Biotechnology
CTE Biotechnology Program
Spotlight Podcast
CTE MONTH: Biotechnology at Saguaro
The latest episode of the SUSD Spotlight podcast is live, and we’re kicking off CTE Month with a spotlight on the Biotechnology CTE program at Saguaro High School.
Teacher Liz Bond and student Jacob Smith join us to share what it’s like to learn science through hands-on, real world lab experiences.
From DNA extraction and advanced biotech techniques to earning college credit and working toward an industry-recognized credential, this signature program is preparing students for college, careers, and exciting opportunities in a fast growing field.
Description:
Biotechnology is a fast growing and exciting career field. While in the Biotechnology program in high school, students learn in a laboratory setting performing such tasks as DNA extraction, fingerprinting, and advanced biotechnology techniques. Learners that complete the Biotechnology program (Honors Biotechnology I and II) can earn an industry recognized Biotechnician Assistant Credential from BACE. Students continuing their education earning a Biotechnology, Biology or Pre-Med degree have many career opportunities from genetic analyst, fish biologist, biomedical engineers, laboratory technologists, plant geneticists, and biochemists.
- Industry Certification: BACE (Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam) https://biotility.research.ufl.edu/bace/
- Course offered on a block schedule to accommodate program completion in one academic year. Science credit awarded after completing 2nd course in semester 2.
- One-Year Program Completion
- Dual Enrollment – Scottsdale Community College: BIO107 & BIO107LL
- Technical Standards: www.azed.gov/cte/bio/
Courses Offered
Course ID: 10048H-10049H, 10010H-10011H
Grade(s): 11, 12
Semester(s): 2
Course Credit: 1.0
Graduation Requirement: Core
Prerequisite for Honors Biotechnology I: Students must have completed at least two years of an approved three year science course sequence. During that sequence, students must have completed Biology I (Biology I, Honors Biology I, Pre-AP Biology, or Pre-AP Biology Honors) and either Earth and Space Science (Earth and Space Science or Honors Earth and Space Science) or Physics I (Physics I, Honors Physics I, Physics First, or Honors Physics First). Prerequisite for Honors Biotechnology II: Completion of Honors Biotechnology I.
*Optional college credit may be available; dual enrollment fee required.
NOTE: This is a lab credit course.
These are college level science courses that emphasize the course competencies outlined by the dual enrollment partner. Successful completion of both H Biotechnology I and II may earn the student seven (7) science college credits for BIO106 and BIO107. These courses introduce students to the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology. Honors Biotech I covers concepts, processes, techniques, and issues in biotechnology. Students will learn the chemistry of cell, organism and DNA biology needed to understand and conduct laboratories in the area of biotechnology, DNA extraction, fingerprinting and transformation are included in the curriculum. Honors Biotechnology II will provide students with the skills, techniques and knowledge base required to seek a professional career in this field. The program will prepare students to transition to post-secondary institutions. Students will learn advanced biotechnology techniques, methods and common practices and will discuss and debate the many ethical issues that accompany this technology. Students will conduct their own investigations to extend their knowledge base. By active participation in the hands-on class, students will gain an appreciation for the great benefits that DNA technology will bring in the near future. Leadership opportunities are provided through HOSA. *This course prepares students for the industry-recognized credentialing exam: Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam (BACE).
Fee required: see Fee Schedule
Note: Honors Biotechnology is a Signature Program course taught at Saguaro and open to all SUSD High School students. This is a two (2) hour block class.
Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO)
HOSA–Future Health Professionals is a student-led Career and Technical Student Organization that provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition for middle school, secondary, postsecondary, and collegiate students interested in a career in healthcare. AzHOSA has over 9,400 members; over 1,700 members attended their state conference this year.
Offered At:
Saguaro High School
(Signature program open to all SUSD Students)
