Expanding on its science courses, Diamond Bar High School has finally opened the door to its first-ever biotechnology class, led by biology teacher Diana Wai.
The course allows students to further develop the foundational concepts of AP Biology with extensive laboratory experience and deeper data analysis. Students are expected to integrate foundational knowledge in the world of biology with the aim to proceed for further knowledge in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, and bioinformatics.
The inspiration for the class began with Wai’s observations on student performances and the lives of high school graduates. Even some of the strongest AP Biology students—many of whom pursued biology after graduation—were ineligible to be hired because of the lack of laboratory skills.
“The students understood the concepts incredibly and exceptionally well, but they weren’t given many opportunities to truly experience the deep practices with all the knowledge they had, and so I wanted to bridge the gap,” Wai said.
The difference between AP Biology and biotechnology is the data analysis in scientific situations, whereas biotechnology focuses additionally on the complex data and laboratory skills, highlighting safety protocols, ethical considerations, and accurate data-keeping.
Before the school year began, it was strongly anticipated that instructional pacing would be a demanding challenge. Creating an organized planner for the school year, Wai had to take on the challenge of mapping out a plan for this brand-new class, one that she had never taken herself.
“Sometimes, a lab might take one or two days longer than expected, and we have to work around that. So, the pace would deviate from what was originally planned,” Wai said.
What’s more, several students have expressed their positive enthusiasm with the class so far. They are thoroughly enjoying this unique experience as it is not strictly following a textbook curriculum.
“The goal is to prepare students for future laboratory settings, so we still learn about lab protocols and procedures as an introduction to lab work,” junior Jayden Truong said. “So far, she has taught us how to make a bacterial growth plate and how it should be prepared.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the school year, Wai ultimately hopes the students will leave the class feeling fulfilled. Many students tend to take the class as an experience to immerse themselves in a laboratory environment that is not commonly offered elsewhere.
“I hope that they do learn a lot of the skills and feel confident and purposeful in laboratory science or research positions,” Wai said. “I hope that when they do go to college or graduate, this class will be helpful and beneficial.”