Biomanufacturing

The biomanufacturing degree expands on the skills and theoretical foundation presented in the bioprocess technology certificate to further prepareentry-level technicians for employment in the regulated environment of biomanufacturing.Technicians in this field must learn and implement laboratory procedures anduse specialized laboratory equipment in the production of a cell-based product.Competency in organizational, computational, and communication skills is required.This program is designed to give students the theoretical background andpractical experience necessary to work effectively in biomanufacturing at theentry level as well as to prepare them for advancement to the baccalaureatedegree in biomanufacturing at MiraCosta College. Graduates of this program canexpect to be employed in various capacities, including quality control, qualityassurance, production, process development, and analytical testing.

This modified A.S degree in biomanufacturing is being used to complete the first two years of the B.S. in biomanufacturing that MiraCosta College was awarded through SB850 and subsequent approval by the Board of Governors.

In preparation for the application to the Chancellor’s Office, theCollege’s Biotechnology Department surveyed 138 current and former biotechnology students. The results indicated 48 percent were very interested and an additional 34 percent were interested in the baccalaureate program, as illustrated below, pending more detail on course work developed in partnership with industry.  Therefore, there was clear demand to support not only the new bachelor’s degree but also this modified A.S. degree.  Since the launch of the BS program, we have consistently welcomed 23-30 students to each cohort, which has a maximum size of 30 students per year.

The associate in science (AS) degree in biomanufacturing is aligned with MiraCosta’s mission as a career and technical education program and as an effort to support theeconomic and educational well-being of the communities served. This modified biomanufacturing degree explicitly builds upon the College’s existing biotechnology certificates.The modified AS degree allows students who complete this local associate degree or equivalent course work from other colleges to successfully transfer into ourbachelor’s degree program, which will better prepare them for entry-level positions in biotechnology within the region and beyond.

The modified biomanufacturing program will serve the needs of the growing biotechnology economic sector in San Diego County. There will be significant growth in biomanufacturing positions in coming years, and MiraCosta College’s AS degree is well-positioned to serve this need.

The MiraCosta Community College Educational Plan 2016-2020 (addendum to thecollege’s Comprehensive Master Plan 2011-2020) contains 14 institutional objectives that describe strategies for achieving the College’s five institutional goals. The modified degree program in biomanufacturing is aligned with Institutional Goal I, as an innovative practice that will broaden access to higher education for students, Institutional Goal II, as an institution that maximizes student success, and Institutional Goal V, as a conscientious community partner in serving to provide students with the needed skills to participate in the growing biotechnology sector.

The modified associate in science degree program will prepare students for careers a manufacturing technician/associate, environmental monitoring technician/associate, process development technician/associate, quality control technician/associate/analyst,quality assurance technician/associate, or documentation specialist within the biotechnology industry.  The modification adds coursework options in advanced skills, such as CRISPR gene editing, and curriculum exploring the impact of biotechnology and workforce skills needed for this growing industry.  These modifications were proposed after discussions with the advisory board and local companies during individual site visits.

This modified degree further ensures that the student will complete the appropriate preparation to be eligible to apply to the bachelor’s degree program in Biomanufacturing at MiraCosta.  Upon completion of this program, students will be able to successfully perform a technical laboratory task common to the biomanufacturing environment by employing the appropriate equipment and tools, safely and effectively.

Upon completion of this program students will be able to successfully perform a technical laboratory task common to the biomanufacturing environment by employing the appropriate equipment and tools, safely and effectively.

NOTE:  Full narrative for this program modification is attached.