The A.A.S. Biofuels Technology program offers extensive training that provides our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become employed in the biofuels industry. The program emphasizes the development of analytical laboratory skills and the skills necessary to operate and maintain mechanical systems. These are the skills sets that allow our graduates to secure positions with starting salaries that can exceed $30,000/year! Additionally, these skills are applicable to a wide range of industrial environments, further enhancing the opportunity to become employed right after graduation.
With a quick glance at the Course Schedules, you will find this program to be very intense! The program will require you to develop strong skills in science and technology, and will require a good bit of effort and participation on the part of you, the student. Some of the skills you will be developing are outlined below:

• Excellent math and science skills
• Working knowledge of laboratory instrumentation
• Working knowledge of mechanical systems
• Working knowledge of computer-controlled systems
• Ability to follow detailed written instructions
• Ability to plan and manage multiple tasks
• Ability to accurately document all procedures and observances
• The ability to communicate effectively and work in a team environment
• Excellent leadership and supervisory skills

Iowa Central is dedicated to bringing you the very best when it comes to a quality educational experience. We have experienced faculty members who are dedicated to student instruction and advising, and we have a biotechnology and biofuels technology teaching laboratory equipped with the latest in technology for giving you a real hands-on experience. Some of the capabilities we have include:

• Batch preparation of biodiesel and ethanol
• ASTM-specified analytical procedures to determine the physical properties and purity of biofuels including:
• Free and Total Glycerin (Gas Chromatography)
• Residual Sugars (High Pressure Liquid Chromatography)
• Cloud and Pour Point
• Plug Point
• Flashpoint
• Water and Sediment
• Copper Strip Corrosion
• Acid Number
• Distillation Temperature
• Participation in the Decker “2 Million Mile Haul” Field Documentation Study

Students must meet the minimum requirements before being considered for acceptance into the Biofuels Technology program.