Biotechnology Degree and Certificate Programs
Joe: Here is content for the TC Biotechnology web site. I like the
layout of the Surg. Tech. and Dental Hygiene pages. Keep colors
consistent with TBI colors. I like the Biotechnology logo that was
designed with the molecules on the right.
LINKS (along left of page, similar to Surgical Tech. and Dental Hygiene pages)
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What is Biotechnology?
Employment and Salary
Degree and Certificate Options
The Curriculum
The Biotechnology Program
Internships
Admission Procedures
Program Information Sessions
Faculty
The Texas Bioscience Institute
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Links
For More Information
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is an exciting and growing field which has been described as the
“Science for the New Millennium.” Biotechnology is commonly defined as any
technique that uses living organisms, or parts of living organisms, to make useful
products. In this sense, biotechnology techniques are not new; they have been
around for centuries to make such things as bread, wine and cheese. Today,
biotechnology uses sophisticated laboratory techniques involving living cells and
molecules to create diagnostic, pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural,
environmental, and other products that benefit society.
Employment and Salary
There are many employment opportunities in this exciting field! A graduate of the
program may be employed as a biotechnology technician in a variety of areas
including, medical research labs, agricultural labs, pharmaceutical labs,
environmental labs, government labs, and law enforcement labs.
Some sample job titles include:
 Biotechnology technician
 Research technician
 Quality Control/Quality Assurance technician
 Biological technician
 Biotechnician
 Bioprocessing technician
Biotechnology technicians assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories.
Some of the tasks you will perform include:
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Setting up and monitoring experiments
Preparing reagents and solutions
Operating sophisticated instruments
Caring for and utilizing research animals
Using computers to analyze, calculate and record results
Performing technical procedures such as DNA extractions, cell counting,
protein isolation and purification, polymerase chain reactions,
chromatography, electrophoresis, and various immunology/microbiology
techniques
Development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals
Making observations and writing reports
Managing general laboratory activities
Salaries will vary, depending on the particular area of biotechnology where you
are employed, that is, research, industry, or agriculture, the part of the country
where you are employed, and your education and experience. In general, the
starting salary for a biotechnician working in the medical research area in Central
Texas is approximately $30,000.
Degree and Certificate Programs
Temple College offers several flexible degree and certificate options for students
interested in the biotechnology field.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Biotechnology
This is a two year degree in biotechnology which includes approximately
37 semester hours of prerequisite courses including math, chemistry,
biology, English, the social sciences and humanities. The second year
includes the Biotechnology Program courses and an internship in a
biotechnology/research laboratory. You must complete all of the
prerequisite courses before applying to the Biotechnology Program. The
AAS degree is 71-72 semester hours.
Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) in Biotechnology
This option is for the individual who may already have a related science
degree, either an AAS or BS, and who wants to get into the exciting
biotechnology field, particularly medical research. Students must already
have a related degree and the math and science prerequisites before
applying for the biotechnology program. The program courses and
required internship are approximately 33-34 semester hours and will be
taught at the Texas Bioscience Institute. Students will receive a certificate
of completion indicating their proficiency in biotechnology procedures and
methods.
Enhanced Skills Certificate (ESC) in Genomics/Proteomics
This option is for the individual who has already completed AAS degree or
Advanced Technical Certificate in Biotechnology and who wants to
expand their skills or specialize in the areas of Genomics and Proteomics.
Genetics is required as a prerequisite. The ESC is a total of 11 semester
hours.
