysis/critique of their own and other’s art on both form and content, and its relation to a historical and global context.

🗸 Produce artworks reflecting an understanding of basic components of design and composition such as line, shape, value, texture, space, color, scale, proportion, balance, mood, movement, mass and emphasis.

🗸 Assemble a portfolio of strong works of art that demonstrate skill and understanding of techniques in various media.

The Homeland Security Certificate of Achievement provides foundational knowledge of local, national and international security. The program examines national security threats related to domestic and international terrorism while exploring the roles and responsibilities of local and national security agencies when preparing for emergencies. The program is designed to prepare students for employment in entry-level and advanced positions in public and private security sectors. 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Career opportunities may include TSA Officer, Security Guard, Port Security, School Security, Bank Guard, Company Guard, Hospital Guard, and Mall Security. Successful completion of the Security Guard course, the attainment of a Guard Card, and completion of the California Powers to Arrest Exam allow immediate entry into the security field.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 Describe the history of terrorism and homeland security.

🗸 Describe the roles and responsibilities of various homeland security agencies.

🗸 Solve problems as an individual and in a coordinated team setting.

🗸 Demonstrate knowledge of the impact of technology on countering threats to security

The Facilities Maintenance Technology Program will provide students with the skills to begin or advance in a career in facilities maintenance. It was designed by the advisory committee to meet industry requirements. Students will learn the skills and concepts necessary to install, operate, maintain and repair control, piping, and mechanical systems in large commercial, medical, institutional, and industrial buildings. Students will also learn trouble shooting skills, problem solving methods and electrical concepts. Continuous improvement techniques and effective written, verbal, and electronic communication skills will be stressed across the curriculum. Classes are designed in lecture and lecture/lab format to give students a solid foundation in general maintenance skills including HVAC/R. A grade of “C” or better is required for all major and certificate courses.

Program Learning Outcomes :

   - Recognize the main Mechanical, Hydronic, Electrical, Controls and HVAC equipment associated with large Commercial Buildings. Perform in a safe and efficient manner Technical Maintenance duties associated with the operation of Commercial Buildings.

   - Competence in analyzing, maintaining and servicing sophisticated Commercial Building equipment. Use sound judgment to execute competent repairs to Commercial Buildings.

   - Ability to interpret and process Wiring Diagrams, Logic Control Diagrams and Pipe Diagrams. Demonstrate proficiency in writing service reports in both hard and soft copy. Ability to verbally communicate with Building Owners and Management.

   - Competence and skills in performing retrofits to existing Control Systems. Integrating leading edge technology to enhance smooth efficient Facilities Maintenance Management.

   - Demonstrate the ability to work as an individual and in groups of all social and economic backgrounds. Demonstrate awareness of Global Warming, Green House Gases Effect and Ozone Depletion as related to use of common Refrigerants. Demonstrate efficient use of Water and other natural resources.

   - Demonstrate honesty and integrity when dealing with Building Owners, Building Managers, and Building occupants. Exercise professional courtesy in the workplace.

   - Recognize proper attire and etiquettes expected of Professional Building Services Technicians. Perform Building Maintenance procedures that are safe and aesthetically acceptable.

The Teacher - Certificate of Achievement – Level 2 (24 units) fulfills the ECE requirements for the Child Development Teacher permit. To qualify for the Child Development Teacher permit issued by the California Department of Education, students will also need an additional¹ 16 units from approved General Education (GE) courses in order to meet the California Department of Education requirements. The Child Development Teacher permit authorizes the holder to provide service in the care, development, and instruction of children in a child care and development program, and supervise a CDP Associate Teacher, a CDP Assistant, and an aide.

Program Learning Outcomes:

- Describe important milestones of a child’s physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth and development.

- Explain the effects of family–staff relationships, family members, and the community on physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of the child.

- Plan and assess developmentally appropriate learning environments that support children’s health, safety, and holistic development.

- Reflect on and critically assess one’s own teaching experiences in the classroom to inform practice and improve skills in working with children.

The Master Teacher Certificate of Achievement – Level 3 (32 units) fulfills the ECE requirements for the Child Development Master Teacher permit. To qualify for the Master Teacher permit issued by the California Department of Education, students will also need an additional¹ 16 units from approved GE courses in order to meet the California Department of Education requirements. The Child Development Master Teacher permit authorizes the holder to provide service in the care, development and instruction of children in a child care and development program, and supervise teachers, teacher associates, assistants and aides. The permit also authorizes the holder to serve as a coordinator of curriculum and staff development.

Program Learning Outcomes:

- Observe and assess children’s development from birth through adolescence using different tools.

- Reflect on and critically assess one’s own teaching experiences in the classroom to inform practice and improve skills in working with children.

- Plan, prepare, carry out, and assess early childhood settings, curriculum, and teaching strategies utilizing indicators of quality early childhood practice that support all children, and their families, including those with diverse characteristics.

- Describe the role of a mentor teacher in leadership and advocacy in the field of early childhood education.

The Certificate of Achievement in Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is a program that provides students with the option of fulfilling all lower division general education requirements for transferring to the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems.  

Students must meet all IGETC lower division general education transfer requirements to achieve the Certificate of Achievement. Students may also request certification of the general education upon completion of this Certificate of Achievement.  The Certificate of Achievement will appear on student’s transcripts; however, the certification is a separate request by the student and the student's responsibility to submit to their transfer institution. Students are strongly advised to meet with a counselor to discuss transfer requirements and lower division major preparation that is needed for their intended transfer university.

Although the certificate recognizes the completion of IGETC lower division general education requirements, it does not guarantee admission to a specific campus within the CSU or UC system nor does it guarantee admission to a specific major.  Some majors and colleges may require a different lower division preparation and/or a higher GPA than is necessary for this certificate.  A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses.

Program Learning Outcomes :

   - The student will have successfully completed all required IGETC (UC) lower division general education pattern coursework.