Career Details
19-4021.00 - Biological Technicians
Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
Key Facts
Tasks
Core
- Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
- Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with set standards.
- Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
- Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
- Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
- Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment.
- Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
- Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas.
- Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
- Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
- Input data into databases.
- Place orders for laboratory equipment and supplies.
Supplemental
- Participate in the research, development, or manufacturing of medicinal and pharmaceutical preparations.
- Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food or other products.
- Measure or weigh compounds and solutions for use in testing or animal feed.
- Examine animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
- Conduct or supervise operational programs, such as fish hatcheries, greenhouses and livestock production programs.
- Feed livestock or laboratory animals.
Knowledge
- 89%Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- 76%Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- 66%Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- 65%Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- 64%Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Tools
- Aerobic growth chambers
- Anaerobic growth chambers
- Amino acid analyzers
- Bioanalyzers
- Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequencers
- Flow cytometers
- Inherit sequencing analysis systems
- Protein sequencers
- Analytical balances
- Balances
- Autoclaves
- Sterilizers
- Automated cell counters
- Coulter counters
- Hematology cell counters
- Automated microplate ELISA readers
- Microplate readers
- Automated tissue/slide stainers
- Paraffin embedding consoles
- Ultramicrotomes
- Automatic pipetters
- Liquid handling robots
- Multichannel pipetters
- Robotic laboratory equipment
- Volumetric glassware
- Biological containment hoods
- Centrifuges
- Microcentrifuges
- Refrigerated centrifuges
- Ultracentrifuges
- Conductivity meters
- Fluoride electrodes
- pH meters
- Cytofluorographs
- Fluorometers
- Spectrophotometers
- Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA synthesizers
- Dissection microscopes
- Inverted microscopes
- Light/tissue culture microscopes
- Distillation equipment
- Drying ovens
- Hybridization ovens
- Laboratory ovens
- Electrophorators
- Electrophoresis boxes
- Gel imaging apparatus
- High-voltage electrophoresis apparatus
- Full-face respirators
- Gas chromatographs GC
- Gel chromatography equipment
- Glass washers
- Microplate washers
- Imaging systems
- Incubator microscopes
- Incubators
- Microplate shakers
- Water jacketed incubators
- Inoculating loops
- Petri dishes
- Laser printers
- Liquid nitrogen freezers
- Ultralow freezers
- Notebook computers
- Personal computers
- Polymerase chain reaction PCR equipment
- Polymerase chain reaction PCR thermocyclers
- Stirring hotplates
- Radioactive counters
- Test tubes
- Titration burets
- Ultrasonic cleaners
- Ultraviolet water purification systems
- Vacuum dehydration units
- Waterbaths
Technology
- Adobe Systems Adobe AcrobatHOT
- Adobe Systems Adobe PhotoshopHOT
- Graphics software
- Harvard Graphics
- IBM Lotus 1-2-3
- Microsoft ExcelHOT
- Microsoft OutlookHOT
- Microsoft PowerPointHOT
- Microsoft WordHOT
- Word processing software
- BD Biosciences CellQuest
- BoxShade
- ClustalW
- ESRI ArcGIS software (analytical or scientific feature)
- Gene Codes Sequencher
- Gene Runner
- Laboratory information management system LIMS
- Phrap
- Phred
- PolyBayes
- Primer3
- SASHOT
- Statistical software
- Systat Software SigmaPlot
- Systat Software Table Curve
- Corel WordPerfect
- Microsoft OfficeHOT
- Microsoft ProjectHOT
- Database software
- Microsoft AccessHOT
- Thomson EndNote
- ESRI ArcGIS softwareHOT
- Geographic information system GIS softwareHOT
- MapInfo MapMarker
Certifications
- Registered Environmental Laboratory TechnologistPO Box 2099, Glenview, IL 60025-6099
- Certified Professional Collector Trainer1325 G Street, NW Suite500 #5001 Washington, D.C., DC 20005
- Registered Environmental Technician720 South Colorado Blvd., South Tower - 970, Denver, CO 80246-1925
- Associate Environmental ProfessionalPO Box 2099, Glenview, IL 60025-6099
- Laboratory Animal Technician9190 Crestwyn Hills Drive, Memphis, TN 38125-8538
- Fisheries Professional Associate5410 Grosvenor Lane Bethesda, MD 20814
- Certified Professional Collector1325 G Street, NW Suite500 #5001 Washington, D.C., DC 20005
Licensing
Related Programs
Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.
