BIOTECH 001 – Fundamentals of Biotechnology is a lecture-only, 3-unit course (approximately 3 hours per week) designed as an entry point for students new to biotechnology and biomanufacturing. The course introduces core concepts underlying the biotech industry, including basic cell and molecular biology, foundational chemistry, an overview of biotechnology and biomanufacturing applications, laboratory safety principles (at a conceptual level), quality systems, regulatory awareness, and ethical considerations in biotechnology. Emphasis is placed on understanding how biological principles translate into real-world biotech products and processes rather than on hands-on laboratory skills. BIOTECH 001 serves as a foundational course in the Biomanufacturing Technician Certificate of Achievement and is part of the lower-division coursework that supports stackable biotech certificates, the A.S. in Biotechnology, and preparation for the B.S. in Biomanufacturing pathway at Los Angeles Pierce College.

BIOTECH 002 – Biotechnology Laboratory I is a 4-unit course consisting of lecture and intensive hands-on laboratory instruction (typically 2 hours lecture and 6 hours lab per week). This course introduces students to core biotechnology laboratory skills used in academic and industry settings, including micropipetting, solution preparation, sterile technique, basic microbiological methods, data collection, environmental monitoring, molecular biology and documentation using industry-style laboratory notebooks. Students gain experience with standard laboratory equipment and learn Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), safety procedures, and quality awareness. BIOTECH 002 is a core course in multiple biotechnology certificates, including laboratory assistant and biomanufacturing technician pathways, and is a foundational requirement for the A.S. in Biotechnology and preparation for advanced coursework and internships, including progression toward the B.S. in Biomanufacturing.

BIOTECH 003 – Biotechnology II is a 4-unit lecture and laboratory course (approximately 3 hours lecture and 6 hours lab per week) focused on molecular biology and protein-based techniques central to modern biotechnology. Course content includes DNA and RNA manipulation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, recombinant DNA concepts, protein expression and analysis, enzymatic assays, and data interpretation. Emphasis is placed on experimental design, troubleshooting, and understanding the molecular basis of biotechnology applications. BIOTECH 003 builds on BIOTECH 002 and is a key course for advanced laboratory skill development, supporting biotechnology certificates, the A.S. in Biotechnology, ASPIRE research or internship experiences, and readiness for upper-division biomanufacturing coursework.

BIOTECH 006 – Quality Control in Biotechnology is a 2-unit lecture-only course (approximately 3 hours per week - online) that introduces students to quality control principles used in biotechnology and biomanufacturing environments. Course content includes an overview of analytical quality testing, basic assay concepts, data integrity, specifications, batch records, deviations, and the relationship between quality control and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Emphasis is placed on understanding how testing and documentation support product safety, consistency, and regulatory compliance rather than on hands-on laboratory analysis. BIOTECH 006 is a core requirement for the Biomanufacturing Technician Certificate of Achievement and supports pathways into biomanufacturing certificates, the A.S. in Biotechnology, and preparation for the B.S. in Biomanufacturing.

BIOTECH 102 – Mammalian Cell Culture Techniques is a 4-unit lecture and laboratory course (typically 2 hours lecture and 6 hours lab per week) focused on the theory and practice of mammalian cell culture used in biotechnology and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Course topics include aseptic technique, cell line maintenance, media preparation, cell growth and viability assessment, contamination control, and applications of mammalian cells in research and therapeutic production. Students develop industry-relevant skills while learning the biological principles underlying cell-based systems. BIOTECH 102 is a key technical course in biomanufacturing-focused certificates, providing essential preparation for advanced laboratory coursework, the A.S. in Biotechnology, ASPIRE internships, and progression into the B.S. in Biomanufacturing.

VOCED 660 – Exploring Biotech Careers is a 27-hour non-credit course in which students learn a brief history of Biotech, various biotech products, enabling technologies, local industry landscape & opportunities, as well as Biotech career path available at Pierce.

VOCED 661 – Exploring Biotech Entrepreneurship is a 27-hour non-credit course in which students are introduced to entrepreneurship from the bioscience industry lens.