Degree: Certificate
HEGIS Code: 5205
Curriculum Code: 2150
Campus Location: North
Health Sciences Division
Program Description
The Biomanufacturing Certificate Program will provide our local business sector college graduates with the knowledge of basic biomanufacturing principles and laboratory skills necessary for entry-level employment. There is currently a significant need for entry-level biomanufacturing employees in local industry.
The target population to be served by the program would be students who have identified an interest in science, laboratory skills and manufacturing practices. The required coursework combines both didactic and laboratory instruction. The successful completion of laboratory competencies will provide the graduate the expected skills required for employment within biomanufacturing environments.
The program to train biomanufacturing technicians emphasizes the development of laboratory skills and characteristics essential to the biomanufacturing industry. The program’s curriculum encompasses a concentration of courses in the manufacturing area relating to studies in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Regulatory Compliance and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), along with courses in the liberal arts, social science, sciences and mathematics. Students will also study basic laboratory skills, aseptic process and bio-safety.
Gowning supplies will be used to provide “simulated” clean-room instruction with industry-like protocols. It is imperative that students understand the environment of a clean-room and the necessary skills to perform in clean-room areas. Therefore, a simulation is imperative to ensure an understanding of working within this type of environment and will prove to be a positive factor in helping to develop student commitment, support student interest, and encourage retention.
During the last semester of the program, students will be required to complete a 160-hour internship at one of our local industry affiliates.
Admission Criteria includes:
- high school graduate or GED;
- overall high school average of 80 percent within the last five years;
- an 80 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 2.5 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 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. The student must receive a passing grade in all other coursework (BI, CH,CS,EN, HU, MA, MT). 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. 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 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 certificate, 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
Total Degree Credits: 28.5 credits
Return to: