Laboratory Science Technology Associate in Occupational Studies Degree
Explore the science lab of the future with an AOS program in Laboratory Science Technology. Analyze, innovate, excel.
Overview for Laboratory Science Technology AOS
The laboratory science technology program, with its foundation of course sequences in chemistry, biology, and instrumental analysis, was developed primarily from an industry perspective to prepare students for employment as laboratory technicians. The program has several significant factors that set it apart, including the application of real-world analyses and a state-of-the-art instrumentation laboratory. Graduates are prepared to work in a broad range of fields, including chemical, biological, biotechnical, pharmaceutical, environmental, industrial, forensic, and food analysis. This program is available for qualified deaf and hard of hearing students.
If you're interested in doing scientific analysis and lab work in chemical, biological, biotechnical, pharmaceutical, environmental, forensic, food or industrial fields, then the laboratory science technology program is for you. You will study in laboratory settings with experienced faculty and learn to use state-of-the-art laboratory equipment for scientific analysis. Our advanced, high-tech analytical instrumentation is equivalent to that used by scientists on the job. You get hands-on experience using this instrumentation daily.
The associate in occupational studies (AOS) degree in laboratory science technology, offered by RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf, is a career-focused degree program that leads to immediate entry into well-paying careers at the paraprofessional or technician level in municipal, public, private and industrial laboratories. Technicians are involved with the collection and preparation of samples and standards. They also perform instrumental, volumetric, gravimetric, and biological analyses. Additional job responsibilities may include the interpretation and reporting of experimental results and data.
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Apply for Fall 2025
First-year students can apply for Early Decision II by Jan. 1 to get an admissions and financial aid assessment by mid-January.
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Careers and Cooperative Education
Typical Job Titles
| Laboratory Technician | Quality Control Specialist | Assistant Research |
| Development Scientist |
Industries
Cooperative Education
Cooperative education, or co-op for short, is full-time, paid work experience in your field of study. And it sets RIT graduates apart from their competitors. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries. RIT co-op is designed for your success.
Students in the laboratory science technology program are required to complete a cooperative education work experience prior to graduation. You may schedule your co-op after completing your second-year academic requirements.
Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Laboratory Science Technology AOS
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Laboratory Science Technology, AOS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| NCAR-010 | Freshman Seminar The course provides incoming deaf and hard-of-hearing students admitted to NTID undergraduate programs with opportunities to develop/enhance academic skills, personal awareness, and community involvement in order to maximize their college experience. Students will have opportunities to explore and navigate the college environment, develop/reinforce academic skills, and participate in experiential learning opportunities while establishing meaningful connections with faculty, staff and peers. The course promotes the development of plans for ongoing growth and involvement in class and in the RIT/NTID and/or broader community. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 2 (Fall, Spring). |
0 |
| NLST-120 | Laboratory Tools This course introduces students to the Laboratory Science Technology (LST) program's curriculum and the laboratory tools required for success in the program and as professionals in the laboratory science field. Topics will include an introduction to historical and current issues in the field, concepts of analytical testing, basic laboratory applications, fundamental technical skills used in the laboratory, laboratory safety, laboratory notebooks and information management, scientific reference and information sources, the identification and use of laboratory equipment, maintaining a laboratory environment, concepts of quality control, and the analytical process. Students begin to organize a Laboratory Science Technology portfolio. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall). |
3 |
| NLST-171 | Fundamentals of Chemistry I This course is an introduction to the fundamental theories and principles of chemistry governing the structure and behavior of matter at the atomic and molecular levels. The language of chemistry including nomenclature and symbolic representation is presented. Computational strategies applied to stoichiometry, reaction analysis and solution preparation are practiced. Laboratory activities focus on precision and accuracy in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Chemical hygiene and safety procedures in the laboratory will be emphasized. Chemical nomenclature will be introduced and practiced. Stoichiometry, product prediction and balancing of chemical reactions will accompany wet-lab activities. (LABSCI-AOS,LABSCI-AAS) Lab 2, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| NLST-172 | Fundamentals of Chemistry II This course is an introduction to the concepts of kinetics and thermodynamics. Chemical equilibrium and rate constants will be presented and quantified. The ideal gas law will be explored. Mathematical models will be developed and computational strategies will be applied and practiced. Laboratory activities will supplement course themes. Chemical hygiene and safety procedures in the laboratory will be emphasized. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to LABSCI-AOS or LABSCI-AAS students who have completed NLST-171 or equivalent course.) Lab 2, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| NLST-220 | Analytical Chemistry This course introduces quantitative analysis utilizing both gravimetric and volumetric techniques. Topics include volumetric preparation and analytical procedures, acid/base and electron transfer titrations and related computational methods, and gravimetric procedures and analyses. Standard laboratory notebook protocol will be introduced and practiced. Chemical hygiene protocol and safety procedures in the laboratory are emphasized. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NLST-171 and NLST-120 or equivalent courses.) Lec/Lab 6 (Spring). |
