Biotechnological Science, A.A.S

Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5205
Curriculum Code: 2436.BIM
Campus Location: North
Health Sciences Division

Program Description
Department Notes
Program Competencies
Curriculum

Program Description

SUNY Erie’s Associate Degree in Applied Science in Biotechnological Science offers students the training and laboratory skills necessary for gainful employment in the pharmaceutical and food processing industries.

Industry experts suggest a shortage of qualified technicians exists within the regional workforce in Biotechnology and Advanced Manufacturing practices in Western New York. To fill this need for trained technicians, Biotechnological Science’s AAS curriculum has been carefully developed through a combined effort of local industry professionals and academicians. The structure of the core curriculum offers training in the basic principles of Advanced Manufacturing; but most importantly, it offers multiple hands-on laboratory experiences enabling the student to apply the theory to the process.

The Biotechnological Science program offers two different concentrations to prepare students to work in high demand industries.

Biotechnological Science Standard Concentration:

The AAS degree incorporates the existing Biotechnological Science Certificate stacked as the first year of curriculum while the second year expands core courses in Biotechnological Science combined with a broad spectrum of the following disciplines: Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This design is intended to produce well-rounded graduates who have career options and the transferable skills necessary to obtain employment in pharmaceutical, medical device and food technology or quality laboratories. Graduates will maintain quality in ensuring that high quality products are produced in a safe and clean environment.

Graduates will seek positions as technicians in manufacturing, research, quality systems, and food processing. Or they can seamlessly continue their education with our program articulation agreements with SUNY Buffalo State College, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and SUNY at Buffalo.

Biotechnological Science Cannabis Concentration:

The Cannabis Industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States and Western New York. Students will learn necessary skills required to work in the cannabis industry. This includes ever changing state and federal laws, benefits of cannabis, product production and understanding the endocannabinoid system. The cannabis curriculum produces well rounded graduates with laboratory skills transferable to many positions within the industry.

Graduates will seek positions as industrial cannabis technicians whose responsibilites include equipment operation, product quality control, and pest management. They maintain inventory in the laboratory and ensure high quality products that are produced in a safe and clean environment. Graduates can also work as a quality inspector to maintain compliance with health, safety and potency standards. Inspectors may enforce cannabis cultivation and regulations. The curriculum also instills knowledge of horticulture, botany and pest management, enabling graduates to work in cultivation positions.

Admission Criteria include:

high school graduate or HSE (High School Equivalency);
overall high school average of 75% within the last five years;
a 75% final grade in high school general biology and chemistry;
a minimum college GPA of 2.5 within the last 5 years;
completion of all required developmental English courses;
completion of developmental math course MT 006; and
completion of high school biology or Biology 107 and high school chemistry or chemistry with a lab (CH 140/141) achieving a minimal grade of C in both within the last 5 years.

Department Notes

lab coats must be worn and all safety protocol followed in all laboratory courses
students are responsible for providing transportation to off-campus industry sites utilized for tours or bio-manufacturing training
students must complete all BT courses within a four-year limit
students must achieve an overall QPA of 2.0

Progression

The student must maintain a minimum grade of C in all Biotechnological Science (BT) courses and must receive a minimum grade of C- in all other required coursework. All courses may be repeated only once if minimal grades are not attained or if the student has withdrawn (W) from the course. BT courses are integrated and sequenced in a specific manner to enable students to attain program competencies. All required courses must be passed each semester in order to advance to the following semester.

A second failure in a repeated course (a grade below a C in BT courses, a failing grade (F) in all other courses, or a second withdrawal (W) from that course) will result in dismissal from the Biotechnological Science Program. Advance transfer credit for general education or professional courses in which a C or above was earned may be arranged when course descriptions match SUNY Erie courses.

Essential Functions

In order for the student to perform the essential functions of the biotechnology and bio-manufacturing professions, the following technical standards are required of students entering the Biotechnological Science Program.

Vision:
The student must be able to read charts and graphs, discriminate colors, read instrument scales, observe microscopic material, and record results.

Speech and Hearing:
The student must be able to communicate effectively.

Fine Motor Functions:
The student must manifest all the skills which would enable manipulation of laboratory supplies and instrumentation.

Psychological Stability:
The student must demonstrate the emotional health required for full utilization of intellectual abilities.

Program Competencies

Upon graduation with a Biotechnological Science Associate in Applied Science Degree, the graduate will be able to:

perform laboratory calculations;
perform, record and evaluate quality control procedures;
report results in writing, orally or electronically by established procedures;
observe established safety procedures;
perform procedures necessary to the profession; and
demonstrate a professional level of conduct, including appearance, quality and quantity of work, human relations, leadership skills, and written and verbal communication skills.