The purpose of the agricultural biotechnology program is to provide students with a high-quality and complete education, assist them in clarifying their professional goals, and help them develop the skills required to enter the work force or further their education at the university level, as well as identify/create new areas of opportunity for farmers and other potential clients in rural North Carolina.
The Agriculture Biotechnology curriculum, which has emerged from molecular biology and chemical engineering, is designed to meet the increasing demands for skilled laboratory technicians in various fields of biological, chemical, and agricultural technology.
The curriculum objectives are designed to prepare graduates to serve as a research assistant to a biologist or chemist; as a laboratory technician/instrumentation technician; or as a quality control/quality assurance technician. The curriculum will also serve to identify/create new areas of opportunity for farmers and other potential clients in rural North Carolina.
Course work emphasizes biology, plant tissue culturing, biotechnology, agriculture, chemistry, horticulture, mathematics, and technical communication.
Students should consult with their advisors to help plan a program of study to complete program course work and fulfill the minimum general education competency requirements that must be met prior to graduation.
Graduates of the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program may choose to pursue employment opportunities and/or transfer some credits to selected colleges and universities for further study.
NC is ranked second in the U.S. in BioAg, which includes agriculture, forestry, nutriceudicals, and plants. NC has more than 150 biotech companies that generate about $3 billion in annual revenue and employ more than 18,500. The NC biotech industry is growing 10 to 15 percent annually. At this rate, 125,000 workers will be needed by 2025.
Graduates may find employment in various areas of industry and government, including research and development, manufacturing, sales, customer services, and production of alternative (bioengineered) crops.
- BIO 280 Biotechnology
- BTC 285 Cell Culture
- BTC 286 Immunological Techniques
- BTC 288 Biotech Lab Experience
- HOR 134 Greenhouse Operations
- HOR 168 Plant Propagation
Lead Instructor: Igino Teolis