4 |
| NMTH-212 | NTID General Education Foundation – Mathematics: Integrated Algebra† An intermediate algebra course consisting of a blended lecture/lab component in which non-linear functions and graphs, systems of linear equations, exponents, polynomials, roots, radicals and properties of the complex numbers are considered. There is significant emphasis on scientific and geometric models, as well as the use of graphing utilities. Students cannot earn credit for both NMTH-210 and NMTH-212. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NMTH-180 with C- or better or have a math placement score equal to 30 or 35 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| NSCI-161 | NTID General Education – Scientific Processes Perspective: Fundamentals of Biology I This course provides students with fundamentals of cellular biology. Topics include chemical components of cells, cell structure and function, membrane transport, osmosis, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, plant histology and structures, plant organs and reproduction, and plant essential nutrients. Principles governing genetics, gene expression, and reproduction are introduced. Laboratory methods used to make observations and collect data are practiced. Recording observations and analysis of data are emphasized in formal written laboratory reports. Laboratory activities complement classroom activities. (LABSCI-AOS,LABSCI-AAS) Lab 2, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| NSCI-162 | Fundamentals of Biology II This course provides students with fundamentals of biological concepts and processes. Topics include animal form and function, nutritional and excretory requirements, and homeostatic mechanisms and their regulation in organisms. Principles governing the concept of biological evolution and genomic evolution are introduced. Laboratory methods used to make observations and collect data are practiced. Recording observations and analysis of data are emphasized in formal written laboratory reports. Laboratory activities complement classroom activities. (Prerequisites: This course is restricted to LABSCI-AOS or LABSCI-AAS students who have completed NSCI-161 or equivalent course.) Lab 2, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
NTID General Education Electives |
6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| NLST-225 | Laboratory Applications This course continues a focus on the application of laboratory tools, techniques, procedures, and scientific theory. Course topics include study of written technical procedures, technical writing, the reporting and presentation of scientific information, and topics related to the job search process and working as a professional in the field. Students synthesize information learned in previous and concurrent courses by participating in job related simulations. A Laboratory Science Technology portfolio will continue to be developed. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NLST-220 or equivalent course.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Fall). |
3 |
| NLST-230 | Principles of Organic Chemistry This course provides an introduction to the principles of organic chemistry. Topics include structure, nomenclature, and properties of carbon-containing molecules according to the various functional groups that are central to organic chemistry. Investigations involving chemical reactions, data collection, and qualitative and quantitative analyses provide a framework for laboratory activities. Chemical hygiene and safety procedures in the laboratory are emphasized. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NSCI-162 and NLST-172 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
4 |
| NLST-235 | Principles of Biochemistry This course provides an introduction to the principles of biochemistry through a study of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids. The metabolic pathways that involve these systems will also be explored. Principles of general and organic chemistry will be emphasized through an examination of the structures, concepts, and reactions that are central to biologically important molecules. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NLST-230 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| NLST-240 | Biotechnology I This course prepares students to perform biotechnical applications in industry-specific fields of analysis. Standard methods, operating procedures, equipment/instrumentation, and protocols are introduced and reinforced. Topics include ethical issues in Biotechnology, DNA manipulation, protein analysis, tissue culture, and molecular diagnosis. Sampling, testing, and reporting in the field of biotechnology are covered. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NSCI-162 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall). |
3 |
| NLST-245 | Biotechnology II This course prepares students to perform Biotechnology applications in industry, specifically as they relate to microorganisms, proteomics, and genomics. Topics include bacterial expression systems for production, purification and characterization of recombinant proteins. Study will include concepts of DNA manipulation/analysis and enzymology. Standard methods, operating procedures, and protocols are introduced and reinforced. Sampling, testing, and reporting in the fields of Biotechnology, microbiology, and molecular biology are covered. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NLST-240 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring). |
3 |
| NLST-250 | Quantitative Instrumental Analysis In this course students learn and apply concepts and principles of analytical testing using laboratory instruments, instrumentation theory, and procedures. Concepts surrounding spectroscopy, electroanalytical methods, advanced and automated methods of instrumental analysis are presented. Techniques including sample preparation, instrumentation set-up and maintenance, calibration, precision measurement, safety, and data collection/analysis are introduced. Selected instrumentation presented in this course include electroanalytical meters/probes, atomic and molecular spectrophotometers, and automated instrumentation. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NLST-220 and NLST-172 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall). |
4 |
