Athens Technical College
An Achieving The Dream College
800 U.S. Highway 29 North * Athens, GA 30601 * 706-355-5000 * www.athenstech.edu
Course Descriptions
Biochemistry (3-0-3)
Banner title: Biochemistry
This course concentrates on developing a strong understanding of the structure and function of biological molecules, enzymology, and metabolism and the bioenergetics that govern overall metabolic processes. This course presents a comprehensive assessment of the theory, application, and the strategies involved in the study of biological chemistry.
Prerequisite: BTEC 2192 with a grade of C or higher, BTEC 2192L with a grade of C or higher, CHEM 2211 with a grade of C or higher, CHEM 2211L with a grade of C or higher, MATH 1111 with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BIOC 2100L
Offered Spring
Biochemistry Lab (0-6-2)
Banner title: Biochemistry Lab
This laboratory course is designed to provide relative application of topics covered in BIOC 2100. The laboratory course introduces basic experimental techniques and concepts associated with modern experimental biochemistry. Laboratory activities provide hands-on training in these fundamental areas of biochemistry: chromatographic separation techniques used to separate and isolate various classes of biomolecules, characterization of proteins and nucleic acids by electrophoresis, spectrophotometric techniques used to calculate analytic concentrations, measuring ligand binding, and the kinetics of enzyme catalyzed reactions. Students must pay a $30 supply fee when registering for this course.
Prerequisite: BTEC 2192 with a grade of C or higher, BTEC 2192L with a grade of C or higher, CHEM 2211 with a grade of C or higher, CHEM 2211L with a grade of C or higher, MATH 1111 with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BIOC 2100
Offered Spring
Recombinant DNA Methods (3-0-3)
Banner title: Recombinant DNA Methods
This course provides a fundamental knowledge of DNA and protein structure at the molecular level. The course content includes an in-depth exploration of how molecular structure determines biological function such as basic cellular mechanisms, enzymatic activities, and DNA replication and repair, as well as gene expression. Modern molecular tools analyzing genes and genomes are also discussed in this course.
Prerequisite: BTEC 2192 with a grade of C or higher, BTEC 2192L with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BIOC 2203L
Offered Fall and Spring
Recombinant DNA Methods Lab (0-9-3)
Banner title: Recombinant DNA Methods Lab
This recombinant DNA laboratory course provides students with fundamental molecular techniques involved in genetic engineering. Intensive bench training includes large scale plasmid isolation, restriction analysis, ligations, generation of recombinant DNA, preparation of a genomic library, southern blot analysis, and purification of a restriction enzyme. Furthermore, students will develop and perform PCR protocols as part of a research project analyzing a selected class of genetically modified organisms. The research project must be accompanied by authoring a formal research report to be presented in class. Students must pay a $30 supply fee when registering for this course.
Prerequisite: BTEC 2192 with a grade of C or higher, BTEC 2192L with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BIOC 2203
Offered Fall and Spring
Biology I (3-0-3)
Banner title: Biology I
This course provides an introduction to basic biological concepts with a focus on living cells. Topics include chemical principles related to cells, cell structure and function, energy and metabolism, cell division, protein synthesis, genetics, and biotechnology.
Prerequisite: Associate degree-level program admission
Corequisite: BIOL 1111L
Offered every semester
Biology I Lab (0-3-1)
Banner title: Biology I Lab
This course includes selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 1111. The laboratory exercises for this course include chemical principles related to cells, cell structure and function, energy and metabolism, cell division, protein synthesis, genetics, and biotechnology. Students must pay a $25 supply fee when registering for this course.
