Health Sciences

Biologists positively impact the future with rewarding careers in biotechnology, medicine, veterinary, pharmaceuticals, environmental science or research. They study living organisms to advance our understanding of life processes and our ability to solve human health problems by examining the relationship, development, anatomy and functions of all forms of life. The IVC Health Sciences Program is dedicated to offering a quality program that will meet the lifelong learning needs of our students and prepare them for admission into allied health professional schools, or transfer to California State University, University of California or other 4 year institutions.

View Transfer Options, Degrees & Certificates

The primary mission of the Department of Health Sciences (HS), School of Life Sciences and Technologies (LST), is to provide a solid foundation for the student who wishes to pursue further study at the baccalaureate level and for those students planning to enter a pre-professional or professional program in health-related field such as nursing, physician assistant, pharmacy, physical therapy, physical therapy assistant, message therapy, nutritional therapy and dietician, occupational therapy, medicine, dentistry, dental assistant, optometry, and veterinary science. Courses offered include topics in biochemistry, human anatomy, human physiology, microbiology, and biotechnology. Students who complete an appropriate pathway in Health Sciences may earn an Associate in Science, the Biotechnology-Lab Assistant Certificate of Achievement, or the Biotechnology Biomanufacturing Technician Certificate of Proficiency.

Program Length

Four semesters.

Transfer Options

We offer two different biology majors course sequences that articulate to most of our transfer institutions. Additionally, nearly all of our courses articulate successfully fulfilling the Life Sciences requirement. Our students transfer to UCI, Cal State Fullerton, UCLA, UCR, UCSB, UCSD, Berkeley, Cal State Long Beach and many other 4 year institutions.

Program Specific Support

The Student Success Center offers tutoring for Life Sciences courses. Lab space, equipment, models, and lab technicians provide support for a collaborative and immersive academic experience.

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Sample Academic Plans

Biotechnology

COA COP

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
BIOT 70	Introduction to Biotechnology	3
BIOT 70L	Introduction to Biotechnology Laboratory	1

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
BIO 10	Biochemistry for Health Sciences	4

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
BIOT 273	Biotechnology A: Basic Lab Skills (Summer Only)	4

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
BIOT 70	Introduction to Biotechnology	3
BIOT 70L	Introduction to Biotechnology Laboratory	1

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
BIOT 274	Biotechnology B: Proteins	4
BIOT 276	Quality and Regulatory Compliance in Bioscience	2

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
BIOT 273	Biotechnology A: Basic Lab Skills (Summer Only)	4

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	1A	4
MATH 10 or PSYC 10	Introduction to Statistics or Statistical Methods in Behavioral Sciences	1C & Major	3
BIO 10 or CHEM 4	Biochemistry for Health Sciences or Introduction to General & Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry	2 & Major	4-5
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
Communications/Thinking	Communication/Analytical Thinking GE Course	1B	3-4
BIO 11	Human Anatomy	2& Major	4
HLTH 5	Introduction to Public Health	3 & Major	3
CS 1 or CIM 107	Introduction to Computer Systems or Introduction to Personal Computer Applications		3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
BIO 15	General Microbiology	2 & Major	5
PSYC 1 or SOC 1	Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology	3 & Major	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
BIO 12	Human Physiology	2 & Major	4
Arts/Humanities	Arts or Humanities GE Course	4	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Explore Careers

Biofuels Production Managers

Median Salary

$106,413

Job Growth

-20%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
14%

Some College
19%

Associate's Degree
15%

Bachelor's Degree
52%

View Career

Manage biofuels production and plant operations. Collect and process information on plant production and performance, diagnose problems, and design corrective procedures.

