View Biotechnology A.A.S. (G): 334
View Biotechnology Certificate (G): 219
View Biomanufacturing Certificate (G): 246
The biotechnology program is designed to instruct and train students in the field of biotechnology. Entry-level workers in the field of biotechnology are involved in laboratory work such as DNA isolation or sequencing, cell culture, toxicology or vaccine sterility testing, antibody production and isolation, and the testing and development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Courses are designed to prepare students for both academic achievement and successful employment in the biotechnology industry. The program offers both a degree and a certificate to meet students' differing needs.
Statewide Program
Revised: Effective Semester - Fall 2009
On completion of the biotechnology A.A.S., the student may transfer to another institution and earn a B.S. or M.S. in a biological science or may elect to enter the workforce. Course selection within the curriculum depends on which option the student selects.
The emphasis of the program is on applied laboratory skills relevant to the biotechnology industry. A solid foundation is obtained through introductory coursework in biotechnology, biology, chemistry, and mathematics. These background courses prepare students for more rigorous upper-level applied coursework in biotechnology, biology, and chemistry taken during the second year. On completion of three or more biotechnology classes with a grade point average of 2.5 or better and with consent of the biotechnology coordinator, the student has the option of applying to enroll in the biotechnology practica for off-campus training at local partner biotechnology companies. This option must be selected within six months of completing the on-campus courses. These practica often result in full-time employment opportunities. High school biology, chemistry, and math (algebra II) are strongly recommended.
Because of the variation in requirements of four-year institutions, students are urged to consult an adviser about specific course selections.
| General Education Requirements |
| Foundation Courses |
|
|
|
English foundation |
3 |
| |
Health foundation |
1 |
| |
Mathematics foundation |
3 |
| |
Speech foundation |
3 |
| Distribution Courses |
|
|
| |
Arts or humanities distribution |
3 |
| |
Behavioral and social sciences distribution |
3 |
| BI 107 |
Principles of Biology 1 (NSLD) |
4 |
| Program Requirements |
| BI 203 |
Microbiology |
4 |
| BI 209 |
General Genetics |
4 |
| BT 101 |
Introduction to Biotechnology |
2 |
| BT 117 |
Cell Culture and Cell Function |
3 |
| BT 200 |
Protein Biotechnology |
4 |
| BT 204 |
Basic Immunology and Immunological Methods |
4 |
| BT 213 |
Nucleic Acid Methods |
4 |
| CH 101 |
Principles of Chemistry I |
4 |
| CH 120 |
Essentials of Organic and Biochemistry |
|
OR
|
|
|
| CH 203 |
Organic Chemistry I |
4-5 |
| EN 101 |
Introduction to College Writing* |
3 |
| Electives (Select a minimum of 5 credit hours) |
| BT 115 |
Instrumentation for the Biotechnology Laboratory |
3 |
| BT 221 |
Biotechnology Practicum |
1–3 |
| BT 235 |
Principles of Biomanufacturing |
4 |
| CA 120 |
Introduction to Computer Applications |
3 |
| CH 102 |
Principles of Chemistry II |
4 |
| CH 204 |
Organic Chemistry II |
5 |
| |
MA elective |
3 |
Total credit hours 61-63 |
* EN 101 if needed for EN 1009/109 or general elective.
Program Outcomes for the Biotechnology A.A.S. Degree
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Complete, independently, basic laboratory tasks common to Biotechnology such as documentation, pipetting, buffer preparation, dilutions, and gel electrophoresis.
- Define and explain the basic principles, concepts, and techniques of Biotechnology.
- Be technically prepared for entry-level positions in the local Biotechnology Industry.
- Be academically prepared to complete his or her bachelor of science degree or similar four-year degree.