The Curriculum
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE
Biotechnology
(Pending Coordinating Board Approval)
First Year
Fall Semester
BIOL
1406
CHEM
1311
CHEM
1111
MATH
1314
ENGL
1301
ELECTIVE
Spring Semester
BITC
1311
CHEM
1408
ENGL
2311
MATH
2342
BIOL
2421
General Biology I
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry Laboratory I
College Algebra (or higher)
English Composition I
Fine Arts/Humanities
Total
4
3
1
3
3
3
17
Introduction to Biotechnology
Introduction to Chemistry II (Bio-Organic)
Technical and Business Writing
Elementary Statistical Methods
Microbiology for Science Majors
Total
3
4
3
3
4
17
Summer Semester (6 Weeks)
ELECTIVE
Social/Behavioral Science
(PSYC 2301 or SOCI 1301 recommended)
Total
3
3
Second Year
Fall Semester
BITC
1402
BITC
2431
BITC
2411
ELECTIVE
Spring Semester
BITC
1250
BITC
2441
BITC
2470
ELECTIVE
(Program Admission Required)
Biotechnology Laboratory Methods and
Techniques
Cell Culture Techniques
Biotechnology Laboratory Instrumentation
BIOL 2316 Genetics, or
BIOL 2404 Anatomy & Physiology, or
BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I
(must take BIOL 2402 A&P next semester)
CHEM 1312/1112 General Chemistry II and
Laboratory
Total
Special Studies & Bioethical Issues of
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology Techniques
Biotechnology in Research and Medicine
BIOL 2316 Genetics, or
BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II, or
CHEM 1312/1112 General Chemistry II
and Laboratory
Total
Summer Semester (12 Weeks)
BITC
2587
Internship –
Biotechnology Laboratory Technician
Total
Total
4
4
4
3-4
15-16
2
4
4
3-4
13-14
5
5
71-72
THE ADVANCED TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
The Advanced Technical Certificate is for the student who may already have a
science related degree and who wishes to enter an exciting biotechnology field.
The curriculum for the ATC consists of the courses offered during Year 2 of the
A.A.S. and an Internship in a research/biotechnology laboratory. Students will
need to have a strong science/math background and comply with the admissions
procedures for the Biotechnology Program to receive the ATC
Prerequisites:
Science related degree, AAS or higher, or junior level standing
BITC 1311 Introduction to Biotechnology
3 sch
MATH 2342 Elementary Statistical Methods 3 sch
Fall Semester
BITC
1402
BITC
2431
BITC
2411
ELECTIVE
Spring Semester
BITC
1250
BITC
2441
BITC
2470
ELECTIVE
Biotechnology Laboratory Methods and
Techniques
Cell Culture Techniques
Biotechnology Laboratory Instrumentation
BIOL 2316 Genetics, or
BIOL 2404 Anatomy & Physiology, or
BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I
(must take BIOL 2402 A&P next semester)
CHEM 1312/1112 General Chemistry II
And Laboratory
Total
Special Studies & Bioethical Issues of
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology Techniques
Biotechnology in Research and Medicine
BIOL 2316 Genetics, or
BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II, or
CHEM 1312/1112 General Chemistry II
and Laboratory
Total
Summer Semester (12 Weeks)
BITC
2587
Internship –
Biotechnology Laboratory Technician
Total
Total
4
4
4
3-4
15-16
2
4
4
3-4
13-14
5
5
40-41
The Biotechnology Program
The Biotechnology Programs consists of 28-29 semester hours of high-quality
lecture and laboratory courses and a hands-on internship or “Capstone
Experience” in a local research/biotechnology laboratory. The program provides
the student with the technical skills and knowledge to work in a number of
biotechnology fields. It also provides a strong foundation for students wishing to
pursue a bachelor’s and/or graduate degree. Students must complete all
prerequisite courses or already possess a science related degree before starting
the program. The Program officially starts fall of 2007. The Introduction to
Biotechnology, BITC 1311, will be offered spring of 2007.
Internships
All students are required to complete a full-time 12 week internship or capstone
experience in a medical research or biotechnology laboratory. The internship is
scheduled at the end of the students course work and provides the student with
hands-on mentored experience by a workplace employee. The student is
required to achieve workplace objectives directly related to the specific type of
laboratory.
Admission Procedures
The Biotechnology Program will begin fall of 2007. Application packets for the
program will be available beginning January 1, 2007. However, students may
begin taking the prerequisite courses in the fall of 2006 and obtain a degree plan
by contacting the Department Chair at any time.
Students desiring admission to the Biotechnology program must first meet the
basic entrance requirements for Temple College and then apply for admission to
the Biotechnology Program. Enrollment is limited and admission is competitive.