The department offers a four-year B.S. degree program for a major in biology and for a major in biology qualifying for the Secondary Collegiate Professional License. Requirements for the B.A. degree can be met by adding the completion of an intermediate level foreign language and three credit hours in philosophy. Students may not receive dual credit toward the biology major for 300- and 400-level BIO courses that are applied toward the biotechnology major.
Biology majors must complete 40 credit hours of biology courses including 16 credit hours at the 300 and 400 level. Specific requirements include four core courses (BIO 140, BIO 150, BIO 240 and BIO 250), at least two upper-division laboratory courses and one course from a list of courses with an emphasis on organismal diversity. In addition, biology majors must complete a set of cognate courses in chemistry, mathematics, statistics and physics that are listed below. Students are encouraged to participate in independent research with a faculty mentor. Credits earned doing research will count toward the biology major but some restrictions apply.
When requested, senior biology majors are expected to participate in program assessment test activities as a graduation requirement. Assessment information helps the department modify the curriculum to meet student needs.
The department offers a four-year B.S. degree program for a major in biology and for a major in biology qualifying for the Secondary Collegiate Professional License. Requirements for the B.A. degree can be met by adding the completion of an intermediate level foreign language and three credit hours in philosophy. Students may not receive dual credit toward the biology major for 300- and 400-level BIO courses that are applied toward the biotechnology major.
Biology majors must complete 40 credit hours of biology courses including 16 credit hours at the 300 and 400 level. Specific requirements include four core courses (BIO 140, BIO 150, BIO 240 and BIO 250), at least two upper-division laboratory courses and one course from a list of courses with an emphasis on organismal diversity. In addition, biology majors must complete a set of cognate courses in chemistry, mathematics, statistics and physics that are listed below. Students are encouraged to participate in independent research with a faculty mentor. Credits earned doing research will count toward the biology major but some restrictions apply.
When requested, senior biology majors are expected to participate in program assessment test activities as a graduation requirement. Assessment information helps the department modify the curriculum to meet student needs.
Purpose: The curriculum is designed to prepare students to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree program with a major in one of the following fields: agriculture, biology, botany, pre-dentistry, forestry, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-medicine, science education, pre-veterinary, or zoology.
Purpose: This program is designed to prepare graduates for employment in entry-level positions at biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies as laboratory, research, or manufacturing technicians. Coursework will develop an understanding of basic scientific principles in biology and chemistry, and will emphasize laboratory techniques and procedures such as solution and media preparation, DNA purification and analysis, electrophoresis, chromatography, maintenance of cells in culture, and quality control techniques.
Purpose This curriculum is designed for students seeking licensure in either PreK-3rd Grade or PreK-6th Grade. Upon completion of endorsement courses, students should take the Praxis II: Elementary Education Multiple Subjects. This curriculum prepares students to transfer to any four-year college or university teacher preparation program. Courses in this degree are designed to satisfy some of the endorsement and professional course requirements of a Virginia teaching license. In EDU 200, students will identify the endorsement (content) courses they need to earn a teaching license. Students should meet with a Teacher Education faculty member or Education Field Placement Coordinator and Advising Specialist to select the correct courses for their area of licensure. EDU 200 and EDU 204 both require 20-hour field placements in a K-12 public school. Students will be required to complete a background check before being placed in the schools. Students with criminal records should consult with the Teacher Education Field Placement Coordinator before enrolling in the courses. Students are strongly encouraged to take the VCLA after completing ENG 111, ENG 112, Eng-literature course, and CST 100 or 110.
Purpose
The program is designed to prepare students to participate as contributing members of the healthcare team, rendering direct care to patients in a variety of healthcare facilities and agencies. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN¨) leading to state licensure as a registered nurse (RN) and are qualified to assume registered nurse positions in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, physiciansÕ offices, HMOs, and other community-based settings.