Prerequisite: Associate degree-level program admission
Corequisite: BIOL 1111
Offered every semester
Biology II (3-0-3)
Banner title: Biology II
This course provides an introduction to basic evolutionary concepts. The course emphasizes animal and plant diversity, structure and function including reproduction and development, and the dynamics of ecology as it pertains to populations, communities, ecosystems, and biosphere. Topics include principles of evolution, classification and characterizations of organisms, plant structure and function, animal structure and function, principles of ecology, and biosphere.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1111 with a grade of C or higher, BIOL 1111L with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BIOL 1112L
Offered every semester
Biology II Lab (0-3-1)
Banner title: Biology II Lab
This course includes selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 1112. The laboratory exercises for this course include principles of evolution, classification and characterizations of organisms, plant structure and function, animal structure and function, principles of ecology, and biosphere. Students must pay a $25 supply fee when registering for this course.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1111 with a grade of C or higher, BIOL 1111L with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BIOL 1112
Offered every semester
Anatomy and Physiology I (3-0-3)
Banner title: Anatomy and Physiology I
This course introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Instructors place emphasis on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.
Prerequisite: Associate degree-level program admission
Corequisite: BIOL 2113L
Offered every semester
Anatomy and Physiology I Lab (0-3-1)
Banner title: Anatomy and Physiology I Lab
This course includes selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems. Students must pay a $30 supply fee when registering for this course.
Prerequisite: Associate degree-level program admission
Corequisite: BIOL 2113
Offered every semester
Anatomy and Physiology II (3-0-3)
Banner title: Anatomy and Physiology II
This course continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, metabolism, fluid/PH dynamics, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2113 with a grade of C or higher, BIOL 2113L with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BIOL 2114L
Offered every semester
Anatomy and Physiology II Lab (0-3-1)
Banner title: Anatomy and Physiology II Lab
This course includes selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, metabolism, fluid/PH dynamics, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system. Students must pay a $30 supply fee when registering for this course.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2113 with a grade of C or higher, BIOL 2113L with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BIOL 2114
Offered every semester
Introductory Microbiology (3-0-3)
Banner title: Introductory Microbiology
This course provides students with a foundation in basic microbiology with emphasis on infectious diseases. Topics include microbial diversity, microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, microorganisms, and human diseases.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2113 with a grade of C or higher and BIOL 2113L with a grade of C or higher or BIOL 1111 with a grade of C or higher and BIOL 1111L with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BIOL 2117L
Offered every semester
Introductory Microbiology Lab (0-3-1)
Banner title: Introductory Microbiology Lab
This course includes selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2117. The laboratory exercises for this course include microbial diversity, microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, and microorganisms and human disease. Students must pay a $30 supply fee when registering for this course.
Prerequisite: BIOL 2113 with a grade of C or higher and BIOL 2113L with a grade of C or higher or BIOL 1111 with a grade of C or higher and BIOL 1111L with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BIOL 2117
Offered every semester
Communication for Lab Sciences (2-2-3)
Banner title: Communication for Lab Sciences
This introductory-level lecture course covers basic scientific language and concepts of biology and chemistry, and the academic study skills needed to succeed in science courses. The course provides an orientation to the field of biotechnology and to professional opportunities within the field.
Prerequisite: Program admission
Offered Fall, Spring, and Summer
Biotechnology Seminar and Laboratory Safety (2-0-2)
Banner title: Biotech Seminar/Lab Safety
This seminar class covers topics of special interest to the biotechnology field. Topics include current events, career orientation, employability skills, laboratory specializations, and facilities tours. Former students and local technology directors present information. The course also provides an introduction to the principles of laboratory safety in biological and chemical laboratories. Topics include safe lab practices, regulatory agencies, handling, storage, disposal, protective equipment, emergency response, and mechanical, electrical, physical, chemical and biological hazards. Reading assignments and quizzes may be delivered via the web.
Prerequisite: Provisional admission
Offered Fall and Spring
Basic Laboratory Calculations (3-0-3)
Banner title: Basic Lab Math Calculations
This course prepares students to perform laboratory math calculations required for entry-level technical positions in biotechnology companies and research laboratories. Practice problems emphasize a review of basic math concepts, units of measurement and conversions, and methods for preparing laboratory solutions. The course is primarily organized around laboratory applications.
