Biotechnology, AAS

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Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Biotechnology will train students to harness cellular and molecular processes in living & non-living organisms to develop technologies and products that help improve lives and the health of the planet. Students accomplish this through an interdisciplinary study of relevant science disciplines, including the biological sciences, chemical sciences, and biotechnology.

This program provides knowledge and experience through lecture and laboratories that immerses students in the biotechnology field's ever-evolving techniques, protocols, practices, and careers, qualifying them for entry-level positions in the biotechnology industry. This degree is specifically designed for students transferring with a Biotechnology Certificate from Dixie State looking continue their education and earn an AAS degree. Students will analyze and solve problems associated with biotechnology in medicine, agriculture, livestock, the environment and other related sectors. Local support for this program comes from the following local biotechnology companies, Soft Cell Biological Research, Soft Cell Laboratories, Intermountain- Precision Genomics, Red Mesa Science and Refining, Deseret Laboratories, and Gene Stat. These companies will provide internships, mentorship, and employment opportunities for students in the program. Ultimately, we see the program creating a pipeline for the local and regional biotechnology industry.

Program Curriculum

63 credits

GENERAL EDUCATION & INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The required General Education courses for the Associate of Applied Science degree at Utah Tech include a course in English, Quantitative Reasoning and Human Relations. 

General Education Requirement
COMM 2110Interpersonal Communication (SS, GC)3
or PSY 1010 General Psychology (SS, GC)
ENGL 1010Introduction to Writing (EN)3-4
or ENGL 1010D Introduction to Writing (EN)
General Education (Fine Arts)3

Biotechnology Requirements

BIOL 1610
& BIOL 1615		Principles of Biology I (LS)
and Principles of Biology I Lab (LAB)		5
BIOL 2060
& BIOL 2065		Principles of Microbiology
and Principles of Microbiology Lab		4
BIOL 2890RIntroductory Life Science Internship2
BTEC 1010Fundamentals of Biotechnology3
BTEC 2010DNA Methods and Analysis3
BTEC 2020Protein Purification and Analysis3
BTEC 2030Cell Culture Techniques 2
BTEC 2040Advanced Nucleic Acids Laboratory3
CHEM 1210
& CHEM 1215		Principles of Chemistry I (PS)
and Principles of Chemistry I Lab (LAB)		5
MATH 1050College Algebra / Pre-Calculus (MA) (or higher)4
Total Hours34

Graduation Requirements

  1. Complete a minimum of 63 college-level credits (1000 and above).
  2. Complete at least 20 lower-division credits at Utah Tech for institutional residency.
  3. Cumulative GPA 2.0 or higher.

Graduation Plan

1st Year
Fall SemesterHoursSpring SemesterHours
BIOL 1610
& BIOL 1615		5BIOL 2060
& BIOL 2065		4
BTEC 10103MATH 10504
ENGL 10103BTEC 20103
SSC 10102GE Electives4
General Education (Fine Art)3 
 16 15
2nd Year
Fall SemesterHoursSpring SemesterHours
BTEC 20203CHEM 1210
& CHEM 1215		5
BTEC 20302BTEC 20403
COMM 2110 or PSY 10103BIOL 2890R2
GE Elective4GE Elective3
GE Elective4GE Elective3
 16 16
Total Hours 63

Biotechnology AAS Program Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Outline the foundational concepts of biotechnology including the central dogma of molecularbiology, bioethics, industry and careers in biotechnology.
  2. Apply laboratory techniques in DNA methods, cell culture, protein purification, protein analysis, advanced nucleic acid technologies and microbial culture.
  3. Analyze scientific data and interpret results.
  4. Integrate knowledge of biology in oral and written assignment.
  5. Apply critical thinking to assess existing and emergent biotechnology techniques, protocols and discoveries.