Biotechnology draws from many disciplines, including genetics, immunology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science. Recent advances in biotechnology have resulted in major contributions to the fields of medicine, pharmacy, public health and agriculture. The Associate of Science degree in Biotechnology at Berkeley City College prepares students for employment as technicians and research associates in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, state and federal laboratories, and a range of clinical and academic laboratories. The program also incorporates coursework for those students desiring to transfer to CSU/UC prior to entering the workforce.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and facility with standard laboratory methods and procedures, advanced techniques used in immunology and genetics laboratories, laboratory mathematics, tissue culture, proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials and good laboratory practices.
2. Demonstrate an ability to work independently and as a member of a team, to read and interpret laboratory protocols, to analyze and troubleshoot results, to utilize information provided in scientific papers when necessary, and to maintain a legible laboratory notebook with accurately recorded data.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts in biology and chemistry, an ability to write a scientific paper and present data in an oral presentation and an ability to address ethical concerns associated with stem cells and recombinant DNA technologies.

The Certificate of Achievement prepares students for entry level laboratory assistant positions in biotechnology related industry and academic laboratories.  It is designed for students who are starting out in STEM, including recent high school graduates, students who are re-tooling or changing majors, and students proceeding to 4 year institutions who may want to work in a laboratory as they complete their studies.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and facility with standard laboratory methods and procedures, laboratory mathematics, proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials and good laboratory practices.
2. Demonstrate an ability to maintain a neat and readable scientific notebook, record data accurately, create and label appropriately tables and graphs and interpret results correctly.
3. Demonstrate an ability to work independently and as a member of a team and to read and interpret protocols and standard operating procedures accurately.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts in chemistry and biology as they relate to biotechnology and the ethical concerns associated with recombinant DNA technologies.

The Advanced Certificate of Achievement in Biotechnology prepares students for biotechnology technician and research assistant positions in industry and academic research laboratories.  The certificate is designed for students who have completed the Certificate of Achievement in Biotechnology and want to progress in their education and training so that they can either enter the workforce directly or transfer to a 4 year institution. The certificate also has been designed for students who have completed degrees in chemistry or biology, and for professionals in the industry and research laboratories, who desire more up to date laboratory training.   

1. Demonstrate knowledge and facility with standard laboratory methods and procedures, advanced techniques common to immunology and/or genetics laboratories, laboratory mathematics, tissue culture, proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials and good laboratory practices.
2. Demonstrate an ability to maintain a neat and readable scientific notebook, record data accurately, create and label appropriately tables and graphs, interpret results and troubleshoot errors.
3. Demonstrate an ability to work independently and as a member of a team, to read and interpret protocols accurately, and to use information provided in scientific papers when necessary.
4. Demonstrate an ability to write a scientific paper and present data in an oral presentation.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and facility with concepts in chemistry and biology as they relate to biotechnology and the ethical concerns associated with stem cells and recombinant DNA technologies.