The School of STEM offers a rigorous program designed to challenge, motivate and prepare highly achieving science students interested in the field of Biotechnology. Students begin their course of study within pillar one, where they take Biology 101 and 102 courses. The Biology 101 course in this program is unique in that it is part of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s SEA-PHAGES program and it is highly recommended that students come to campus for this course to take part in this experience! In Biology 101, students employ the scientific method while addressing real-world research questions in this discovery-based laboratory as the students explore the ecology and evolution of viruses in the soil microbiome. In the second semester, students complete the biology sequence with Biology 102 and expand on the skills gained in SEA-PHAGES in the microbiology course. The microbiology course emphasizes project-based learning in a laboratory setting by providing students with a semester long project identifying microbes using techniques learned in the course.
In the second year, students focus on Chemistry and Biotechnology with the Biotechnology courses providing students with the opportunity to learn the techniques used in industry as well as research facilities. Additionally, students will be offered the opportunity to sit for skill specific micro-credentials as well as the BACE industry credential. In the last semester of the academy students will also take a course to help them prepare resumes and interview skills in advance of a summer internship opportunity.
Students who complete this academy will be eligible to graduate with a CSC in Biotechnology from Virginia Western and these courses can also be applied toward an AS Science: Biotechnology Major Degree!
Students interested in this pathway are asked to apply detailing what aspect of Biotechnology interests them as well as a teacher recommendation.
Biotechnology Academy Application (DOCX)
Courses
Year 1:
- Fall: Biology 101 – SEA-PHAGES; English 111
- Spring: Biology 102; Biology 150 (Microbiology)
Year 2:
- Fall: Biology 252 (Nucleic Acid Methods); Chemistry 111
- Spring: Biology 251 (Protein Applications); Chemistry 112; SDV 106 (Preparation for Employment)
- Summer: Biology 290 (Coordinated Internship)
CONTACT US
John McLaughlin
Dual Enrollment Coordinator
jmclaughlin@virginiawestern.edu
Fishburn Hall F125C
540-857-7235
Fax: 540-857-6478
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