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Certificate of Achievement
Biotechnology

This certificate of achievement comprises three foundational courses that give students background and practical experience in the techniques and applications of biotechnology in a contemporary laboratory setting. The certificate is also designed to be a springboard into a wide array of technical and theoretical fields in the natural sciences, including biology, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
BIOT 100 - Introduction to BiotechnologyM4.0
BIOT 100 - Introduction to Biotechnology (4.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC,CSU

The course will introduce students to the study of the biological sciences with an emphasis on the role that biotechnology plays in basic research and product development. The laboratory component will provide the students with hands-on introductory experiences in biotechnology techniques.

Total Semester Units:4.0 
2nd Semester
BIOT 110 - Introduction to Biotechnology Techniques and ApplicationsM4.0
BIOT 110 - Introduction to Biotechnology Techniques and Applications (4.0 units)

PrerequisiteBIOT 100
Transfers to:CSU

The course will introduce students to the biotechnological techniques and their applications. The significant laboratory component will enable students to become familiar with the techniques and concerns of the biotechnology laboratory and its business applications. Techniques studied will include macromolecule isolation, purification and identification, solution preparation and monitoring, as well as best practices for laboratory operation and documentation.

Select One: CHEM 110 / CHEM 120 M5.0
CHEM 110 - Chemistry for Allied Health Majors (5.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an elementary algebra or pre-statistics course.
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU
(* Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: CHEM 110, CHEM 120)

This introductory course takes up the fundamental concepts of general, organic, and biological chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between chemistry and the health/medical sciences, so the course is especially appropriate for students who intend to pursue a career in nursing and other health-related professions, including kinesiology and psychology. Weekly laboratory activities require students to empirically verify concepts presented in lectures. No previous background in chemistry is required or expected of students enrolling in this course.

CHEM 120 - Introduction to Chemistry (5.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: CHEM 110, CHEM 120; no credit if taken after CHEM 130)

This one-semester course is designed for students intending to major in science or engineering. The course primarily prepares students for CHEM130; additionally, it fulfills the General Education requirement in the physical sciences. This course introduces the fundamental principles of general chemistry, with emphasis on chemical nomenclature and quantitative problems in chemistry. The lecture presents classical and modern chemistry, including atomic theory, periodic properties, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, acids and bases, gas laws, and solutions. The laboratory introduces the techniques of experimental chemistry with examples from all areas of chemistry.

Total Semester Units:9.0 
Total Units for Biotechnology COA program 13.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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