Prerequisite: Program-admission math competency
Offered every semester
Fundamental Microbial Biotechnology (2-0-2)
Banner title: Fundamental Microbial Biotechnology
This course provides students majoring in Biotechnology with an introduction to the principles and techniques of microbiology and its current applications in research and industry. The course includes a survey of different major groups of microbial organisms, cell structure and function, microbial growth and control, microbial metabolism and genetics, and human exploitation of microbes and their products, including microbial biocontrol.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1111 with a grade of C or higher, BIOL 1111L with a grade of C or higher, CHEM 1211 with a grade of C or higher, CHEM 1211L with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BTEC 2191L
Offered Spring and Summer
Fundamental Microbial Biotechnology lab (0-6-2)
Banner title: Fundamental Microbial Biotechnology lab
This course includes selected laboratory exercises that parallel the topics presented in BTEC 2191. Students gain laboratory proficiency in methods used in modern microbiology. The exercises focus on aseptic media preparation and culture techniques for different microbes, microscopy, and microbial isolation and identification. Further exercises include genetic techniques, including bacterial transformation and plaque assay, as well as microbial food and environmental laboratories. Students must pay a $30 supply fee when registering for this course.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1111 with a grade of C or higher, BIOL 1111L with a grade of C or higher, CHEM 1211 with a grade of C or higher, CHEM 1211L with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BTEC 2191
Offered Spring and Summer
Applied Biotechnology Methods (2-0-2)
Banner title: Applied Biotechnology Methods
This course presents the background principles for the experimental concepts and fundamental laboratory skills of biotechnology associated with research, development, and production. Lectures provide students with an introduction to organisms and their macromolecular components emphasizing the purification of specific macromolecules for further molecular analysis. For this purpose, students will be taught interrelated experimental strategies necessary to conduct successful separations and analyses of macromolecules.
Prerequisite: BTEC 2191 with a grade of C or higher, BTEC 2191L with a grade of C or higher, CHEM 1211 with a grade of C or higher, CHEM 1211L with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BTEC 2192L
Offered Fall and Summer
Applied Biotechnology Methods Lab (0-9-3)
Banner title: Applied Biotech Methods Lab
The applied biotechnology methods lab introduces the basic experimental concepts of biotechnology and its associated fundamental laboratory skills. Laboratory activities provide hands-on training in three fundamental areas of modern biotechnology: media preparation and culture of bacteria, isolation and characterization of proteins, as well as preparation and analysis of recombinant plasmid DNA. Students must pay a $30 supply fee when registering for this course.
Prerequisite: BTEC 2191 with a grade of C or higher, BTEC 2191L with a grade of C or higher, CHEM 1211 with a grade of C or higher, CHEM 1211L with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BTEC 2192
Offered Fall and Summer
Industrial Cell Culture and Immunology (2-0-2)
Banner title: Cell Culture/Immunology
This course teaches the skills needed to serve as a technician in an FDA-regulated biotechnology production facility. The course emphasizes the use of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and students gain experience writing and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Upstream (fermentation, hybridoma cell growth, bioreactor preparation) and downstream (protein chromatography, tangential flow filtration, quality control assays) processes are described and correlate with laboratory activities. Essential concepts in immunology such as cell-mediated and antibody-mediated immune responses, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies are also discussed.
Prerequisite: BTEC 2192 with a grade of C or higher, BTEC 2192L with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BTEC 2211L
Offered every semester
Industrial Cell Culture and Immunology Lab (0-9-3)
Banner title: Cell Culture/Immunology Lab
This laboratory course teaches the skills needed to serve as a technician in biotechnology production. Students grow and monitor bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cells on a laboratory scale that emulates the large-scale production used in industry. Students will become familiar with the cleaning, sterilization, aseptic inoculation, operation, and monitoring of fermenters and bioreactors. Students then recover and purify proteins produced by those cell cultures. They recover and purify proteins using centrifugation, ultrafiltration, and chromatography techniques. Protein products are subjected to a variety of quality control assays such as the LAL assay, ELISA, and immunoblotting. The course emphasizes the use of current Good Manufacturing Processes (cGMP), and students gain experience following Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) required to produce FDA-regulated products. Students must pay a $30 supply fee when registering for this course.
