Home > Biotechnology

Biotechnology

 Faculty-

THE PROGRAM

  
James J. Salazar, Ph.D.- Program Director

Lance M. Hallberg Ph.D.-Adjunct Faculty

 The Biotechnology Associate of Applied Science Degree is a two-year, five-semester program designed to prepare the graduate to function as an entry-level research technician in research and/or biotechnology labs. The curriculum includes courses to provide a foundation for understanding the principles and practice of laboratory research, and laboratory courses to promote "hands-on" experience in the fundamental techniques of laboratory research. General education courses are included to meet AAS degree requirements. This program is a cooperative effort between Galveston College and The University of Texas Medical Branch.
  
 
E-mail for Program Contact Information

View the brochure.

 Basic science courses are included as general education requirements in the AAS program. Fundamental laboratory techniques, such as pipetting, solution preparation, use of various laboratory equipment, separation and identification techniques, general laboratory safety and ethical considerations in research are included in the technical courses. During the program two internships will be performed where students are placed in research laboratories to gain additional on-the-job experience.  

Degree Plan-

Blank Degree Plan

Example Degree Plan

Biotechnology
Course Work

Prerequisite Courses

Admission Information

Financial Aid Information

Additional links:

NeuroBioTex, Inc.

BioHouston.org

UTMB

Bio-Link

Bio 2005

 

examples of the jobs for which this program are targeted include:

  1. Laboratory Technicians: assist scientists conducting research, manufacturing supplies and investigating criminal evidence.
  2. Environmental Technicians: assist scientists at state/federal agencies, industry and academic research by investigating infectious disease organisms, analyzing environmental pollutants and recommending methods of sample and data collection/analysis.
  3. Health Technicians: assist in studies that predict the availability and safety of food sources in the environment and food industry.

HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?

Graduates will qualify for entry-level positions in medical research facilities and in the Biotechnology industry. Depending on a number of factors, including geographic location, duties of employment and personal qualities, a Biotechnology graduate can reasonably expect to earn starting, entry-level salary range between $20,000 - $29,000 per year, with room for advancement as they gain additional on-the-job expertise.

BIOTECHNOLOGY ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

For entrance to the Biotechnology Program at Galveston College, the applicant should contact the Counseling Center.
Applicants must:

 Biotech Lab

The curriculum includes lecture-based courses designed to provide a foundation for understanding the principles and practice of laboratory research and laboratory courses to promote "hands-on" experience in the fundamental techniques of laboratory research.

  1.  Complete the requirements for admission to the College. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to the Biotechnology program.
  2. Application to the Biotechnology program requires the filing of a pre-plan/degree plan which shows evidence of:
    • Placement scores in reading and writing which permit enrollment in college level courses.
    • Satisfactory completion of high school chemistry or CHEM 1405, Fundamentals of Chemistry, within five years of acceptance into the Biotechnology program.
    • Satisfactory completion of MATH 0304, Intermediate Algebra, by placement or course completion within five years of acceptance into the Biotechnology program.
    • Satisfactory completion of BIOL 1406, General Biology I, course completion within five years of Acceptance.
    • Satisfactory completion of ENGL 1301, College composition.
  3. Achieve a grade of "C" or better in all required courses. An overall G.PA of 2.5 as well as a G.PA of 2.5 on all prerequisite courses is required for admission consideration. The cumulative G.PA at Galveston College must be 2.5. Science courses must have been taken within five years of acceptance into the Biotechnology program.
  4. Pre-requisites may be waived only by permission of the Program Coordinator.
 

CURRICULUM

Students must complete a two-year program of study to receive an Associate of Applied Science degree. Enrolled students will be required to achieve a "C" or better in all courses in the Biotechnology curriculum in order to progress in the program. All Biotechnology and science courses must be completed in sequence and within a period of five years.

Course Work

Internships will be offered at local Biotech Companies and The University of Texas Medical Branch.

WHERE IS GALVESTON COLLEGE?

Galveston College is located just 50 miles south of downtown Houston and in the heart of the city of Galveston. It is a comprehensive community college which offers academic, technical and continuing education courses and programs.

  
 

For information about the Biotechnology Program, contact the Counseling Center at (409) 944-1220 Or please contact:

James J. Salazar, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director
Biotechnology Program
Galveston College
4105 Avenue Q
Galveston, TX 77550
Jsalazar@gc.edu