Program: Biotechnology Certificate - California State University, Long Beach

Mar 29, 2025

2024-2025 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog

Biotechnology refers to a process which ultimately yields a product that maybe loosely subdivided into five categories; biological organisms with novel traits, DNAs, RNAs, proteins, and compounds. The certificate may be earned in conjunction with or subsequent to a baccalaureate degree. Courses offered for the certificate may be used to satisfy, as appropriate, major or minor requirements. For more information about biotechnology visit the department page.

This certificate program is eligible for Financial Aid. Please see the Financial Aid page for required Federal disclosure information.

This certificate is state supported.

Prerequisites for Admission

Completion of the following courses with a grade of “C” or better (or consent of the biotechnology certificate program director):

CHEM 111A - General Chemistry (5 units)
CHEM 111B - General Chemistry (5 units)
CHEM 220A - Organic Chemistry I (3 units)
CHEM 220B - Organic Chemistry II (3 units)
CHEM 223A - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1 unit)
CHEM 223B - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1 unit)
CHEM 441A - Biological Chemistry (3 units)
CHEM 441B - Biological Chemistry (3 units)
BIOL 311 - General Microbiology (4 units)
BIOL 340 - Molecular Cell Biology (3 units)
BIOL 370 - General Genetics (4 units)

These courses do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this certificate:

BIOL 101 - Introduction to Human Disease (3 units)
BIOL 153 - Introduction to Marine Biology (3 units)
BIOL 153L - Introduction to Marine Biology Laboratory (1 unit)
BIOL 200 - General Biology (4 units)
BIOL 200L - General Biology Laboratory (1 unit)
BIOL 201 - General Microbiology for Health Professionals (4 units)
BIOL 205 - Human Biology (4 units)
BIOL 205L - Human Biology Laboratory (1 unit)
BIOL 207 - Human Physiology (4 units)
BIOL 208 - Human Anatomy (4 units)

Requirements

A baccalaureate degree (may be concurrent)

Completion of prerequisites

Approval by the program director

Completion of 2 units consisting of an approved research project in biotechnology to be taken from one or more of the following:

BIOL 496 - Undergraduate Directed Research (1-3 units) (undergraduate students)
CHEM 496 - Undergraduate Directed Research (1-3 units) (undergraduate students)
BIOL 697 - Directed Research (1-6 units) (graduate students)
CHEM 697 - Directed Research (1-3 units) (graduate students)

The following do not meet any specific or elective requirements for this certificate.

BIOL 300 - Human Immunology: In Self-Defense (3 units)
BIOL 301 - Biology of Human Aging (3 units)

A total of 18 units is required.

Concurrent and/or Summer Enrollment in Another College

Students who wish to take coursework in a community or another college to meet curricular requirements while enrolled as undergraduates in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics must petition the appropriate department for prior approval to enroll in specific courses. This policy applies to concurrent enrollment or summer enrollment. University policy must also be met; see ‘Concurrent Enrollment’ and ‘Transfer of Undergraduate Credit’ in this catalog. Courses not receiving prior approval will not be accepted for credit by the department.

Biotechnology Certificate