Biotechnology Program

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Biotechnology is a group of related technologies that use biological agents in a broad spectrum of applications to provide goods and services.  In only a few years, biotechnology has revolutionized many disciplines including medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.  The Biotechnology Technician Program provides students of diverse backgrounds with the knowledge and skills needed to perform competently in a life sciences laboratory environment.  The industry is a large and growing contributor to regional and national economic output.  As such, Biotechnology is an important emerging industry that is expected to contribute dramatically to the 21st century economy and is thus an excellent career choice for students.

Program personnel seek to foster a sense of excitement for scientific discovery, teamwork, critical thinking, effective communication, and a positive attitude in students.  In addition, partnerships with local industries provide students with the most current and cutting edge knowledge and techniques in the field.  The program provides hands-on experience with over 100 hours spent in the laboratory, beginning in the first semester.

Biotechnology is the use of biological agents in a broad spectrum of applications to provide goods and services.  The Biotechnology Technician Program strives to provide students of diverse backgrounds with the knowledge and skills needed to perform competently in a biotechnology laboratory environment.  Biotechnology is a group of related technologies that in only a few years has revolutionized many disciplines including medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. The industry is a large and growing contributor to regional and national economic output.  As such, Biotechnology is an important emerging industry that is expected to contribute dramatically to the 21st century economy and is thus an excellent career choice for students. 

The program personnel seek to foster a sense of excitement for scientific discovery, teamwork, critical thinking, effective communication, and a positive attitude in students.  In addition, partnerships with local industries provide students with the most current and cutting edge knowledge and techniques in the field.  The program provides hands-on experience with over 100 hours spent in the laboratory, beginning in the first semester. 

Students gain skills in the following areas:

- DNA manipulation and analysis

- Expression and purification of proteins

- Cell culture techniques

- Enzyme and antibody assays

- Lab safety

-Critical thinking and problem solving

Additionally, students interested in the Biotechnology Program may have a passion in the following:

- A love of science and the application of science to human advancement

- A desire to solve problems

- An inquisitive mind and logical thinking

The program is unique in Utah.  No other programs exist in the state that allows students to earn a degree at the Associates level that is focused exclusively on Biotechnology.  Our partners at Utah Valley University (UVU) offer a 4-year completion that builds directly off the SLCC's Biotechnology degree.  In addition, most Biotechnology courses are offered in the evenings to accommodate working students.

The Biotech degree at SLCC is unique in the extent to which it offers hands on instruction in research methods.  Students in the program have unparalleled opportunities for work on independent research projects. and self study.

All faculty and many of the departmental staff have Ph.D or Master's degrees and come with direct experience in  industry or academic research laboratories. Faculty and staff work closely in small groups with students to help them Step Ahead in their educational and career goals.

Students opting for an Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) will be able to complete the program in 4 semesters of full-time study.

Students wishing to transfer to the Utah Valley University (UVU) Bachelor's of Science degree in Biotechnology should opt for the Associate of Science degree.  Students opting for this degree will be able to earn their degree in 4 semesters of full-time study and then transfer to UVU to complete their bachelor's degree in an additional 4 semesters with UVU.  A unique aspect to the partnership with UVU is that students can complete their bachelor's degree by attending upper division classes offered at SLCC.  UVU faculty teaches these courses on the SLCC Jordan campus eliminating the need for students to commute to the UVU campus in Orem, UT.  As for the Associates degree coursework, all Biotechnology courses offered by UVU on the SLCC campus are taught in the evenings to accommodate working click here for more information.

Award**

Credit Hours

 Semesters (full-time)

Biotech AS

60

4

Biotech AAS

64

4

Regular Tuition

click here for SLCC's tuition schedule

Books

$300 - $700*

* Cost range is for entire length of program, dependant on courses taken.

Lab Fee

$25

Working in a scientific field is a rewarding activity that is mentally challenging.  Those wishing to make a career of this work should be adequately prepared.  Preparation should include course work at the high school level or work experience that includes the following:

- Biology

- Chemistry

- Algebra

- Advanced reading

  
National surveys of life science companies have revealed that the following traits, characteristics, and behaviors are highly desirable for success in life science jobs:

   - ability to follow directions
   - ability to take constructive criticism
   - ability to handle stress
   - accountability
   - attention to detail
   - "big picture" perspective
   - consistency/appreciation for structure
   - dependability
   - good judgment
   - hard working
   - integrity

   - mechanical aptitude
   - motivated/takes initiative
   - organized
   - positive attitude
   - preciseness/meticulousness
   - problem-solving ability
   - professional/respectful
   - resourcefulness
   - sense of humor
   - self-critical
   - team player

There are many career opportunities in biotechnology, which continues to grow with the industry. A Biotechnology degree may lead to employment in a variety of areas including medicine, agriculture, forensics, medical devices, and environmental science. Entry-level salaries with an Associate's degree range from $24,000-$35,000.  The Associates degree is an excellent platform for continuing study that can lead to bachelor's, professional, and graduate level degree programs.

The typical pay for these jobs start in the range of $10-14 per hour + benefits, depending on the course of study, the level of education completed and the industry sector chosen.

The Biotechnology Program is located in the Jordan Applied Technology Center and in the Health Sciences Building on the SLCC Jordan Campus, at 3491 West Wights Fort Rd. West Jordan, Utah.  

The facilities on the Jordan campus are second to none.  The laboratory environment is designed to function as an industry standard research facility. Equipment includes high end analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, FPLC, DNA sequencers, real-time PCR, robotics, cell culture facility, and more!

This list is intended to be representative of the companies in Utah life sciences industry. This list is representative only, if your company is not listed and would like it to be, please email Biotech@slcc.edu

Questions, comments, concerns, or more? Tell us about it.

Biotechnology Program: (801)957-6450 | Biotech@slcc.edu