Biotechnology

Degree(s) Available:

• Biotechnology

Certificate(s)  :

• Biotechnology Advanced Technical Certificate

The biotechnology associate of applied science degree program is designed to prepare graduates for employment as biotechnicians. Skills in cell culture, laboratory methods, molecular biology, and laboratory instrumentation are included in the courses that make up the specialized portion of this degree plan. Additionally, there is a sequence of basic sciences that is included in the plan – biology, chemistry, and microbiology. The internship experience occurs in the final semester of the program and students will be placed in area biotechnology companies or medical center research labs to complete their training. The biotechnology associate of applied science degree is awarded for successful completion of the 71 semester credit hours required in the degree plan.

Students who have already obtained an associates or bachelors degree may choose instead to obtain an Advanced Technical Certificate in biotechnology.  This option is open to students who already have a qualifying degree and have completed the required prerequisite laboratory courses:  one year of chemistry and 3 semesters of biology, including microbiology.  Like the AAS degree, this 24 semester hour program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to obtain jobs in the biotechnology sector in one year, including a required internship.

The biotechnology program also offers qualified students the opportunity to take individual courses within the biotechnology core. Students with the appropriate level of prior training may elect, for example, to take only the Molecular Biology Techniques – BITC 2441 course to gain skills in that area.

Graduates of the biotechnology program are prepared to enter the rapidly growing field of biotechnology. Opportunities exist in the pharmaceutical industry, medical research industry, and agricultural industry, among others, for graduates of the program.

Alternatively, graduates may choose to transfer to a neighboring university to participate in a “2+2” program that would result in earning a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology. Currently, such a program exists with the University of Houston–Downtown and more articulations are being developed with the medical center area and other universities.

The general education courses in the biotechnology degree plan will transfer to a variety of colleges and universities. For more specific information and to obtain the recommended sequencing of courses, contact the Biotechnology Institute, 936.273.7060.

In 2001, the Montgomery College Biotechnology Institute was created to establish a point of contact for all biotechnology training inquiries. The MCBI aims to prepare students for all levels of entry into the biotechnology industry and to meet the industry’s workforce and continuing education needs. The Institute functions to identify and meet biotechnology industry training needs, recruit high school students, create shorter certificate programs and partner with The University Center to articulate with four-year programs. For more information about the MCBI, please e-mail [email protected], call 936.273.7060, or view http://wwwappsmc.nhmccd.edu/biotech/index.htm