Calhoun Community College

Calhoun offers a Biotechnology concentration for students seeking an Associate of Science degree.

This provides an opportunity to work in various fields of study including Health Care (drug discovery, vaccines, devices and diagnostics), Ag Biotech (genetically modified organisms, food safety), Industrial and Environmental Applications (biofuels, biomaterials), Biodefense (vaccines, biosensors), and Research Tools (DNA fingerprinting, bioinformatics, microarray technology, nanotechnology). Local companies will provide internships for students who have completed the first year of biotech classes at Calhoun and will work with students and instructors to ensure our graduates are trained to enter the local workforce.  Program completers are also ready to transfer to a four year institution and further their studies in the biological sciences.

In addition to general education courses required, students will take courses in introduction to biotechnology, cell culture, molecular biology techniques (working the DNA, RNA, proteins), as well as a series of 3 courses of independent study using techniques learned, the last course being an internship where classroom skills will be applied to the workplace.

Calhoun has a 2+2 agreement with Athens State University in Athens, AL, which allows students to complete a biotechnology concentration at Calhoun in two years, and then transfer to Athens State to complete a biology BS in two more years.  Athens State is waiving their requirement that biology students declare and complete a minor by accepting Calhoun biotechnology credits as a substitute.