This certificate curriculum is intended to prepare people for immediate employment in the biotechnology field. This curriculum is suitable for students currently working in the biotechnology or medical technology field who want to upgrade or update their skills or for those who have obtained a bachelor's degree in the life sciences and want additional training. Students must obtain consent of the biotechnology program coordinator before enrolling in the certificate curriculum. To enter directly into the certificate curriculum, students must have met the prerequisites for the biotechnology courses (see Course Descriptions section in this catalog).
| BT 101 |
Introduction to Biotechnology |
2 |
| BT 115 |
Instrumentation for the Biotechnology Laboratory |
3 |
| BT 117 |
Cell Culture and Cell Function |
3 |
| BT 200 |
Protein Biotechnology |
4 |
| BT 204 |
Basic Immunology and Immunological Methods |
4 |
| BT 213 |
Nucleic Acid Methods |
4 |
Total credit hours 20 |
Program Outcomes for the Biotechnology Certificate
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Complete independently basic laboratory tasks common to Biotechnology such as documentation, pipetting, buffer preparation, dilutions, and gel electrophoresis.
- Define and explain the basic principles, concepts, and techniques of Biotechnology.
- Be technically prepared for entry level positions in the local Biotechnology Industry.
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Gainful Employment Disclosure
Institution OPEID: 006911
Program CIP: 41.0101
Program Length: 2 semesters (this does not include time for developmental or AELP courses)
Related Occupations: Biological Technicians
Cost:
- Cost for entire program completed in 2 semesters: $2,920
- Total estimated costs for books and supplies for the entire program: $1,200
- More cost information
Montgomery College does not offer on-campus housing
Debt at Program Completion:
Between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012:
- 7 students completed this program; 0 of them had student loan debt upon completing the program
- Median cumulative debt for all students (both borrowers and non-borrowers): 0
$0 Federal student loan debt
$0 Private loan debt
Program Completion in Normal Time: 0 of 10 students completed the program within 2 semesters
Job Placement: This program is not required to collect job placement information by the college's accrediting agency. This information will be updated as it becomes available.
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New Effective Semester - Fall 2009
This certificate curriculum is designed to prepare students for immediate employment in biomanufacturing. This certificate is suitable for students who have completed high school and desire fast entry into the biotechnology industry, for people who want to update or upgrade their skills, or for those who have obtained a bachelor’s degree in the life sciences and want additional training. Students must obtain consent of the biotechnology program coordinator before enrolling in the certificate curriculum. To enter directly into the certificate curriculum, students must have met the prerequisites for the courses (see Course Descriptions section in this catalog).
| Biotechnology Core Requirements (22 credit hours) |
| BI 107 |
Principles of Biology I |
4 |
| BT 115 |
Instrumentation for the Biotechnology Laboratory |
3 |
| BT 117 |
Cell Culture and Cell Function |
3 |
| BT 200 |
Protein Biotechnology |
4 |
| BT 235 |
Principles of Biomanufacturing |
4 |
| CH 101 |
Principles of Chemistry I |
4 |
Electives (Select one BI and one CH course)
|
|
| BI 203 |
Microbiology |
4 |
| BI 209 |
General Genetics |
4 |
| CH 102 |
Principles of Chemistry II |
4 |
| CH 120 |
Essentials of Organic and Biochemistry |
4 |
| CH 203 |
Organic Chemistry I |
5 |
Total credit hours 30-31 |
Program Outcomes for the Biomanufacturing Certificate
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Complete, independently and working in teams, basic laboratory tasks common to Biomanufacturing such as documentation, pipetting, buffer preparation, dilutions, and gel electrophoresis.
- Define and explain the basic principles, concepts, and techniques of Biomanufacturing.
- Be technically prepared for entry level positions in the local Biotechnology Industry.
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Gainful Employment Disclosure
Institution OPEID: 006911
Program CIP: 41.0101
Program Length: 3 semesters (this does not include time for developmental or AELP courses)
Related Occupations: Biological Technicians
Cost:
- Cost for entire program completed in 3 semesters: $4,526
- Total estimated costs for books and supplies for the entire program: $1,200
- More cost information
Montgomery College does not offer on-campus housing
Debt at Program Completion:
Between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012:
- 0 students completed this program; 0 of them had student loan debt upon completing the program
- Median cumulative debt for all students (both borrowers and non-borrowers):
$0 Federal student loan debt
$0 Private loan debt
Program Completion in Normal Time: 0 of 0 students completed the program within 3 semesters
Job Placement: This program is not required to collect job placement information by the college's accrediting agency. This information will be updated as it becomes available.
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Refer to course description pages to identify courses with prerequisites.
Courses in italics meet General Education requirements.