To assess state level degree plan changes, the following Biotechnology programs have been deactivated for the 2017-2018 academic year: Associates of Applied Science, Advance Technical Certificate, and Enhanced Skills Certificate.  Please Note: This change will not affect the Middle College programs held at the Texas Bioscience Institute.

 

 

 

 

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms and/or biological processes to discover new information, solve problems, or to make useful products such as vaccines and therapeutic drugs. The goal of the Biotechnology degree and certificate programs is to prepare students to work as Biotechnology Technicians in a variety of exciting fields, such as medical research, agriculture, biomanufacturing, the environmental sciences, and forensics.   The curriculum provides a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, microbiology, math, and statistics. Specialized biotechnology courses emphasize theory and hands-on experience with cutting edge techniques, technologies, laboratory operations, and instrumentation. Students obtain a working knowledge of molecular biology, tissue cultures, protein separation and purification, DNA/RNA methodologies, proteomics, and genomics. In addition, students will learn about bioethics, laboratory safety procedures, verbal and scientific communication, professional conduct, laboratory operations, data interpretation, bioinformatics, quality control, and manufacturing practices. The degree program culminates with an Internship or Capstone experience in a local biotechnology/medical research laboratory. 

In addition to the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Biotechnology, an Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) in Biotechnology is offered for those students who already have a degree in a related biological or chemistry area. An Enhanced Skills Certificate (ESC) in Genomics and Proteomics is offered as well to students who already possess at least an A.A.S. in Biotechnology or related biological science and who wish to advance their education in the areas of Genomics and Proteomics.

The Biotechnology curriculum is designed not only to prepare the graduate for an entry-level position in the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology, but also to provide a foundation for students who wish to continue on to a bachelor’s degree and/or graduate degree in the sciences. 

 

Requirements for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Biotechnology

In order to graduate from Temple College and receive the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Biotechnology, the student must meet the following degree requirements:

1.    Three semester hours of English: ENGL 1301 .

2.    Six semester hours in social/behavioral sciences and fine arts/humanities: PSYC 2301  or SOCI 1301  and Creative Arts/Language, Philosophy and Culture Elective.

3.    Eight semester hours in biology: BIOL 1406  and BIOL 2420 .

4.    Three semester hours in math: MATH 1314 .

5.    Eight semester hours in chemistry:  CHEM 1411  and CHEM 1412 .

6.   All required BITC program courses (total of 25 semester hours).

7.   Successful completion of the full-time 12 week Internship/Capstone experience with all acceptable criteria met (i.e., attendance, objectives, skills, acceptable affective score, etc.)

8.   The student must be enrolled at Temple College the semester immediately prior to the Internship Capstone experience.

9.   At least 60 hours of course credit.

10. A grade of “C” (2.0) or better in each course taken.

11. Completion of all course work for the degree or certificate within 5 years.

12. The student must be enrolled in Temple College during the semester of his/her graduation.

13.   Also see “Graduation Requirements – Requirements for Associate Degrees and Certificates.”

 

General Biotechnology Degree Requirements

Biotechnology major students (degree or certificate) must meet the following requirements:

1.    Schedule an appointment with the Department Chair or designated biotechnology faculty member to discuss the degree plan, during, or immediately after taking BITC 1411  / BIOL 1414  , Introduction to Biotechnology. 

2.    Pick up a Biotechnology Program Information/Application Packet from the department office at the Texas Bioscience Institute (TBI) office and complete all required forms. The program application and all other signed forms are to be turned into the Department as soon as the student has declared Biotechnology as the degree or certificate program they wish to pursue.

3.    Satisfactorily complete all biotechnology, BITC, courses and an approved Internship/Capstone experience.

4.    Completion of Biotechnology courses and all other course work with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in each course.

5.    Submit an Application for Internship packet at least one semester before anticipated enrollment in the Internship course, BITC 2487   (see Internship Requirements).

 

Internship Requirements (BITC 2487)

Successful completion of the Internship is a requirement of the A.A.S. degree and Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) in Biotechnology. Requirements for the Internship are as follows:

1.    Students must make a grade of “C” or better in all biotechnology and prerequisite course work to enroll in the Internship.      

2.    A completed Biotechnology Program application form and all other signed forms on file in the Biotechnology Program office.

3.    Students must complete all other degree/certificate requirements before enrolling in the Internship course.

4.    Students must be enrolled at Temple College the semester before they begin their Internship.

5.    A completed Application for Internship packet must be submitted at least one semester before enrolling in the Internship.

      The packet is available from the Biotechnology Department office and includes:

      a.    Application for Internship form.

      b.    Proof of an acceptable criminal background check (contact the department for more information). An unacceptable criminal background check may prevent a student from completing the Internship and receiving the degree or certificate from Temple College.

      c.    Proof of Liability Insurance form (available through the college for a small fee).

      d.    A Health Form indicating up-to-date immunizations (i.e., tetanus, diphtheria, mumps, measles, rubella, and varicella), including a series of Hepatitis B vaccinations, and a current physical examination report (within the last 6 months) indicating medical clearance to participate in the Internship. Hepatitis B vaccinations should be started and preferably completed before beginning the Internship.

      e.    A drug screen must be completed within 60 days of beginning the Internship.

6.    Attend a mandatory Biotechnology Department Internship Orientation immediately prior to starting the Internship. Contact the department for the scheduled date.

7.    Attend/complete an internship site orientation session, if required.

 

The most up-to-date information regarding the Biotechnology degree and certificate programs may be viewed on the Temple College biotechnology web site at http://www.templejc.edu/dept/Biotech/Biotech.htm.

 

Essential Functions

To be successful in the biotechnology curriculum and a career in any biotechnology field, students should be able to perform the following Essential Functions of the profession:

•     Participate sufficiently to perform work-related laboratory tasks in a timely manner;

•     Communicate effectively and professionally with peers, staff, and faculty;

•     Read and comprehend text, numbers and graphs displayed in print, on video and instrument displays and printouts;

•     Demonstrate written and oral proficiency in the English language without assistance;

•     Interpret reactions on slides, media plates and in test tubes, etc., by visual characteristics and/or odor;

•     Exhibit the manual dexterity necessary to process specimens, operate and repair laboratory instruments, equipment and computers; perform delicate procedures and all other aspects of laboratory operations that require eye-hand coordination;

•     Regularly meet the activity schedule of the didactic and internship instructors and supervisors to satisfy all performance requirements (objectives) of all internship sites and didactic instruction to include transportation to all internship sites;

•     Carry or lift objects weighing up to 15 pounds;

•     Work quickly and accurately under stress, possessing the emotional and mental health to make sound judgments and complete all responsibilities;

•     Work in a thorough, safe, careful, efficient, responsible and organized manner, alone, or as a laboratory/work-group member;

•     Logically correlate information/data in order to solve problems;

•     Demonstrate ethical judgment, integrity, honesty, common sense and accountability in the internship work setting when dealing with peers, faculty, and staff;

•     Use interpersonal skills such as cooperation, confidentiality and attentiveness in a positive and tactful manner;

•     Measure, analyze, synthesize, integrate and apply information as it relates to a biotechnology laboratory;

•     Successfully complete written, oral or computer-based exams and assignments independently;

•     Follow verbal and written instructions in order to correctly and independently perform biotechnology laboratory procedures, and

•     Pay close attention to details in the performance of all laboratory tasks.

 

Recommended Course Sequence