New workers start around $64,423. Normal pay is $106,413 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $190,212.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
14%

Some College
19%

Associate's Degree
15%

Bachelor's Degree
52%

Core Tasks

Supervise production employees in the manufacturing of biofuels, such as biodiesel or ethanol.
Provide direction to employees to ensure compliance with biofuels plant safety, environmental, or operational standards and regulations.
Manage operations at biofuels power generation facilities, including production, shipping, maintenance, or quality assurance activities.
Confer with technical and supervisory personnel to report or resolve conditions affecting biofuels plant safety, operational efficiency, and product quality.
Review logs, datasheets, or reports to ensure adequate production levels or to identify abnormalities with biofuels production equipment or processes.
Monitor meters, flow gauges, or other real-time data to ensure proper operation of biofuels production equipment, implementing corrective measures as needed.
Adjust temperature, pressure, vacuum, level, flow rate, or transfer of biofuels to maintain processes at required levels.
Provide training to subordinate or new employees to improve biofuels plant safety or increase the production of biofuels.
Monitor transportation and storage of flammable or other potentially dangerous feedstocks or products to ensure adherence to safety guidelines.
Shut down and restart biofuels plant or equipment in emergency situations or for equipment maintenance, repairs, or replacements.
Draw samples of biofuels products or secondary by-products for quality control testing.
Approve proposals for the acquisition, replacement, or repair of biofuels processing equipment or the implementation of new production processes.
Prepare and manage biofuels plant or unit budgets.
Conduct cost, material, and efficiency studies for biofuels production plants or operations.

Median Salary

$106,413

Job Growth

-20%

Biofuel Technology and Product Development Managers

Median Salary

$173,766

Job Growth

-8%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
1%

Certificate
5%

Associate's Degree
6%

Bachelor's Degree
57%

Master's Degree
29%

Doctoral or More
3%

View Career

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

New workers start around $111,899. Normal pay is $173,766 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $250,652.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
1%

Certificate
5%

Associate's Degree
6%

Bachelor's Degree
57%

Master's Degree
29%

Doctoral or More
3%

Core Tasks

Design or conduct applied biodiesel or biofuels research projects on topics, such as transport, thermodynamics, mixing, filtration, distillation, fermentation, extraction, and separation.
Analyze data from biofuels studies, such as fluid dynamics, water treatments, or solvent extraction and recovery processes.
Prepare, or oversee the preparation of, experimental plans for biofuels research or development.
Provide technical or scientific guidance to technical staff in the conduct of biofuels research or development.
Propose new biofuels products, processes, technologies or applications based on findings from applied biofuels or biomass research projects.
Conduct experiments on biomass or pretreatment technologies.
Prepare biofuels research and development reports for senior management or technical professionals.
Develop lab scale models of industrial scale processes, such as fermentation.
Oversee biodiesel/biofuels prototyping or development projects.
Conduct experiments to test new or alternate feedstock fermentation processes.

Median Salary

$173,766

Job Growth

-8%

Natural Sciences Managers

Median Salary

$162,573

Job Growth

+13%

Education

Associate's Degree
7%

Bachelor's Degree
37%

Master's Degree
15%

Doctoral or More
40%

View Career

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

New workers start around $96,512. Normal pay is $162,573 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $274,124.

Education

Associate's Degree
7%

Bachelor's Degree
37%

Master's Degree
15%

Doctoral or More
40%

Core Tasks

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
Prepare project proposals.
Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.
Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.
Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports.
Conduct own research in field of expertise.
Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation.
Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field.

Median Salary

$162,573

Job Growth

+13%

Clinical Research Coordinators

Median Salary

$162,573

Job Growth

+13%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
7%

Certificate
12%

Some College
9%

Associate's Degree
6%

Bachelor's Degree
60%

Master's Degree
5%

Doctoral or More
1%

View Career

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

New workers start around $96,512. Normal pay is $162,573 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $274,124.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
7%

Certificate
12%

Some College
9%

Associate's Degree
6%

Bachelor's Degree
60%

Master's Degree
5%

Doctoral or More
1%

Core Tasks

Schedule subjects for appointments, procedures, or inpatient stays as required by study protocols.
Perform specific protocol procedures such as interviewing subjects, taking vital signs, and performing electrocardiograms.
Prepare study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.
Inform patients or caregivers about study aspects and outcomes to be expected.
Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, or discussions with physicians and nurses.
Record adverse event and side effect data and confer with investigators regarding the reporting of events to oversight agencies.
Monitor study activities to ensure compliance with protocols and with all relevant local, federal, and state regulatory and institutional polices.
Oversee subject enrollment to ensure that informed consent is properly obtained and documented.
Maintain required records of study activity including case report forms, drug dispensation records, or regulatory forms.
Review proposed study protocols to evaluate factors such as sample collection processes, data management plans, or potential subject risks.
Identify protocol problems, inform investigators of problems, or assist in problem resolution efforts, such as protocol revisions.
Collaborate with investigators to prepare presentations or reports of clinical study procedures, results, and conclusions.
Track enrollment status of subjects and document dropout information such as dropout causes and subject contact efforts.
Code, evaluate, or interpret collected study data.
Direct the requisition, collection, labeling, storage, or shipment of specimens.
Instruct research staff in scientific and procedural aspects of studies including standards of care, informed consent procedures, or documentation procedures.
Maintain contact with sponsors to schedule and coordinate site visits or to answer questions about issues such as incomplete data.
Prepare for or participate in quality assurance audits conducted by study sponsors, federal agencies, or specially designated review groups.
Order drugs or devices necessary for study completion.
Participate in the development of study protocols including guidelines for administration or data collection procedures.
Contact outside health care providers and communicate with subjects to obtain follow-up information.
Confer with health care professionals to determine the best recruitment practices for studies.
Communicate with laboratories or investigators regarding laboratory findings.
Review scientific literature, participate in continuing education activities, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain current knowledge of clinical studies affairs and issues.
Organize space for study equipment and supplies.
Develop advertising and other informational materials to be used in subject recruitment.

Median Salary

$162,573

Job Growth

+13%

Biostatisticians

Median Salary

$96,118

Job Growth

+20%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
13%

Master's Degree
58%

Doctoral or More
29%

View Career

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

New workers start around $54,961. Normal pay is $96,118 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $151,683.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
13%

Master's Degree
58%

Doctoral or More
29%

Core Tasks

Draw conclusions or make predictions, based on data summaries or statistical analyses.
Write detailed analysis plans and descriptions of analyses and findings for research protocols or reports.
Analyze clinical or survey data, using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis, mixed-effect modeling, logistic regression analyses, and model-building techniques.
Calculate sample size requirements for clinical studies.
Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, and talk with colleagues to keep abreast of methodological or conceptual developments in fields such as biostatistics, pharmacology, life sciences, and social sciences.
Prepare tables and graphs to present clinical data or results.
Design research studies in collaboration with physicians, life scientists, or other professionals.
Write program code to analyze data with statistical analysis software.
Provide biostatistical consultation to clients or colleagues.
Review clinical or other medical research protocols and recommend appropriate statistical analyses.
Prepare statistical data for inclusion in reports to data monitoring committees, federal regulatory agencies, managers, or clients.
Determine project plans, timelines, or technical objectives for statistical aspects of biological research studies.
Develop or implement data analysis algorithms.
Prepare articles for publication or presentation at professional conferences.
Plan or direct research studies related to life sciences.
Monitor clinical trials or experiments to ensure adherence to established procedures or to verify the quality of data collected.
Write research proposals or grant applications for submission to external bodies.
Design or maintain databases of biological data.
Collect data through surveys or experimentation.
Apply research or simulation results to extend biological theory or recommend new research projects.
Assign work to biostatistical assistants or programmers.
Develop or use mathematical models to track changes in biological phenomena, such as the spread of infectious diseases.
Analyze archival data, such as birth, death, and disease records.
Design surveys to assess health issues.
Teach graduate or continuing education courses or seminars in biostatistics.

Median Salary

$96,118

Job Growth

+20%

Clinical Data Managers

Median Salary

$107,961

Job Growth

+26%

Education

Associate's Degree
5%

Bachelor's Degree
90%

Master's Degree
5%

View Career

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

New workers start around $60,541. Normal pay is $107,961 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $188,755.