Prerequisite: BTEC 2192 with a grade of C or higher, BTEC 2192L with a grade of C or higher
Corequisite: BTEC 2211
Offered every semester
Regulatory Compliance in Biomanufacturing (3-0-3)
Banner title: Regulatory Compliance
This course explores the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the role of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance in manufacturing of drugs, biologics, and medical devices. Benchmark Congressional Acts (e.g. the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act) are studied while describing the evolution of the FDA to its present state. Students are introduced to facilities and processes used in the manufacture and packaging of drugs, biologics, and medical devices.
Prerequisite: Program admission
Offered every semester
Quality Assurance and Validation for Biomanufacturing (2-0-2)
Banner title: Quality Assurance/Validation
This course provides information on quality assurance and validation principles, together with their applications in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Emphasis is placed on Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rationale, manufacturing processes, product quality, and documentation requirements.
Prerequisite: Program admission
Offered every semester
Patents and Technology Transfer (2-0-2)
Banner title: Patents/Technology Transfer
This course introduces the role of patents, one type of intellectual property, in advancing technological innovation and promoting economic development. The requirements for issue of a patent are described together with the legal rights that are thereby conferred to the patent holder. Discussed are preparation of a patent application and its filing with, and examination by, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The course explores how the patented invention may be commercialized in the process of technology transfer. Emphasis is placed on the patenting and transfer of technologies pertinent to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries.
Prerequisite: Program admission
Offered every semester
Applied Biotechnology Internship (0-9-3)
Banner title: Applied Biotech Internship
The Applied Biotechnology Internship requires students to work a minimum of 120 hours in an approved biotechnology laboratory environment. This experience will provide interns the opportunity to set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment. Interns will conduct analyses, make observations, calculate and record results, and produce appropriate technical protocols, summaries, and reports as required by supervising scientists.
Prerequisite: BTEC 2203 with a grade of C or higher, BTEC 2203L with a grade of C or higher
Offered every semester
Introduction to Keyboarding (1-4-3)
Banner title: Introduction to Keyboarding
This course introduces the touch system of keyboarding placing emphasis on correct techniques. Topics include computer hardware, computer software, file management, learning the alphabetic keyboard, the numeric keyboard and keypad, building speed and accuracy, and proofreading. Students attain a minimum of 30 GWAM (gross words a minute) on 3-minute timings with no more than 3 errors.
Prerequisite: Provisional admission
Offered every semester
Digital Technologies in Business (1-2-2)
Banner title: Digital Technologies
This course provides an overview of digital technology used for conducting business. Students will learn the application of business activities using various digital platforms.
Prerequisite: COMP 1000
Offered every semester
Office Procedures (2-2-3)
Banner title: Office Procedures
This course emphasizes essential skills required for the business office. Topics include office protocol, time management, telecommunications and telephone techniques, office equipment, workplace mail, records management, travel/meeting arrangements, electronic mail, and workplace documents.
Prerequisite: COMP 1000
Offered Fall and Spring
Introduction to Business (3-0-3)
Banner title: Introduction to Business
This course introduces organization and management concepts of the business world and in the office environment. Topics include business in a global economy, starting and organizing a business, enterprise management, marketing strategies, and financial management.
Prerequisite: Program admission
Offered Fall
Word Processing Applications (2-4-4)
Banner title: Word Processing
This course covers the knowledge and skills required to use word processing software through course demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and projects. Minimal document keying will be necessary as students will work with existing documents to learn the functions and features of the word processing application. Topics and assignments will include word processing concepts, customizing documents, formatting content, working with visual content, organizing content, reviewing documents, and sharing and securing content.
