Applied Sciences

The LATTC Biotechnology Certificate/AS Degree Program is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to acquire the necessary skills in a biotechnology career with an emphasis in biomanufacturing. This program also suits the needs of transfer students who wish to complete their first two years of education in a community college.

 

Biotechnology is a changing industry that applies science and technologies to living organisms through the process of discovering, developing, manufacturing, and regulating quality of new products. Biotechnology applies to agriculture, human health and medicine, energy and environment. Biotechnology workers are employed in many industries, including, pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing; instrument, equipment and supplies manufacturing; scientific and technical consulting services; scientific and research development services; education; laboratories and government.

 

Our Biotechnology AS Degree Program focuses on biomanufacturing which directly serves pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing, but also other sectors such as food and agricultural sciences, green technology, and various science-related industries.

 

The Biotechnology program prepares students to find employment as entry-level lab technicians in fields that may include:

• Biomanufacturing
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Sciences
• Food Science Technicians
• Pharmaceuticals

​The Chemical Technician (CT) or science technician occupations are becoming the fastest growing occupational category in the United States. The chemical technician generally performs laboratory analysis or testing in a wide variety of biological and physical science settings such as; environmental, drinking water, wastewater treatment, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and petroleum refineries; grading studies of materials, and quality control of industrial chemicals. Training is provided in applied chemistry, physics and mathematics as well as instrumentation, biotechnology, industrial processes, computerized analysis and quality control. The CT program is also designed to help students prepare for a smooth transition into other science related BA/BS degree programs at LATTC. 

 

At the conclusion of this program, students will have the skills necessary for:

• Working in the chemical process industry, including treatment plants
• Monitoring safety/health and environmental regulations
• Sampling and handling chemical materials
• Measuring physical properties
• Performing chemical analysis
• Performing instrumental analysis
• Planning, designing and conducting experiments, and
• Synthesizing compounds

The Associate of Science Degree in Chemistry provides students interested in the physical, health, and biological sciences with a strong academic background in chemistry and the coursework required to transfer to four year institutions or professional schools. This degree certifies a students’ ability to analyze and solve problems in the field of chemistry and other fields where expertise in chemistry is required. 

 

Chemistry related fields include the pharmaceutical sciences, food sciences, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, nanotechnology, environmental sciences, engineering and many others. Our students pursue careers in chemistry, pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, laboratory technician and other health or physical science related careers. The degree presents curriculum in two major concentrations; one in Chemistry and the other in Biochemistry. Thus students can select the concentration appropriate to their majors.

The Associate in Science Tranfer Degree in Physics provides students with a core curriculum that will prepare them with the knowledge and skills required to transfer and earn a Baccalaureate degree in Physics (or a similar major) at a California State University (CSU). Students will develop strong mathematical, analytical, and laboratory skills, and a solid understanding of the fundamental physical laws that govern the universe. This degree certifies a students’ ability to analyze and solve problems in the field of physics and other fields where expertise in physics is required. The coursework to complete this degree will also satisfy the lower division requirements for a variety of Baccalaureate degrees including, Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Science.

 

The Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer will be awarded upon completion of 60 transferable semester units to the California State University, including the following: 

• Completion of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education – Breadth Requirements.
• A minimum of 18 semester units required for the major.
• All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of “C” or better or a “P” if the course is taken on a “Pass-No Pass” basis (Title 5 § 55063).

Contact: Dr. Virgil Shields for information; shieldvb@laccd.edu; 818-839-1597
 
This program is a unique combination of process technology, chemical technology and biotechnology. After a broad introduction to all of these fields, you will have the opportunity to specialize your program in one or more areas providing you with a strong background that will enhance your job skills.
 
The Chemical Process Industries (CPI) are a major part of U.S. manufacturing and represent diverse industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to large-scale processing of gasoline, waste-water treatment, water utilization, power generation and food and beverage. Working in the CPI represents a particular challenge with regard to handling materials, which range from small quantities of specialized products to large quantities of potentially hazardous materials. 
 
Process Technicians (PTs) team with engineers and other technicians with specialties such as instrumentation, electronics, or maintenance to adjust and optimize conditions for the production of large quantities of products. The quality of the production is dependent on the skill and knowledge of the Process Technician in carrying out the operations of the plant. PTs must be concerned with issues such as personal and co-worker safety, impact of materials on the environment, and process skills that deal with all aspects of controlling processes and maintaining equipment. 
  
The LATTC Process Technology program is a member of the North American Process Technology Alliance (NAPTA). The NAPTA was founded for the purpose of ensuring that Process Technology instructors and students are on the receiving end of current industry analytical methods, techniques, equipment and standards. The Alliance is also committed to providing a well skilled employee pool for process, chemical and biotechnology industry employment opportunities.
 
At the conclusion of this program, students will have the skills necessary for:

• Working in the refinery, biomanufacturing, petrochemical and other process industry, including water treatment and processing plants
• Monitoring safety/health and environmental regulations
• Sampling and handling chemical materials
• Measuring physical properties
• Operating and maintaining process instruments and industrial equipment
• Understanding process operations using process diagrams, P&IDs, loop sheets and associated documents
• Utilizing computer simulations to run industrial operations
• Troubleshooting process operations