Biotech 1: Basic Wet Lab Skills Certificate of Achievement

Catalog Description– 

Biotechnology I: Basic Wet Lab Skills Certificate of Achievement

Biotechnology utilizes biological systems or living organisms to create products and solve real-world problems. From employing bacteria to produce human insulin, to genetically changing a patient’s own immune system cells so they can better fight cancer, the biotech industry continues to expand and innovate. By acquiring a certificate of achievement in biotechnology, students will attain the necessary fundamentals in biology, chemistry, and wet-lab skills for entry-level positions in biotechnology-related laboratories and facilities, like manufacturing technician and laboratory assistant. The courses required for this certificate provide students the option of pursuing the Biotechnology Level 2 certificate, which focuses on skills needed for jobs in Biomanufacturing, and the Associate of Science degree in Biotechnology. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate the importance of maintaining a safe and productive work environment through utilizing safety data sheets, appropriate personal protective equipment, and following relevant safety guidelines and procedures.
2. Safely operate and troubleshoot standard industry equipment and instrumentation.
3. Perform standard industry techniques according to established procedures or instructions, faithfully document data and results according to established procedures, and interpret results as appropriate.
4. Perform calculations related to solution preparation and data analysis.

Courses	Title	Units
BIOL 120	Introduction to Biology	4
CHEM 110	Elementary Chemistry	4
BTEC 120	Introduction to Biotechnology	4
ET 103	Industrial Process Control	2
MATH 112	Elementary Statistics	4
	Total Certificate Requirement	18

Initially, we project 10 students to earn this certificate annually. We expect this number to grow as the program becomes more established.

The biology program has a dual mission: to provide future biologists and health professionals with their introductory education in the biological sciences and to provide biological education to a diverse student population, promoting an understanding of living things and fulfilling the general education requirements for associate’s degrees or transfer.

Biotechnology utilizes biological systems or living organisms to create products and solve real-world problems. From employing bacteria to produce human insulin, to genetically changing a patient’s own immune system cells so they can better fight cancer, the biotech industry continues to expand and innovate. The biotechnology program is aimed at preparing students for positions in the biotechnology industry, including biological technicians and biomanufacturing production technicians. Students will develop a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of biology, biochemistry, biotechnology concepts, and industrial regulations. This course of study also provides students with an understanding of the unifying principles of biology including cell theory and reproduction, inheritance, aerobic respiration and fermentation, and the central dogma. 
 
The biotechnology program has a strong emphasis on lab experiences and the development of lab and research skills. The program also stresses the principles of scientific reasoning, the ability to critically assess information, and the ability to apply what was learned. Students are encouraged to reflect on how we know what we know, how to ask questions that will lead to new knowledge, and how to seek out answers through experimentation. Students will also develop the ability to effectively explain ideas and research through written and verbal communication. The program will produce conscientious technicians that can navigate the high demand, professional, and interdisciplinary environment of the biomanufacturing and related fields. 

The 18-unit Biotechnology I: Basic Wet Lab Skills Certificate is designed to be completed in a typical academic year of two semesters.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
BIOL 120	Introduction to Biology	4	S1
ET 103	Industrial Process Control	2	S1
MATH 112	Elementary Statistics	4	S1
BTEC 120	Introduction to Biotechnology	4	S2
CHEM 110	Elementary Chemistry	4	S2

This program will be a part of the biology department. The required courses are part of the planed AS Degree in Biotechnology.

Compton College: https://www.compton.edu//gpdiv/career-education/biotechnology-and-biomanufacturing.aspx Citrus College: https://www.citruscollege.edu/academics/programs/biot/Pages/default.aspx Moorpark College: https://www.moorparkcollege.edu/departments/academic/biotechnology Los Angeles Trade Tech: https://www.lattc.edu/academics/pathways/as/certificates-degrees/biotechnology-biomanufacturing

Initially, we project 7-10 students to earn this certificate annually. We expect this number to grow as the program becomes more established.

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