Biotechnology, A.A.S.

When a Biotechnology professional has a good day at work, it could be because of a breakthrough that impacts the lives of millions. That’s what it means to work in a field that’s on the cutting edge of emerging technology.

NOVA's A.A.S. in Biotechnology is designed for students who love research, lab work, and have a meticulous eye for detail. Biotechnology leads to an exciting variety of career options including: Research, Genetics, Epidemiology, Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing, and much more.

Make the Smart Choice

Transfer is not the primary goal of an A.A.S. degree, but transfer resources are available for students interested in applying to senior institutions.
Students who choose to enter the job market are prepared for entry-level careers at companies nationwide.

During my tenure at NOVA, I was able to utilize an articulation agreement with GWU, where I recently received my BPS of Integrated Information, Science, and Technology in Biotechnology with high honors. All of this was possible because of my education at NOVA, and has become the foundation on which I am building my career from.

April Brisky

Where Will I Learn?
- Loudoun
- Manassas
Transfer Information

Transfer is not the primary purpose of an A.A.S. program, but NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Many of the courses within the program are accepted for transfer to almost any senior institution. Students interested in transfer should contact their academic advisor early in their program.

Course Details

Two Years			Credits
1st Semester
¹BIO	101	General Biology I	4
ENG	111	College Composition I	3
MTH	161	PreCalculus I	3
Choose One
SDV	100	College Success Skills	1
SDV	101	Orientation to (a Specific Discipline)	1
²		Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective	3
Total			14
2nd Semester
³		Biotechnology/Science Elective	4
CHM	111	General Chemistry I	4
ENG	112	College Composition II	3
⁴		Humanities/Fine Arts Elective	3
Total			14
3rd Semester
CHM	112	General Chemistry II	4
⁵CST		Elective	3
Total			7
4th Semester
BIO	147	Basic Laboratory Calculations for Biotechnology	1
BIO	165	Principles in Regulatory and Quality Environments for Biotechnology	2
BIO	205	General Microbiology	4
BIO	250	Biotechnology Research Methods and Skills	3
BIO	253	Biotechnology Concepts	3
Total			13
5th Semester
BIO	180	Introduction to Careers in Biotechnology	1
BIO	206	Cell Biology	4
Choose One
BIO	251	Protein Applications in Biotechnology	4
BIO	252	Nucleic Acid Methods
BIO	254	Capstone Seminar in Biotechnology	2
BIO	255	Bioinformatics and Computer Applications in Biotechnology	2
Total			13
6th Semester
⁶BIO	296	On-site training in Biotechnology	3
Total			13
Total credits for the Associate of Applied Science = 64

Two Years	Credits
1st Semester
General Biology I ¹BIO 101	4
College Composition I ENG 111	3
PreCalculus I MTH 161	3
Choose One
College Success Skills SDV 100	1
Orientation to (a Specific Discipline) SDV 101	1
Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective ²	3
Total	14
2nd Semester
Biotechnology/Science Elective ³	4
General Chemistry I CHM 111	4
College Composition II ENG 112	3
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective ⁴	3
Total	14
3rd Semester
General Chemistry II CHM 112	4
Elective ⁵CST	3
Total	7
4th Semester
Basic Laboratory Calculations for Biotechnology BIO 147	1
Principles in Regulatory and Quality Environments for Biotechnology BIO 165	2
General Microbiology BIO 205	4
Biotechnology Research Methods and Skills BIO 250	3
Biotechnology Concepts BIO 253	3
Total	13
5th Semester
Introduction to Careers in Biotechnology BIO 180	1
Cell Biology BIO 206	4
Choose One
Protein Applications in Biotechnology BIO 251	4
Nucleic Acid Methods BIO 252
Capstone Seminar in Biotechnology BIO 254	2
Bioinformatics and Computer Applications in Biotechnology BIO 255	2
Total	13
6th Semester
On-site training in Biotechnology ⁶BIO 296	3
Total	13
Total credits for the Associate of Applied Science = 64

¹ Must complete with a 'C' or better.

² See social/behavioral science courses listed under General Education Electives. Elective should be selected with advice of a counselor or faculty advisor to meet the requirements of the transfer institution.

³ Biotechnology elective in the science category may be selected from the following 4-credit courses: BIO 102, BIO 251, BIO 252, and BIO 256. Consult with an advisor for transfer options.

4 See humanities/fine arts courses listed under General Education Electives. Elective should be selected with advice of a counselor or faculty advisor to meet the requirements of the transfer institution.

⁵ Select from the following: CST 100, CST 110, CST 126, or CST 229.

⁶ Students must be approved by the Biotechnology program coordinator(s) for an internship. Criteria for approval include successful completion of biotechnology courses (including a demonstrated proficiency of basic lab skills), a professional work ethic, and an ability to work well with others. Please see a Biotechnology academic advisor for assistance in determining and placement or for approval of a topic for a Project or Supervised Study.

Related Programs

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Science A.S.

Real-World Impact

RiVidium Inc. Biotechnology Scholarship Awarded

Manny Rivera is the founder and owner of RiVidium Inc., an Information Technology Business located in Manassas, Va.

See Story

Want More Info About a Future in Biotechnology?

Still gathering information and doing your research on next steps? We understand. Talk to one of our advisors today.

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Biotechnology, A.A.S.

Make the Smart Choice

Where Will I Learn?

Transfer Information

Course Details

Related Programs

Real-World Impact

RiVidium Inc. Biotechnology Scholarship Awarded

Want More Info About a Future in Biotechnology?