The application deadline for the Biotechnology Program is May 1 of the year the
student expects to enter the Program. Special program admission criteria and
procedures are necessary to be accepted into the Biotechnology Program.
To be admitted to the Biotechnology Program, applicants must:
1. Complete the Temple College admission procedure. Admission to Temple
College does not constitute automatic acceptance into the Biotechnology
Program. Admission to the Biotechnology Degree Program is determined
before the Summer Session following the completion of all prerequisite
courses (i.e., first year of courses on the degree plan).
2. Attend a scheduled Biotechnology Program information session or
arrange for a personal appointment with the Department Chairperson.
3. Provide an official transcript showing completion of all prerequisite
courses before the program application deadline of May 1. Prerequisite
courses include: BIOL 2406, CHEM 1311, CHEM 1111, MATH 1314,
ENGL 1301, BITC 1311, CHEM 1408, ENGL 2311, MATH 2342, BIOL
2421 and 6 semester hours in Fine Arts/Humanities and Social/Behavioral
Science electives. All biology and chemistry courses must have been
completed within the last 5 years before admission to the program. A
minimum cumulative and science GPA of 2.5 or above is required for
admission to the program.
4. Complete the program admission application. Applications are due May 1
for the Fall Semester Program start date. Applications will not be
processed if any of the required materials (i.e., transcripts, letters of
reference and application form are missing)
5. Submit all relevant official transcripts and diplomas (i.e., high school,
college or university, military training, or other)
6. Submit 3 reference application forms.
7. Interview with the Biotechnology Selection Panel.
8. Completion of the admission criteria does not guarantee admission to the
Biotechnology Program. The highest qualified applicants will be ranked
according to scores obtained from the program admission criteria (GPA,
Interviews, References, Work Experience). No more than 20 applicants in
the combined A.A.S. degree and Advanced Technical Certificate in
Biotechnology will be accepted each year.
9. Upon conditional acceptance into the program, the following must be
provided:
a. Pre-entry physical and proof of required immunizations.
b. Documentation of student professional liability insurance (~$20.00)
for the Capstone rotation course, BITC 2587
c. Completion of a series of Hepatitis vaccinations before the
Capstone rotation course, BITC 2587
d. Documentation of criminal background check acceptability.
Background check must be completed within 60 days of beginning
the Capstone rotation course, BITC 2587.
e. A drug screen may be requested at any time during the program.
Admission to the Biotechnology Program is on a competitive basis. Letters of
acceptance will be mailed in June. A maximum of 20 students are accepted for the
combined A.A.S. degree and the ATC in Biotechnology.
Program Information Sessions
For students desiring more information on the field of Biotechnology and/or the
Biotechnology Program, a general information session about the program and
biotechnology in general will be offered once every semester. Announcements
will be posted as to location and time. For those students accepted into the
program, a required orientation session will be held just prior to the of fall
classes. Students may also call the Department Chair or Director of
Internships/Apprenticeships for information.
Faculty
Biotechnology Program Faculty:
Dr. Janet Duben Engelkirk – Chair, Department of Biotechnology
254-298-8630
janet.engelkirk@templejc.edu
Ms. Katie Burrows – Director of Internships & Apprenticeships
254-298-8638
katie.burrows@templejc.edu
The program is supported by numerous qualified adjunct faculty from local
universities, health care institutions and biotechnology and medical research
laboratories in Texas.
The Texas Bioscience Institute
[Joe – this should be a link to the TBI web site which will have the same, and
more information; texasbioscienceinstitute.com]
FAQs
NOTE: The questions should link to the answers.
Q:
A:
What will I be able to do when I finish the Biotechnology Program?
The curriculum will prepare you to work in a variety of different areas that
use biotechnology techniques. Just a few of these areas include, medical
research, agricultural labs, forensic labs, manufacturing labs and
government labs. Graduates will have basic competency in media and
reagent preparation, laboratory safety, cell and tissue culture techniques,
microbiological techniques, DNA and protein techniques, operation of
instrumentation and equipment -- to name just a few.
