Biotechnological Science, Certificate

Degree: Certificate
HEGIS Code: 5205
Curriculum Code: 2150.BIM
Health Sciences Division

Program Description

SUNY Erie’s Biotechnological Science Certificate Program provides graduates with an affordable education that combines actual biotechnological and bio-manufacturing practices, lean manufacturing and hands-on lab equipment experiences. Students interested in science, technology, engineering and math will be equipped with the technical skills needed to begin a career right here in Western New York.

Erie Community College has partnered with local pharmaceutical, medical device and food processing companies to train entry-level biotechnology and bio-manufacturing technicians, who can produce new drug discoveries, biomedical devices used in surgeries, and food products in a very clean environment.

Industry technicians are in high demand not only in Western New York but also throughout the United States. Graduates of this program can expect to work in a manufacturing environment that is clean and regulated by the FDA ensuring these products are safe or human use. Graduates of this program can select from several career paths as technicians or operators of clean room manufacturing, research and development of new drugs, product testing of new medical devices, or in food manufacturing and safety.

Instructors who teach our core courses have years of work experience in biotechnology, bio-manufacturing and food production industries. The program’s curriculum encompasses courses in good manufacturing practices, lean manufacturing and regulatory compliance agency guidelines.  Students practice how to read, write and interpret standard operating procedures. They are instructed in aseptic processes, bio-safety and basic laboratory skills. They will have hands-on training in laboratory equipment, clean-room simulation and gowning to meet specific needs of local industry.

Admission Criteria includes:

• high school graduate or HSE (High School Equivalency);
• overall high school average of 75% within the last five years;
• an 75% final grade in high school general biology and chemistry;
• a minimum college GPA of 2.5 within the last 5 years;
• completion of all required developmental English courses;
• completion of developmental math courses; and
• completion of high school biology or Biology 107 and high school chemistry or chemistry with a lab (CH 140/141) achieving a minimal grade of “C” in both 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 bio-manufacturing training.
• Students must complete all BT courses within a four-year limit.
• Students must achieve an overall QPA of 2.0.

Progression

The student must maintain a minimum grade of “C” in all Biotechnological Science (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 Biotechnological Science Program. Because of the critical nature of the profession, deviations from professional conduct may adversely affect the patient’s well-being. Therefore, the department reserves the right to immediately remove the student from didactic, laboratory and clinical course work and/or dismiss that student from the program if the department determines that the student has acted in an unprofessional manner or if the student is unable to provide safe laboratory practices.

Essential Functions

In order for the student to perform the essential functions of the biotechnology and bio-manufacturing professions, the following technical standards are required of students entering the Biotechnological Science Certificate 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 Biotechnological Science certificate, the graduate will be able to:

1. perform laboratory calculations;
2. perform record and evaluate quality control procedures;
3. report results in writing, orally or electronically by established procedures;
4. observe established safety procedures;
5. perform procedures necessary to the profession; and
6. demonstrate a professional level of conduct, including appearance, quality and quantity of work, human relations, leadership skills, and written and verbal communication skills.

Curriculum

Total Degree Credits: 31.0