NOVA has adopted the VCCS Common Nursing Curriculum which was fully approved by VBON and ACEN in Spring of 2017. The nursing program is a 5-semester program: first semester students take the pre-requisite course work to prepare the student for applying to the program and for the study of the nursing courses. Then there are 4 semesters of nursing course work (LEVELS 1-4).
Information about the nursing program and the application process can be found online. Admission to the Nursing program is competitive.
Transfer Information
Transfer is not the primary purpose of an A.A.S. program; however, NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Students interested in transfer should contact a counselor or their academic advisor early in their program.
Special Program Requirements
Once enrolled in the Nursing program all students must maintain a grade of ÒCÓ (80% or higher) in all nursing courses to continue in the program. This includes lecture, nursing lab and clinical components. In addition, students must achieve a ÒCÓ or higher in all general education courses.
Accreditation & Approval Status
The NOVA Nursing Curriculum is fully approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing (VBON) Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, Virginia 23233 and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia, 30326. Telephone 404-975-5000. View NCLEX-RN pass rates for the last five years go to online.
Licensure Requirements
The Virginia Board of Nursing reserves the right to deny licensure to any candidate who has been found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
Students who hold a current unrestricted Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in VA complete NSG 115 Healthcare Concepts for Transition are eligible to receive credit for prior learning for the following courses: NSG 106 Competencies for Nursing Practice, NSG 130 Professional Nursing Concepts, NSG 152 Health Care Participant, and NSG 170 Health/Illness Concepts. These students must complete the prerequisites (BIO 141 Human Anatomy And Physiology I, ENG 111 College Composition I, PSY 230 Developmental Psychology, SDV 101 Orientation to: prior to applying to the A.A.S. Nursing Program and must complete BIO 142 Human Anatomy and Physiology II as a prerequisite to NSG 115 Healthcare Concepts for Transition. Credit for prior learning will be applied to studentsÕ academic records after successful completion of NSG 230 Advanced Professional Nursing Concepts, NSG 252 Complex Health Care Concepts, and NSG 270 Nursing Capstone.
Readmission
Students who leave the Nursing program and wish to be re-admitted must meet the current CatalogÕs requirements for admission. Any developmental studies that were prescribed at the time the student left the program must have been satisfactorily completed. Students wishing to be readmitted to NOVAÕs nursing program will be required to seek approval of the Dean or their designee. Readmission is competitive and based on space availability.
Transfer from Other Institutions
Nursing credits earned at other institutions are reviewed by the Dean or their designee to determine if the courses in question apply to the curriculum and/or if substitutions may be made within the curriculum. Students who transfer to NOVA with prior nursing courses may be required to demonstrate skills competencies.
Nursing Program (Common Curriculum Program)
Classes are taken on campus and via a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (anytime) online activities including in-person nursing laboratory and clinical practice. Nursing courses must be taken in the order outlined below.
PurposeThe program is designed to prepare students to utilize exercise, specialty equipment, and other treatment procedures to prevent, identify, correct, and alleviate movement dysfunction. The program design provides students with the philosophical, theoretical, and clinical knowledge necessary to deliver high-quality patient care. Ultimately, students are prepared as skilled technical healthcare providers who work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist to provide selected components of physical therapy treatments. Upon successful completion of the program, students must take and pass a licensing examination to begin their career as a physical therapist assistant (PTA). Students are prepared for employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centers, contract agencies, and schools.
Purpose
The curriculum is designed to prepare students to produce diagnostic images of the human body through safe application of x-radiation. The radiographer is a central member of the healthcare team and assists the radiologist, a physician specialized in body image interpretation. Upon successful completion of degree requirements, the student will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) examination leading to certification as a Registered Technologist in Radiography: A.S., R.T.(R).
Transfer Information
Transfer is not the primary purpose of an A.A.S. program, but NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Students interested in transfer should contact a counselor or their academic advisor early in their program.
In addition to laboratory work, the Department also supports an active program of field studies. The location of the College in the Piedmont region of Virginia permits access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially the Blue Ridge Parkway, to two National Forests, to the Atlantic Ocean and coastal plain, and to the Washington, D.C., area for trips to the National Zoo and the Smithsonian Institution. Local trips are made to the Blackwater Creek Natural Area and to the College's nature preserves.
