Life Science Laboratory Assistant: CS
Certificate of Specialization | 16 credit hours minimum
Area of Interest: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Program Description:
This program prepares students for entry-level positions in life science research, development, and production. In addition, this short-term program, designed to be delivered in two semesters, acts as a bridge into the college’s AAS Biotechnology program and other STEM programs. The certificate includes contextualized and integrated courses in life science and biotechnology delivered in a Learning Community setting. A Learning Community consists of a group of students in the program, instructors, and tutors that work together toward successful completion of the program by students.
Admission to the program is contingent upon meeting the established minimum criteria of placement scores. Students will be expected to take part in additional classroom enrichment and engagement activities, such as industry tours, as part of the program.
Locations. This program is offered in its entirety at Florissant Valley and BRDG Park.
Related Programs. The Biotechnology Department offers an associate and a certificate in the following areas:
Biotechnology, Associate in Applied Science
Biotechnology, Certificate of Specialization
Cost of Attendance. For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES.
Program Career and Salary Information. Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest.
The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years prior to the current academic year. Time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.
Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.
At the completion of the program, students are expected to:
- demonstrate an ability to perform routine technical duties and tasks in a life science research, development, or production setting using applied knowledge of science, math, and laboratory techniques.
- practice effective oral, written, and electronic communication including keeping a laboratory notebook.
- utilize laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures, including necessary calculations, to complete scientific work.
- analyze the results of laboratory techniques performed and provide conclusions based on evidence obtained, including troubleshooting errors and improving methodology for future use.
- articulate the importance of staying technically current and keeping pace with rapidly occurring changes in life science and its applications.
- analyze how biotechnology impacts global issues such as ethics, societal, and environmental concerns.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Program Requirements | ||
| BIO 100 | Introduction to Life Science Laboratory Skills | 3 |
| BIO 104 | Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology | 3 |
| BIO 111 | Introductory Biology I (MOTR BIOL 100L) | 4 |
| MTH 140 | Intermediate Algebra (or MTH 140S) | 3 |
| COM 101 | Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |
Part-Time Academic Plan
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BIO 111 | Introductory Biology I (MOTR BIOL 100L) | 4 | Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079 | |
| MTH 140 | Intermediate Algebra | 3 | Satisfactory placement and Reading Proficiency | |
| COM 101 | Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100) | 3 | Concurrent enrollment in ENG 070 or Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BIO 100 | Introduction to Life Science Laboratory Skills | 3 | Placement into MTH 140 or higher or completion of MTH 140S with a minimum grade of "C", and Reading Proficiency | |
| BIO 104 | Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology | 3 | Placement into MTH 140 or higher or completion of MTH 140S with a minimum grade of "C", and Reading Proficiency | Apply for graduation. |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |||
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.