Q:
A:
Do I need to be licensed or registered after I graduate?
No, there are currently no licensure or registration requirements in Texas.
Q:
A:
How long is the Biotechnology Program?
After completing the prerequisite courses, the actual Biotechnology
Program is 3 semesters or 33-34 semester hours. The 12-week, full-time
internship is a part of those hours. The prerequisite courses should be
completed within 5 years of starting the Program. This is because the
sciences like chemistry, biology, and microbiology, etc,. change so rapidly.
Q:
What are the requirements for the internships?
A:
The internships are a required part of the curriculum and serve as a link
between your course work and employment. You will have a chance to
practice what you have learned under the mentorship of an experienced
research scientist. The internship or capstone experience is a12 week,
full-time, 40 hour a week, rotation in an actual biotechnology related
laboratory. A list of the available internship sites will be available from the
Director of Internships and Apprenticeships
Q:
A:
What can I expect as far as the course work?
The curriculum in the program is very rigorous. Faculty do want you to
succeed and will help in whatever way possible. However, students
should expect to spend time on lecture and lab preparation and devote as
much time as possible to course work. Tardiness and absences will not
be tolerated. Students are expected to act and dress professionally at all
times.
Q:
A:
How many students do you accept each year?
We accept a maximum of 20 students per year for the Biotechnology
Program. Our number is limited by the available internship sites.
Q:
A:
What are the physical demands and skills of a biotechnician?
Some of the abilities and personal qualities for working in a biotechnology
related field include:
 Corrected vision and good hand-eye coordination
 Ability to work well under pressure
 Ability to work as a team member
 Ability to move about easily and stand for long periods
 Precision and accuracy
 Attentive to details
 Ability to follow instructions
 Aptitude for math and science
 Good communication skills
 Self-motivated
 Professional behavior and attitude
Q:
A:
What do I have to do to be successful in the curriculum?
A list of “Essential Abilities or Functions” for being successful in the field
will be a part of the application/information packet. Students will be asked
to sign a form indicating they understand what it takes to be successful in
the curriculum. Contact the Biotechnology Department for more
information.
Q:
Can I pursue a bachelor’s or graduate degree once I have finished the
curriculum?
A:
The prerequisites and curriculum provide a strong foundation for pursuing
a bachelor’s and/or graduate degree in the sciences and medicine.
Temple College has a number of articulation agreements with 4 year
universities and continues to add agreements. Contact the Department
Chair for more information.
Q:
A:
How can I find out more about biotechnology?
Check out the links section and the following web site:
www.biotechinstitute.org/what_is/industry_facts.html
Links
About.com Guide to Biotechnology
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.
American Association for Bioanalysts
American Association for Clinical Chemistry
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
Biochem Links - excellent source of links
Biofind
BioLink - excellent site
Biology Project
Biotechnology - excellent site
Biology Subject Guide
Biological Sciences WWW Server
Bio Online
Biospace.com
Biotechnology Careers Information
Biotechnology Industry Organization
Biotech Skills Standards - excellent site
Biotechnology Virtual Library
Engineering Credential Evaluation International (ECEI)
Food and Drug Administration
Genetic Engineering News
Health Occupations Students of America
LuxNet
Medical Lab Safety - excellent site
MIT Hypertextbook on Recombinant DNA
National Center for Biotechnology Information Programs and Activities - National
Library of Medicine
National Biotechnology Association
National Society for Histotechnology
Pedro's BioMolecular Research Tools
SciWeb
US Department of Labor - statistics for the Biological and Medical Scientists
Webcrawler Guides to Biotechnology links
Webcrawler Biotechnology Associations
Webcrawler Guide to Biotechnology News & Articles
American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Registry
National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, Inc.
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Integrated Medical Curriculum - good source of information
Jobs and Careers
For More Information
For more information about biotechnology and the degree and certificate options,
contact:
Dr. Janet Duben-Engelkirk
Chair, Biotechnology
Temple College & Texas Bioscience Institute
5701 Airport Road
Temple, Texas 76502
(254) 298-8630
janet.engelkirk@templejc.edu