In addition to laboratory work, the Department also supports an active program of field studies. The location of the College in the Piedmont region of Virginia permits access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially the Blue Ridge Parkway, to two National Forests, to the Atlantic Ocean and coastal plain, and to the Washington, D.C., area for trips to the National Zoo and the Smithsonian Institution. Local trips are made to the Blackwater Creek Natural Area and to the College's nature preserves.
In addition to laboratory work, the Department also supports an active program of field studies. The location of the College in the Piedmont region of Virginia permits access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially the Blue Ridge Parkway, to two National Forests, to the Atlantic Ocean and coastal plain, and to the Washington, D.C., area for trips to the National Zoo and the Smithsonian Institution. Local trips are made to the Blackwater Creek Natural Area and to the College's nature preserves.
Biology invites students to participate in the scientific study of living organisms in all their fascinating complexity from molecular and cellular processes to the functioning of the entire planet. Students majoring in biology may satisfy their curiosity about the workings of the natural world, define their strengths and interests, and become lifelong learners in one of hundreds of biology-related careers. All students undertaking a study of biology should receive a thorough grounding in biological principles, should understand the interdisciplinary connections between biology and the other sciences, and should realize that our knowledge of biology is built on scientific discovery. Our curriculum seeks to develop in students the values, habits, and practices of a scientist by allowing them to actually do biology beginning in their freshman year, continuing in subsequent upper division courses, and culminating in a capstone experience in the senior year. An innovative course (BIOL 121 Foundations of Experimental Biology), taken during the freshman year, engages students in discovery-based laboratory exercises. Biology majors will also deepen their understanding of molecular biology (BIOL 123 Principles in Molecular Biology), genetics (BIOL 200 Genetics), and evolution (BIOL 205 Evolution) and are subsequently provided with an intensive and balanced learning experience by taking at least one course from each of the three major sub-disciplines of contemporary biology including:
- cell and molecular biology
- organismal biology, and
- ecology.
Each student works closely with an adviser to select upper-level courses for an individualized curriculum to prepare for a field in medicine, allied health science, ecology, environmental science, or graduate studies in biology. Finally, each student will take a capstone course (BIOL 499 Biology Capstone), which reinforces the skills and abilities developed in the major by having students read the primary literature and discuss the work with the scientists who conducted the studies. All biology students are also encouraged to participate in research early in their college career by taking research courses and by participating in summer research through the College's Shapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship program (SURF).
Many graduate and professional programs require the completion of additional courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and the humanities. Prospective biology majors should meet with a departmental adviser in their career area(s) of interest at or before the beginning of the sophomore year.
Behavioral Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary course of study within the broader framework of neuroscience that explores the impact of various aspects of behavior and environment on the brain's functions. In the Randolph-Macon behavioral neuroscience laboratory, students have explored the impact of parenting, enriched environments, chronic stress, exercise and various social interactions on behavioral and neural responses.
The behavioral neuroscience major exposes students to the fundamental elements of the discipline, bolstered by opportunities to conduct relevant original research and complete internships in various professional settings. In multiple courses, students will learn the fundamental properties of the nervous system in order to fully understand its integration with various aspects of behavior and mental processes. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, students will take relevant courses in several disciplines including the departments of psychology, biology, and chemistry.
Generally, the mission of the behavioral neuroscience major is to provide Randolph-Macon students with an opportunity to gain sufficient expertise/mastery to enable them to become critical thinkers in the discipline. Students will gain mastery in behavioral neuroscience (e.g., competence in critical thinking, science methodology, and communication skills) by conducting original research projects (and writing formal papers and presenting the information) as they progress through the Randolph-Macon behavioral neuroscience curriculum.
