Biomanufacturing, A.A.S

Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5205
Curriculum Code: 2436
Campus Location: North
Health Sciences Division

 

Program Description Department Notes Program Competencies Curriculum

Program Description

ECC’s Associate Degree in Applied Science in Biomanufacturing offers students the training and laboratory skills necessary for gainful employment in the pharmaceutical, and food processing industries.

Industry experts suggest a shortage of qualified technicians exists within the regional workforce in Advanced Manufacturing in Western New York. To fill this need for trained technicians, Biomanufacturing’s AAS curriculum has been carefully developed through a combined effort of local industry professionals and academicians. The structure of the core curriculum offers training in the basic principles of Advanced Manufacturing; but most importantly, it offers multiple hands-on laboratory experiences enabling the student to apply the theory to the process.

The AAS degree incorporates the existing Biomanufacturing Certificate stacked as the first year of curriculum while the second year expands core courses in Biomanufacturing combined with a broad spectrum of the following disciplines: Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This design is intended to produce well-rounded graduates who have career options and the transferable skills necessary to obtain employment. Students select an area of concentration in Pharmaceutical/Medical Device Manufacturing or Food Processing Technology after their first semester.

Graduates will seek positions as technicians in manufacturing, research, quality systems, and food processing. Or, they can seamlessly continue their education with our program articulation agreements with SUNY Buffalo State College or Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Admission Criteria includes:

• high school graduate or GED;
• overall high school average of 75 percent within the last five years;
• a 75 percent final grade in high school general biology and chemistry;
• a minimum placement test result at the Math 013 and English 110 level;
• a minimum college GPA of 2.2 within the last 5 years;
• completion of all required developmental English courses;
• completion of developmental math course MT 006; and
• completion of Biology 107 achieving a minimal grade of “C” within the last 5 years.

Department Notes

• Lab coats must be worn and all safety protocol followed in all laboratory courses.
• Students are responsible for providing transportation to off-campus industry sites utilized for tours or biomanufacturing training.
• Students must complete the biomanufacturing courses within a two-year limit.
• Students must achieve an overall QPA of 2.0.

Progression

The student must maintain a minimum grade of “C” in all biomanufacturing (BT) courses and must receive a minimum grade of “C-“ in all other required coursework.  All courses may be repeated only once if minimal grades are not attained or if the student has withdrawn (W) from the course. BT courses are integrated and sequenced in a specific manner to enable students to attain program competencies. All required courses must be passed each semester in order to advance to the following semester.

A second failure in a repeated course (a grade below a “C” in BT courses, a failing grade (F) in all other courses, or a second withdrawal (W) from that course) will result in dismissal from the Biomanufacturing Program. Advance transfer credit for general education or professional courses in which a “C” or above was earned may be arranged when course descriptions match ECC courses.

Essential Functions

In order for the student to perform the essential functions of the biomanufacturing professions, the following technical standards are required of students entering the Biomanufacturing Program.

Vision:
The student must be able to read charts and graphs, discriminate colors, read instrument scales, observe microscopic material, and record results.

Speech and Hearing:
The student must be able to communicate effectively.

Fine Motor Functions:
The student must manifest all the skills which would enable manipulation of laboratory supplies and instrumentation.

Psychological Stability:
The student must demonstrate the emotional health required for full utilization of intellectual abilities.

Program Competencies

Upon graduation with a Biomanufacturing Associate in Applied Science Degree, the graduate will be able to:

• identify direct causes of technical or instrumental problems and make appropriate correction using pre-set strategies;
• calculate laboratory exercises if necessary;
• operate equipment or instruments;
• prepare reagents and media according to prescribed procedures;
• perform, record and evaluate all quality control procedures;
• report results in writing, orally or by computer conforming to established procedures;
• observe established safety measures;
• maintain the work area in a clean, orderly condition;
• demonstrate behavior consistent with acceptable professional conduct standards, such as appearance, quality of work, quantity of work, human relation skills, leadership skills, written, and verbal communication skills; and
• discuss continuing education opportunities in biomanufacturing.

Curriculum