| NLST-255 | Chemical Separations & Chromatography In this course students learn and apply advanced concepts and principles in analytical testing using laboratory instruments/equipment, theory, and procedures as they relate to chemical separations and chromatographic methods of analysis. Techniques including sample preparation, instrumentation set-up and maintenance, calibration, precision measurement, safety, and data collection/analysis are studied. Selected techniques/instrumentation presented in this course include solid and liquid phase separations/extractions, liquid and gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and capillary electrophoresis. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NLST-230 and NLST-250 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring). |
4 |
| NLST-260 | Laboratory Methods This course is a capstone to the program's focus on the application of laboratory tools, techniques, procedures, and scientific theory. Professional and ethical behavior standards in the science laboratory environment and current trends in performing analyses from advanced standard methods are central to this course. Students synthesize information learned in previous and concurrent technical courses by participating in job related simulations. This course also serves as a final mechanism for Co-op preparation. Students finalize a Laboratory Science Technology portfolio. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NLST-225 equivalent course.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring). |
3 |
| NLST-299 | Co-op: Laboratory Science Technology This cooperative work experience gives students matriculated in the Laboratory Science Technology program a practical sampling of working in the field of laboratory sciences. Students will work under the supervision of qualified professionals while performing a variety of tasks pertaining to the field. CO OP (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
0 |
| Third Year | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| NLST-232 | Laboratory Mathematics This course addresses classic laboratory calculations and elementary descriptive statistics in the context of modern information technology and computing methods. Use of hand-held calculators and computer software to exchange, analyze and chart electronically-stored data is a central focus of this course. Study is closely coordinated with student experiences in Laboratory Science Technology courses. Topics include basic descriptive statistics with quality control applications, capture and analysis of real laboratory data, exponential and logarithmic modeling, and applications of scientific concepts. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NMTH-212 or higher or have a math placement score greater than or equal to 40 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring). |
|
| NMTH-220 | Trigonometry Topics include the trigonometric ratios, radian measure, angles in a coordinate system, ratio values for special angles, trigonometric inverses, graphs of trigonometric functions, and trigonometric identities and equations (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NMTH-212 or higher or have a math placement score equal to 40 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring). |
|
| NMTH-250 | Elementary Statistics An introductory statistics course utilizing a lecture/lab format in which statistics concepts, probability, probability distributions, and bivariate data are studied. Statistical concepts that are essential for an understanding of social and political issues of contemporary life will be emphasized. Statistical software and applications will be introduced. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed (UWRT-100 or 150) and NMTH-210 or higher with a grade of C- or better or have a math placement score greater than or equal to 40 or equivalent courses.Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed (UWRT-100 or 150) and NMTH-210 or higher with a grade of C- or better or have a math placement score greater than or equal to 40 or equivalent courses.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring). |
|
| NMTH-275 | Advanced Mathematics Topics from precalculus mathematics are studied with an emphasis on functions and graphs. Topics include the algebra of functions and the study of inverse functions. Rational, exponential, logarithmic and piecewise-defined functions are among those studied. Students, who earn credit for NMTH-275, cannot take NMTH-260 or NMTH-272. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NMTH-212 or equivalent course with a grade of C- or better or have a math placement score greater than or equal to 40.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring). |
|
Technical Electives‡ |
6 | |
NTID General Education – Perspective§ |
3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 67 |
|
See NTID General Education Curriculum (GE) requirements for more information.
See Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing associate degrees are required to complete one Wellness course.
† Students placing above NMTH-212 can take a higher-level NMTH course or any course from a non-science GE Perspective area.
‡ Courses that may be used as a technical elective include: Chemical Technology (NLST-270), Undergraduate Research: Laboratory Science Technology (NLST-285, with department approval), NSCI-120 or above with department approval, or NMTH-220 or above with department approval.
§ This GE Perspective course may be from any of the following three Perspective categories: ASL-Deaf Cultural Studies; Communication, Social & Global Awareness; or Creative and Innovative Exploration.
Admissions and Financial Aid
For the career-focused AOS Degree
- 2 years of math required
- 1 year of science required
- English language skills as evidenced by application materials determine associate degree options.
Specific English, Mathematics, and Science Requirements and other Recommendations
- English: Placement into Career English I (NENG-212) or above. Students successfully completing AOS degrees typically enter with reading scores of 79 or higher on the NTID Reading Test and writing scores of 39 or higher on the NTID Writing Test.
- Mathematics: Placement into Integrated Algebra (NMTH-212) or above. Typically, students entering this major will have completed at least three years of high school mathematics.
- Science: Typically, students entering this major will have completed at least two years of high school science. Completion of high school chemistry is required.
- ACT (optional): The ACT middle 50% composite score is 14-17.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.
RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships
Contact
Program Contact
- Austin Gehret
- Department Chair
- Department of Science and Mathematics
- National Technical Institute for the Deaf
- 585‑475‑3971
- augnts@rit.edu
Offered within
the
Department of Science and Mathematics
Department of Science and Mathematics