Biology invites students to participate in the scientific study of living organisms in all their fascinating complexity from molecular and cellular processes to the functioning of the entire planet. Students majoring in biology may satisfy their curiosity about the workings of the natural world, define their strengths and interests, and become lifelong learners in one of hundreds of biology-related careers. All students undertaking a study of biology should receive a thorough grounding in biological principles, should understand the interdisciplinary connections between biology and the other sciences, and should realize that our knowledge of biology is built on scientific discovery. Our curriculum seeks to develop in students the values, habits, and practices of a scientist by allowing them to actually do biology beginning in their freshman year, continuing in subsequent upper division courses, and culminating in a capstone experience in the senior year. An innovative course (BIOL 121 Foundations of Experimental Biology), taken during the freshman year, engages students in discovery-based laboratory exercises. Biology majors will also deepen their understanding of molecular biology (BIOL 123 Principles in Molecular Biology), genetics (BIOL 200 Genetics), and evolution (BIOL 205 Evolution) and are subsequently provided with an intensive and balanced learning experience by taking at least one course from each of the three major sub-disciplines of contemporary biology including:
- cell and molecular biology
- organismal biology, and
- ecology.
Each student works closely with an adviser to select upper-level courses for an individualized curriculum to prepare for a field in medicine, allied health science, ecology, environmental science, or graduate studies in biology. Finally, each student will take a capstone course (BIOL 499 Biology Capstone), which reinforces the skills and abilities developed in the major by having students read the primary literature and discuss the work with the scientists who conducted the studies. All biology students are also encouraged to participate in research early in their college career by taking research courses and by participating in summer research through the College's Shapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship program (SURF).
Many graduate and professional programs require the completion of additional courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and the humanities. Prospective biology majors should meet with a departmental adviser in their career area(s) of interest at or before the beginning of the sophomore year.
Biology invites students to participate in the scientific study of living organisms in all their fascinating complexity from molecular and cellular processes to the functioning of the entire planet. Students majoring in biology may satisfy their curiosity about the workings of the natural world, define their strengths and interests, and become lifelong learners in one of hundreds of biology-related careers. All students undertaking a study of biology should receive a thorough grounding in biological principles, should understand the interdisciplinary connections between biology and the other sciences, and should realize that our knowledge of biology is built on scientific discovery. Our curriculum seeks to develop in students the values, habits, and practices of a scientist by allowing them to actually do biology beginning in their freshman year, continuing in subsequent upper division courses, and culminating in a capstone experience in the senior year. An innovative course (BIOL 121 Foundations of Experimental Biology), taken during the freshman year, engages students in discovery-based laboratory exercises. Biology majors will also deepen their understanding of molecular biology (BIOL 123 Principles in Molecular Biology), genetics (BIOL 200 Genetics), and evolution (BIOL 205 Evolution) and are subsequently provided with an intensive and balanced learning experience by taking at least one course from each of the three major sub-disciplines of contemporary biology including:
- cell and molecular biology
- organismal biology, and
- ecology.
Each student works closely with an adviser to select upper-level courses for an individualized curriculum to prepare for a field in medicine, allied health science, ecology, environmental science, or graduate studies in biology. Finally, each student will take a capstone course (BIOL 499 Biology Capstone), which reinforces the skills and abilities developed in the major by having students read the primary literature and discuss the work with the scientists who conducted the studies. All biology students are also encouraged to participate in research early in their college career by taking research courses and by participating in summer research through the College's Shapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship program (SURF).
Many graduate and professional programs require the completion of additional courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and the humanities. Prospective biology majors should meet with a departmental adviser in their career area(s) of interest at or before the beginning of the sophomore year.
Behavioral Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary course of study within the broader framework of neuroscience that explores the impact of various aspects of behavior and environment on the brain's functions. In the Randolph-Macon behavioral neuroscience laboratory, students have explored the impact of parenting, enriched environments, chronic stress, exercise and various social interactions on behavioral and neural responses.
The behavioral neuroscience major exposes students to the fundamental elements of the discipline, bolstered by opportunities to conduct relevant original research and complete internships in various professional settings. In multiple courses, students will learn the fundamental properties of the nervous system in order to fully understand its integration with various aspects of behavior and mental processes. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, students will take relevant courses in several disciplines including the departments of psychology, biology, and chemistry.
Generally, the mission of the behavioral neuroscience major is to provide Randolph-Macon students with an opportunity to gain sufficient expertise/mastery to enable them to become critical thinkers in the discipline. Students will gain mastery in behavioral neuroscience (e.g., competence in critical thinking, science methodology, and communication skills) by conducting original research projects (and writing formal papers and presenting the information) as they progress through the Randolph-Macon behavioral neuroscience curriculum.
Courses required for the Science degree are available on all four campuses.