• Career Opportunities
• Learning Outcomes
• How To Get Started
• Entrance Requirements
• Information Sessions
• Cost
• Curriculum
• Contact

Biotechnology Training Program

AAS-T, Certificate

The Biotechnology Training Program is a six-quarter program offering an associate of applied science degree. The program prepares students for entry-level employment as biotechnicians and is approved by the college's industry-based Biotechnology Advisory Committee and the State of Washington. The program includes six quarters of classroom/laboratory education and an industry internship. Classes in the program include cell biology, microbiology, genetics, immunology, chemistry, computer science applications, technical writing, applied mathematics, and hands-on training in biotechnology laboratory techniques and media and solution preparation.

Career Opportunities

Biotechnology offers a variety of career opportunities. Graduates of the Biotechnology Program have found employment in three general areas: research and development, manufacturing, and quality control.

Technicians in research and development laboratories help make discoveries that identify potential products and perform the research that is needed before a product can be brought to market.

Manufacturing technicians carry out techniques required to produce biotechnology products. They use skills such as microbiology, protein and DNA purification, solution and media preparation, immunochemistry, and tissue culture to produce products that can be used by doctors, veterinarians, medical laboratories, farms, and households. Manufacturing technicians follow "cGMPs (current Good Manufacturing Practices)" to ensure products turn out the same every time.

Quality control technicians perform tests to ensure products are of high quality and safe. They work in conjunction with quality assurance personnel to make sure products meet the standards set by the FDA.

In the Puget Sound area, most of the biotechnology companies are working towards developing products that will be used for health care. Examples of these products are drugs for treating disease, tests for diagnosing disease, vaccines, and medical devices that speed recovery from illness.

Learning Outcomes

1. Familiarity with a standard research and development based molecular biology/biochemistry laboratory with respect to standard procedures and safety issues.
2. Competence in current Biotechnology skill standards as dictated by the Technical Advisory Committee.
3. The ability to follow a typical industry Standard Operating Procedure with accuracy and precision.
4. The ability to read and comprehend, on a fundamental level, primary literature and analyze basic experimental results.

Entrance Requirements

• Entry into the program requires completion of Math 098 (with a minimum grade of 2.0) and eligibility for English 101.
• New Seattle Central students can prove they meet the English and math requirements either by taking the Seattle Central placement tests or through previous college transcripts.
• A work permit is required of all non-United States citizens.

In order to remain eligible for the Biotechnology Program, you must meet all deadlines; register on assigned dates; report for orientation, which is held during the Biotechnology Seminar (BIO 195); and keep the Science and Math Division Office notified of any address change.

Students may choose to graduate either under the program of study requirements stated in the college catalog at the time they first enter this program, or under the requirements listed in the catalog in effect at the time they apply for graduation-unless more than five years have elapsed since the student entered the program, and providing that the courses required for completion are still offered.

Students may choose to take upper level biology and/or chemistry courses that substitute for those offered in the A.A.S. program. Interested students should check with the Science and Mathematics Division counselor to get additional information.

How to Get Started

• Complete the Standard Procedure for Admission to the College
• Advanced placement or course exemptions for advanced placement or course exemptions, contact the Science and Mathematics Division Office for an evaluation appointment with a Biotechnology instructor or counselor. Appointments with the program counselor can be arranged through the division office. Students having previously earned credits in the required courses must apply for Credit by Direct Transfer with the records evaluator, room BE 1104. This is the responsibility of the student. You will need to bring transcripts with you.
  Counselor: Michele Dela Rosa, MDelaRosa@sccd.ctc.edu

Entrance into the program occurs any quarter. Acceptance into the program winter quarter will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Admission to the Biotechnology Program is on a first-come, first-served basis after applicants provide proof that the entrance requirements have been met.

Estimated Training Costs

• Tuition
• Photo ID Card (one-time fee)
• Student Activity Fee (per quarter)
• Transportation Mgmt Fee (per quarter)
• Computer Lab Fee (per quarter)
• Universal Technology Fee (per quarter)

Curriculum

* BIO 101 and 102 have replaced BIO 100 and ZOO 128 as program requirements; however, BIO 100 and ZOO 128 will still be accepted as equivalents.

** Students are advised to complete BIO 280 (Microbiology) before doing their internship. Internships can be completed during any quarter.

An associate of applied science degree (A.A.S.) may be earned by completing the basic program requirements. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in their course work to remain in the program.

For Further Information:

Biotechnology Training Program
Science & Mathematics Division
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway, Room SAM110
Seattle, WA 98122
PHONE: (206) 587-3858
FAX: (206) 587-3837