The mission of the Biology Department includes providing: introductory courses that meet requirements for AA and AS degrees, transfer courses to four-year schools, prerequisites for professional schools (including programs for Registered Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Radiology Technicians, Physician Assistant, Dental, Dental Hygiene, Medical and Pharmacy), and courses geared toward Biomanufacturing (including two certificates and an AS degree). You can earn an AS in Science by taking your prerequisites for allied health or for transferring as a Biology Major.
The Biomanufacturing program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the biomanufacturing/pharmaceutical industry. It is a career ladder program that begins with training in basic biotechnology and biomanufacturing skills. In one semester, students can earn a Certificate of Proficiency in Biomanufacturing Skills (9 units).
Students may continue their academic training by taking additional courses to earn a Certificate of Achievement in Biomanufacturing (one additional semester, total of 17 units). An AS in Biomanufacturing Production can be earned with one additional year of biomanufacturing courses along with required general education courses/electives.
Career Opportunities
A Biomanufacturing Certificate with an emphasis on biology can provide you with specific skills and knowledge relevant to the production of biological products. Here are some career opportunities you may explore with a Biomanufacturing Certificate:
- Bioprocess Technician:
- Operate and monitor equipment used in the production of biological products.
- Follow standard operating procedures for the manufacturing process.
- Quality Control Analyst:
- Perform quality assurance tests and inspections on biomanufactured products.
- Ensure products meet regulatory standards and specifications.
- Upstream/Downstream Processing Technician:
- Work in the production stages of biomanufacturing, including fermentation (upstream) or purification (downstream).
- Biomanufacturing Supervisor:
- Oversee and coordinate the activities of a biomanufacturing team.
- Ensure production processes are efficient, safe, and meet quality standards.
- Validation Specialist:
- Develop and execute validation protocols for biomanufacturing processes and equipment.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Manufacturing Scientist:
- Contribute to the development and optimization of bioproduction processes.
- Troubleshoot and improve manufacturing efficiency.
- Biopharmaceutical Production Manager:
- Manage the overall production process in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility.
- Coordinate with different departments to ensure smooth operations.
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist:
- Assist in preparing and submitting regulatory documents for approval of biomanufactured products.
- Stay updated on regulatory requirements.
- Biomanufacturing Consultant:
- Provide expertise and advice to biomanufacturing companies on process optimization, quality assurance, and compliance.
- Research and Development Scientist (Biomanufacturing):
- Work on developing new processes and technologies for biomanufacturing.
- Improve existing bioproduction methods.
- Automation Engineer (Biomanufacturing):
- Design and implement automated systems for biomanufacturing processes.
- Ensure efficient and precise control of production equipment.
- Bioproduction Training Specialist:
- Develop and deliver training programs for biomanufacturing personnel.
- Ensure staff is well-trained on the latest technologies and processes.
- Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (Biomanufacturing):
- Implement and monitor safety protocols in biomanufacturing facilities.
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Biomanufacturing Project Manager:
- Manage projects related to the expansion or improvement of biomanufacturing facilities.
- Coordinate timelines, budgets, and resources.
- Biomanufacturing Supply Chain Coordinator:
- Coordinate the flow of materials and products through the biomanufacturing process.
- Work with suppliers and logistics to ensure timely delivery of materials.
Having a Biomanufacturing Certificate with an emphasis on Biology can make you well-suited for roles that require a combination of biological knowledge and practical skills in manufacturing processes. Keep in mind that networking, gaining hands-on experience through internships or projects, and staying updated on industry trends are essential for success in this field.
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This New York Times article asks a question we ask to! Can Biology Class Reduce Racism?
