Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about the Biotechnology Program at CCBC.

WHAT COURSES ARE IN THE BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM?

Depending on the students' goal, a certificate or degree, the biotechnology program will consist of general education requirements (necessary for the degree), core biotechnology classes, and prerequisites. The core biotechnology course is a two semester series (BIOL 253 and 254) that focuses on hands-on laboratory activities. Prerequisites for BIOL 253 include BIOL 110 (Biology I: Molecular & Cells) and CHEM 121/122 (General Chemistry with lab), and CHEM 146/147* (Introduction to organic/biochemistry with Lab), or equivalent courses. Students who have equivalent work experience may register with the instructors' permission.

Note: CHEM 146/147 is recommended for students desiring to enter the workforce. Students who wish to immediately enroll in a four-year program may wish to take CHEM 123/124 (General Chemistry II with Lab) and CHEM 200/201 and 202/203 (Organic Chemistry I & II with Lab).

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM?

A student with no prior experience, or course work in biology or chemistry should be able to complete the certificate program in four semesters. All of the courses in the program are offered in the evening allowing students to maintain their jobs as they study biotechnology. Students who have taken previous courses in biology and chemistry can complete the program in two semesters of evening classes. Students desiring an Associates degree will need to take the general education requirements which will take longer depending on whether full or part time study is available.

WHAT TOPICS ARE TAUGHT IN THE BIOTECHNIQUES COURSES (BIOL 253 & 254)?

BIOL 253 and 254 introduce the students to skills in molecular biology as DNA cloning, the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DNA/RNA hybridization, DNA sequencing and basic bioinformatics skills. Classes in protein expression and purification teach the basics of expressing proteins in bacteria, yeast, and insect cells with hands on experience in chromatographic and electrophoretic separations of complex protein mixtures. Current Good Manufacturing and Laboratory (cGMP / cGLP) Practices and laboratory documentation are covered extensively as are laboratory safety concerns. Other topics include mammalian cell culture, prokaryotic and eukaryotic fermentation and basic immunological techniques.

I CURRENTLY WORK IN A LABORATORY. WILL THIS PROGRAM HELP ME PROGRESS IN MY CAREER?

Most definitely! Today's employers are looking for skills and those people who have them are going to progress further and faster. The biotechnology program at CCBC is designed to provide skills that you can use in the laboratory immediately, skills that will help you advance in your career. CCBC is also the place to learn the lab skills that will allow you to transfer to a new area, be that research and development, biologic's production and manufacturing, or testing and quality control. Our core course will give you the information you need and continuing education course will keep you abreast of advances in the field.

I'M INTERESTED IN CHANGING CAREERS. WILL THIS PROGRAM HELP ME GET A JOB IN THE BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY?

Many students enrolled in the CCBC biotechnology program have job offers before they graduate! While we cannot guarantee a job we can say that our previous graduates have been very successful whether they are seeking employment or furthering their education. One of the goals of this program is to make students aware of opportunities within the industry and with local companies. Guest speakers will describe the work they do and the types of career paths offered in their particular specialty. Also, many employers come to CCBC first when they are looking to fill positions, knowing that CCBC offers training that they can count on.

I HAVE A BACHELORS DEGREE FROM A LOCAL UNIVERSITY BUT MY LACK OF LAB EXPERIENCE HAS HINDERED MY JOB SEARCH. CAN THIS PROGRAM PROVIDE THE LAB EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING THAT I NEED TO GET A JOB IN BIOTECHNOLOGY?

Yes! Unfortunately this is a common complaint among students with bachelor's degrees. Labs offered at universities are often canned and don't teach the skills needed for a position working in a research laboratory. You will find that an education at CCBC is geared for teaching the hands-on skills that are necessary in the work place. In fact, many of our students have bachelors and advanced degrees and are trying to gain the hands-on experience so necessary for a career in the biotechnology industry.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CCBC BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM?

For further information, or to schedule an appointment to talk with the program director, Dr. Thomas Burkett Telephone: (410) 455-6942 Email: tburkett@ccbcmd.edu