This course prepares students for careers involving laboratory sciences and the biotechnology industry (Health Services Cluster). Students learn procedures and laboratory skills which will make them effective lab technicians, including DNA manipulation and micropipette, proper washing, sterilizing, plating and culturing techniques. Students will learn to read protocols and do technical writing, use resources and work in team-based learning. Background material regarding DNA methods and usefulness, science and societal issues will be considered, and a portfolio will be produced by each student. Career paths and opportunities for further education will be explored through associations with industry mentors and field trips to local lab sites.
 
 
Career Areas:
Biotechnology Research Assistant
Biochemist and Biophysicist
Biology Technician
Clinical Lab Technologist
Food Scientist
Forensic Lab Technician
Lab Assistant
Physiologist
Zoologist
 
Job Outlook:
 Employment of biological scientists is projected to grow 21 percent over the 2008—18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations, as biotechnological research and development continues to drive job growth. Biological scientists enjoyed very rapid employment gains over the past few decades—reflecting, in part, the growth of the biotechnology industry. Employment growth will moderate somewhat as the biotechnology industry matures, with fewer new firms being founded and existing firms merging or being absorbed by larger biotechnology or pharmaceutical firms.
 
Fremont High School 
Jen Rilea, Instructor
 
Gunn High School
Geri Horsma, Instructor