Education

Associate's Degree
5%

Bachelor's Degree
90%

Master's Degree
5%

Core Tasks

Design and validate clinical databases, including designing or testing logic checks.
Process clinical data, including receipt, entry, verification, or filing of information.
Generate data queries, based on validation checks or errors and omissions identified during data entry, to resolve identified problems.
Develop project-specific data management plans that address areas such as coding, reporting, or transfer of data, database locks, and work flow processes.
Monitor work productivity or quality to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures.
Prepare appropriate formatting to data sets as requested.
Prepare data analysis listings and activity, performance, or progress reports.
Design forms for receiving, processing, or tracking data.
Confer with end users to define or implement clinical system requirements such as data release formats, delivery schedules, and testing protocols.
Evaluate processes and technologies, and suggest revisions to increase productivity and efficiency.
Perform quality control audits to ensure accuracy, completeness, or proper usage of clinical systems and data.
Analyze clinical data using appropriate statistical tools.
Develop technical specifications for data management programming and communicate needs to information technology staff.
Write work instruction manuals, data capture guidelines, or standard operating procedures.
Contribute to the compilation, organization, and production of protocols, clinical study reports, regulatory submissions, or other controlled documentation.
Track the flow of work forms, including in-house data flow or electronic forms transfer.
Supervise the work of data management project staff.
Read technical literature and participate in continuing education or professional associations to maintain awareness of current database technology and best practices.
Train staff on technical procedures or software program usage.

Median Salary

$107,961

Job Growth

+26%

Not sure if Health Sciences is the right fit?

Exploratory Interest Area

Explore Health Sciences while still working toward your academic goals.

Learn More

Talk with a Counselor

Speak to one of IVC’s Academic Counselors to learn more about all of your options.

Contact Counseling

Why choose IVC?

Affordable

Quality education should not put you in the red. The cost of attending Irvine Valley College is very low compared to the private, UC, and CSU systems.

Career Preparation

With Fast Track Career Paths, at IVC, we give you the tools to quickly enter the workforce and start making money.

#1 Transfer Rate

Looking to transfer to a four-year university? With the #1 Transfer Rate in California, IVC is the best place to start!

Questions?

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Finish Your Path at IVC

Find Your Path

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Guide to Paying for College

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Finish Your Path at IVC

Health Sciences

Program Length

Transfer Options

Program Specific Support

Health Science Department Contact

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Biotechnology

Biotechnology - Lab Assistant, COA

Biotechnology Biomanufacturing Technician, COP

Health Sciences

Health Sciences, AS

Explore Careers

Biofuels Production Managers

Biofuel Technology and Product Development Managers

Natural Sciences Managers

Clinical Research Coordinators

Biostatisticians

Clinical Data Managers

Not sure if Health Sciences is the right fit?

Affordable

Career Preparation

#1 Transfer Rate

Questions?

Need help now?

Ready to get started?

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Find Your Path

Opportunities

Communities

About IVC

Become an IVC Student

Admission Support

Plan Your Classes

Get Ready for College

Guide to Paying for College

Financial Support

Costs & Payments

Supporting You

Counseling & Support Programs

Academic Help

Safety & Wellness

Welcome Lasers

Get Involved

Your Community

Campus

Finish Your Path at IVC

Transfer

Earn Your Degree or Certificate

Transcripts & Records

Health Sciences

Program Length

Transfer Options

Program Specific Support

Health Science Department Contact

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Biotechnology

Biotechnology - Lab Assistant, COA

Biotechnology Biomanufacturing Technician, COP

Health Sciences

Health Sciences, AS

Explore Careers

Biofuels Production Managers

Biofuel Technology and Product Development Managers

Natural Sciences Managers

Clinical Research Coordinators

Biostatisticians

Clinical Data Managers

Not sure if Health Sciences is the right fit?

Affordable

Career Preparation

#1 Transfer Rate

Questions?

Need help now?

Ready to get started?

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