The Biotechnology Technician Certificate of Achievement provides classroom and hands-on laboratory training needed for entry-level employment in the areas of manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance, and research and development in the biotechnology industry. Workplace skills, understanding of industry requirements for employees, and work-based experience are emphasized.
This program trains and educates students for thoughtful, productive work in research laboratories and industrial situations. Upon completion of a certificate or degree, students will be able to: maintain a safe and productive work environment, manage and communicate information, perform mathematical manipulations, perform measurements/tests/assays, prepare solutions and media, and comply with applicable regulations and standards.
Course Requirements (6 total)
Core Biotechnology Course #1
- BIOSC172 – Introduction to biotechnology (3U)
Core Biotechnology Coure #2
- BIOSC157/9 – Foundations in biotechnology lecture and lab (3U)
Advanced Lab course #1 (choose 1)
- BIOSC186 : Protein Purification and Analysis (Purification and analysis of biological molecules)
- BIOSC188 : Biotechnology Operations
- BIOSC183 : Eukaryotic (Mammalian) Cell Culture
- BIOSC182 : GLP and cGMP, Principles and Compliance (Safety and efficacy of regulated products)
- BIOSC147 : Molecular and Cellular Biology
Advanced Lab course #2 (choose 1)
- BIOSC186 : Protein Purification and Analysis (Purification and analysis of biological molecules)
- BIOSC188 : Biotechnology Operations
- BIOSC183 : Eukaryotic (Mammalian) Cell Culture
- BIOSC182 : GLP and cGMP, Principles and Compliance (Safety and efficacy of regulated products)
- BIOSC147 : Molecular and Cellular Biology
Business and Communication (choose 1)
- BUS 120 : Introduction to Management
- SPCH 120 : Public Speaking
Computer and data proficiency (choose 1)
- MATH164 : Introduction to Probability and Statistics
- CIS135 : Introduction to Computers
- BOT224 : Microsoft Excel for Business
- BOT226 : Microsoft Access for Business
Competencies
- Graduates are able to follow procedures, correctly use typical laboratory equipment and glassware, are meticulous about labeling. They have extensive training and practice in the correct use of laboratory notebooks for documenting all activities, data, and analysis.
- Graduates communicate effectively, both in writing and in conversation, and are skilled at working in teams. Some have excellent presentation skills.
- Graduates have strong math skills. All are able to use typical laboratory calculations (eg. unit conversion, ratios, dilutions with multiple solutes, graphing) to plan and analyze experiments. Some have extensive statistics training.
- Graduates can provide routine facility support including: Media and other Solutions prepared correctly, Demonstrate correct usage of precision measuring devices
- Graduates can identify key validation concepts including equipment, process, computer, analytical and cleaning validation
Skills in
- Scientific Communication of biology and life science
- Aligning biotechnology products to basic biology concepts
- Navigate biotechnology company structure and innovation culture
- Polymerase chain reaction
- Bioassays
- Maintaining detailed lab records
- Good documentation practices
- Standard Operating Procedures
- cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
- Cell culture in bioreactors
- Chromatography for purification and analysis
- Quantitative analysis of purified molecules
- and more!
Knowledge of
- Biological structures and molecules (Cells, genes, DNA, Protein…)
- Regulations affecting the biotechnology field
- Cell culture, including stem cells
- Lab processes and procedures
- cGMP and GLP
- Batch records
- Importance of following established procedures
- Inspections & Audits
- Quality Assurance and Quality Control
- Laboratory calculations for media and assays
- Scale up
- cGMP, GLP
- and more!
Ability to
- Explain common life science techniques (PCR, chromatography, sequencing)
- Discuss legal and ethical issues surrounding biotechnology
- Explain process of bio-product development and manufacturing
- Method development
- Follow SOP’s
- Accurate data collection
- Comply with regulations and oversight in biological manufacturing
- Product development and commercialization with cGMP and GLP
- Validation: Equipment, Process, Computer, Analytical, Cleaning
- Analyze purification data (yield, purity)
- Batch Records
- Develop purification strategies based on molecule characteristics
- and more!
What type of jobs does this prepare for?
- Biological manufacturing Technician
- Laboratory Technician
- QA/QC Analyst/Technician/Associate
- Research Associate (with Bachelor’s degree)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Comply with applicable Regulations and Standards, including good documentation and labeling
- Perform Mathematical manipulations, including accurate preparation solutions and dilutions
- Maintain a safe and productive work environment
- Perform measurements, tests or assays and present data in an appropriate manner
For the official Biotechnology Technician Certificate of Achievement Program Outline of Record (POR) click here.