Degree(s) Available:
Certificate(s):
Biotechnology is a continually evolving field offering solutions to problems in fields such as forensics, pharmaceutical, medical research, alternative fuels, and agriculture. Lone Star College–Montgomery offers the skills necessary for entry-level work in the bioscience industry. The biotechnology associate of applied science (AAS) degree program offers experiences in cell culture, laboratory methods, molecular biology, and laboratory instrumentation. Additionally, the program includes a sequence of biology, chemistry, and microbiology. In the final semester of the program, students work as interns in area biotechnology companies or medical center research labs to complete their training. The Lone Star College–Montgomery Biotechnology program is the top-ranked program in Texas and the only one to be rated as “Exemplary” by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
After completing the AAS degree, students may choose to transfer to a neighboring university and enroll in a “2+2” program leading to a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology or related fields. Currently, such a program exists with the University of Houston–Downtown and the University of Texas, Medical Branch. The courses for several of these bachelor degree programs are offered at The University Center, located on the Lone Star College–Montgomery campus.
For students with an AS or BS degree in the natural sciences, Lone Star College–Montgomery offers an Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) in biotechnology. Students who have taken the prerequisite courses in chemistry and biology can complete the Biotechnology ATC in one year. The program requires only seven courses, including an internship, and thus allows students rapid entry into the biotech workforce.
Students with the appropriate level of prior training may elect to take individual courses within the biotechnology core, with the exception of the internship course. A student, for example, may take the Molecular Biology Techniques course (BITC 2441) to gain skills in that area.
The Lone Star College–Montgomery Biotechnology Institute (MCBI) was created to establish a point of contact for all biotechnology training inquiries. The Institute’s goal is to prepare students for all levels of entry into the biotechnology industry. The MCBI functions to identify and meet biotechnology industry training needs, recruit students using a variety of outreach programs, help retrain workers changing careers through the Biotechnology ATC, and partner with four-year programs. For more information about the MCBI, please e-mail mcbiotech@lonestar.edu, call 936.273.7060, or visit our website at http://montgomery.lonestar.edu/137926