Program Overview

Biotechnology is a commercial, medical or research endeavor that uses living cells or their components to create useful products. The applications of biotechnology are widely employed in pharmaceuticals, fermentation technologies agriculture, the diagnosis and prevention of disease, vaccine development and production, forensics and bioremediation. The Certificate of Achievement in Biotechnology prepares students for entry-level employment in the biotechnology industry and research labs. Students learn basic laboratory skills, equipment operation and maintenance, quality control, safety and good manufacturing practices.

Contact Information

Degree & Certificates

Certificate of Achievement – Biotechnology (42 credits)

Biotechnology is a commercial, medical or research endeavor that uses living cells or their components to create useful products. The applications of biotechnology are widely employed in pharmaceuticals, fermentation technologies agriculture, the diagnosis and prevention of disease, vaccine development and production, forensics and bioremediation. The Certificate of Achievement in Biotechnology prepares students for entry-level employment in the biotechnology industry and research labs. Students learn basic laboratory skills, equipment operation and maintenance, quality control, safety and good manufacturing practices.

Certificate of Competence – Biotechnology (11 credits)

The Certificate of Competence in Biotechnology prepares students for entry level work
in laboratories specializing in microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology and immunology. The curriculum offers a strong theoretical foundation in biotechnology and extensive opportunities for honing the laboratory skills needed to work in biotech laboratories. This certificate is particularly suited as a supplemental credential for students in the Medical Laboratory Technician program.

Program Information

Potential Career & Employers

  • Careers:  The applications of biotechnology are widely employed in pharmaceuticals, fermentation technologies, agriculture, the diagnosis and prevention of disease, vaccine development and production, forensics and bioremediation.

Program Outcomes

Certificate of Achievement – Biotechnician

  • Prepares students for entry-level employment in the biotechnology industry and research labs. Students learn basic laboratory skills, equipment operation and maintenance, quality control, safety, and good manufacturing practices.
  • Meets the needs of Hawai‘i and the nation for a trained workforce in the biotechnology industry
  • Serves as the core of the Biotechnology Pathway for the Associate of Science in Natural Science (ASNS) degree, providing students intending to transfer to 4-year institutions as life science majors with a solid foundation in molecular and cell biology
  • Can be taken concurrently with the Medical Laboratory Technician curriculum and thus adds biotechnology and research competencies to the Medical Laboratory Technician AS degree

Program competencies: Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

  • Perform highly technical procedures such as cell counting, DNA extraction and characterization, cloning, PCR, ELISA, and other immunological techniques, maintenance of cell lines, protein isolation and purification
  • Conduct research experiments following operation and safety protocols and apply knowledge of theory and techniques sufficient to troubleshoot appropriately
  • Analyze and display data using computer technology
  • Manage laboratory activities, including record keeping, ordering supplies and preparing reports
  • Understand and monitor the use of biological, chemical or radioactive hazards

Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

  • Perform highly technical procedures such as cell counting, DNA extraction and characterization, cloning, PCR, ELISA, and other immunological techniques, maintenance of cell lines, protein isolation and purification
  • Conduct research experiments following operation and safety protocols and apply knowledge of theory and techniques sufficient to troubleshoot appropriately
  • Analyze and display data using computer technology
  • Manage laboratory activities, including record keeping, ordering supplies and preparing reports
  • Apply successful problem-solving skills in working with biological, chemical or radioactive hazards