Biotechnology Lab Assistant Certificate of Achievement

The Bay Area is the birthplace of biotechnology. The high density of biotechnology companies and universities in this area has generated an increased demand for entry-level jobs. This program is designed to give a rigorous and engaging hands-on introduction to the biosciences while strengthening the math and language skills needed for success in these entry-level positions. The Biotechnology Lab Assistant Certificate will prepare students for jobs such as laboratory aides & assistants, laboratory safety monitors and laboratory testing. No previous science coursework or experience is necessary for entry into this program.  Students do need to have completed Math 40, or the equivalent.  Students will gain valuable experience with laboratory work, documentation, and collaborative work with their peers.  Students will also get an overview of the biotechnology industry and survey different careers.  After successful completion of this certificate, students will be ready for an entry level position or a Biotechnology Program-supported internship.  Some courses for this certificate also satisfy requirements for the AS in Biotechnology and for transfer to a four-year university.

Annual enrollment is anticipated to be 25 students with 20 completers. 

The goal of the Biotechnology Lab Assistant Certificate is to prepare students for entry level employment as a lab assistant in the biotechnology industry; or, to prepare students for a Biotechnology Program-supported internship. The program introduces students to laboratory skills, biological and chemical principles, and career choices in the biotechnology industry.

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Perform basic mathematical calculations and follow laboratory protocols used in common procedures and techniques in biotechnology and other related industries.
• Apply knowledge of cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) and GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) to complete work in a regulated biotechnology operation.
• Record and communicate accurate records of laboratory work.
• Describe career skills in different fields in the biotechnology and other related industries.

Course sequencing depends on the coursework completed prior to starting the certificate.

First semester units = 10 - 12

Second semester units = 12 - 13

Total units = 22 - 25

Course                                                     Units                  Sequence

BIO 11 Science of Living Organisms       4.00                    Y1, S1

BTEC 14A Biotechnology Laboratory 

                  Techniques                              3.00                    Y1, S1

BTEC 108A Practical Mathematics for 

                    Laboratory Science               2.00                    Y1, S1

Choose one of the following courses (Career and biotechnology industry overview):

BTEC 4 Introduction to Biotechnology    3.00                    Y1, S1

BTEC 5 Briefings in Biotechnology           1.00                    Y1, S1

                                                                      Semester 1 total 10-12

Required Courses (continuation of basic skills and concepts):

BTEC 12A GLP and GMP Principles          1.00                    Y1, S2

BTEC 15 Career Exploration in 

                Bioscience                                   2.00                    Y1, S2

CMST 1A Elements of Public Speaking     3.00                    Y1, S2

CHEM 32 Introduction to Medical 

                  Chemistry                                  4.00                     Y1, S2

Choose 2 units from the following electives (Advanced skills):

BTEC 20 Mammalian Cell Culture             3.00                     Y1 ,S2

BTEC 22 Enzyme Linked 

               Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)    1.00                     Y1, S2

BTEC 23 Western Blotting Techniques      1.00                     Y1, S2

BTEC 24 Introduction to PCR                      1.00                     Y1, S2

BTEC 25 Analytical PCR                                1.00                     Y1, S2

                                                                        Semester 2 total 12-13

                                                                                           Total: 22 - 25

In addition to preparing students for entry level Lab Assistant positions, the Biotechnology Lab Assistant certificate can be preparation for advanced biotechnology certificates and the Biotechnology AS degree. Students can apply courses from this certificate to complete the new Biotechnology and Biotechnology Work Experience certificates, and the Biotechnology AS degree.

Several community colleges and universities in the Bay Area that offer biotechnology programs in response to the high demand of entry level workers in the biotechnology fields in the Bay Area. Ohlone College, Solano College, Berkeley City College, Contra Costa College, Laney College and Skyline College all offer biotechnology training but they serve different sub regions of the Bay Area than City College of San Francisco. Skyline College offers a Biotechnology Manufacturing Assistant certificate program which is similar to the CCSF Biotechnology Lab Assistant certificate. The Skyline program focuses on manufacturing, whereas the Biotechnology Lab Assistant certificate program teaches a range of skills to prepare students for careers in manufacturing or research.