Prerequisite: BUSN 1100, COMP 1000
Offered Spring and Summer
Spreadsheet Concepts and Applications (2-4-4)
Banner title: Spreadsheet Concepts/Apps
This course covers the knowledge and skills required to use spreadsheet software through course demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and projects. Topics and assignments will include spreadsheet concepts, creating and manipulating data, formatting data and content, creating and modifying formulas, presenting data visually, and collaborating and securing data.
Prerequisite: COMP 1000
Offered as needed if ACCT 1120 is no longer offered
Database Applications (2-4-4)
Banner title: Database Applications
This course covers the knowledge and skills required to use database management software through course demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and projects. Topics and assignments will include database concepts, structuring databases, creating and formatting database elements, entering and modifying data, creating and modifying queries, presenting and sharing data, and managing and maintaining databases.
Prerequisite: COMP 1000
Offered Fall and Summer
Desktop Publishing and Presentation Applications (2-4-4)
Banner title: Desktop Publish/Presentation
This course covers the knowledge and skills required to use desktop publishing (DTP) software and presentation software to create business publications and presentations. Course work will include course demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and projects. Topics include desktop publishing concepts, basic graphic design, publication layout, presentation design, and practical applications.
Prerequisite: COMP 1000
Offered Fall and Spring
Document Production (1-6-4)
Banner title: Document Production
This course reinforces the touch system of keyboarding by placing emphasis on correct techniques, adequate speed and accuracy, and producing properly formatted business documents. Topics include reinforcing correct keyboarding technique, building speed and accuracy, formatting business documents, language arts, proofreading, and work area management.
Prerequisite: BUSN 1100
Corequisite: COMP 1000
Offered every semester
Electronic Mail Applications (1-2-2)
Banner title: Electronic Mail Applications
This course provides instruction in the fundamentals of communicating with others inside and outside the organization via a personal information management program. This course emphasizes the concepts necessary for individuals and workgroups to organize, find, view, and share information via electronic communication channels. Topics include internal and external communication, message management, calendar management, navigation, contact and task management, and security and privacy.
Prerequisite: Program admission, COMP 1000
Offered Fall and Summer
Speed and Accuracy Keying (0-2-1)
Banner title: Speed and Accuracy Keying
This course further develops speed and accuracy through the analysis of keying and prescribed practice drills. Topics include building speed and accuracy and straight-copy proofreading.
Prerequisite: BUSN 1440
Offered Fall and Spring
Business Document Proofreading and Editing (1-4-3)
Banner title: Proofreading and Editing
This course emphasizes proper proofreading and editing for business documents. Topics include applying proofreading techniques and proofreaders' marks to business documents; proper content, clarity, and conciseness in business documents; and business document formatting.
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010 or ENGL 1101
Corequisite: BUSN 1440, COMP 1000
Offered Fall and Spring
Office Accounting (3-2-4)
Banner title: Office Accounting
This course introduces fundamental concepts of the accounting cycle for a sole proprietor service business. Topics include accounting equation, analyzing business transactions, journalizing and posting transactions, accounts receivable and accounts payable subsidiary ledgers, financial statements, cash control, and payroll concepts.
Prerequisite: Program admission
Offered Fall and Summer
Applied Office Procedures (1-4-3)
Banner title: Applied Office Procedures
This course focuses on applying knowledge and skills learned in prior courses. Topics include communications skills, telecommunications skills, records management skills, office equipment/supplies, and integrated programs/applications. This course serves as a capstone course.
Prerequisite: BUSN 1240, BUSN 1400, BUSN 1410 or ACCT 1120, BUSN 1440
Corequisite: BUSN 2200 or ACCT 1100 and BUSN 2190
Offered Fall and Spring
Business Administrative Assistant Internship II (0-18-6)
Banner title: Admin Assistant Intern II
This internship course provides student work experience in a professional environment. Topics include the application of classroom knowledge and skills, work environment functions, and listening and following directions. Students will be under the supervision of the Business Administrative Technology program faculty and/or persons designated to coordinate work experience arrangements.
Prerequisite: Must be in last semester of program; with advisor approval, may take concurrently with last semester course
Offered every semester