Biotechnology Lab Assistant

The students will be given a Certificate of Achievement following completion of the program requirements if the student has maintained a minimum of a C grade in all required courses. These certificates are designed for students who have limited time to pursue their career goals and wish to specialize in a particular aspect of the field, seek upward mobility in their present job, or may desire to prepare themselves for a new career. Some courses taken in the program apply towards curriculum leading to an Associate Degree. Always consult a counselor for program requirements, graduation and transfer information.

In a 3-year period, we anticipate a total of 105 students enrolling in the program (ATE grant proposal):

 46 students completing the Biotechnology Lab Assistant Certificate

 12 students completing the Biotechnology research Lab Assistant Certificate

 19 students completing the internship and entering the workforce

This certificate is designed for students with limited time but wish to specialize in a particular aspect of the field, seek advancement in their present position, or wish to prepare for a new career.

Career Options:

Middle-skill biotech occupations that require some education and training and less than a Bachelor of Science degree. Occupations include biological technicians, chemical technicians, medical and clinical technicians, quality control analysts, manufacturing production technicians, and inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers and weighers (California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, 2017).

Program Learning Objectives:

 Biotechnology Lab Assistant

Upon completion, students will be able to:

o Using a laboratory notebook, students will learn to employ the principles of proper documentation and recordkeeping and create a standard operating procedures.

o Explain and properly perform molecular biology techniques commonly used in biotechnology-related academic and industrial laboratories.

See Attached document

Biotechnology Lab Assistant Certificate:

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
Chem 65	Introductory General Chemistry I (prerequisites: Math 123 or 125)	4	Y1 Fall
Math 227	Statistics (prerequisites: Math 123 0r 137)	4	Y1 Fall
Biotech 002	Biotechnology I (prerequisites: Chem 65 or equivalent; or successful completion of high school chemistry)	4	Y1 Spring
Biotech 003	Biotechnology II (prerequisites: Biotech 002)	4	Y1 Spring
	Total Units	16

The biotechnology program will be an addition to our college but its curriculum will be an integral part of our STEM courses.

Pasadena City College and some of our sister colleges (ELAC, LAVC, and LATT) have Certificate of Achievement programs, WLA is planning to offer two certificate programs; most of these programs focus on biomanufacturing. Our program is modelled after LAMC biotechnology program which emphasizes quality control.

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