Program Info
Program Description
Trains students for positions as biotechnology technicians in the region’s molecular biology-based industries and institutions in an intensive one-year program. Henry Ford College's Biotechnology program is unique in that its curriculum is a direct outgrowth of the technical and workplace competencies identified by Southeastern Michigan’s biotechnology employers for technicians.
HFC's Biotechnology program integrates authentic work-based experiences, training in modern instrumentation and new technologies, and rigorous science content to produce adaptable technicians that support the changing workplace. Although this program centers on skills identified by regional biotechnology employers, the skills gained by students in this program will prepare them for employment in biotechnology-based industries in other regions of the country and the world. Additionally, skills gained by students in this program will prepare them for advanced training in biotechnology-related fields.
The Biotechnology Certificate will be offered only to students who already possess an associate’s degree (or higher) and who seek specific coursework to prepare for jobs in biotechnology-related industries and institutions.
NOTE: This is not a medical technology program, and so is not designed to prepare students to work in clinical laboratories.
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in preparing, dispensing, and appropriately labeling laboratory solutions/reagents, and in maintaining solution/reagent integrity.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using, calibrating, and maintaining standard laboratory equipment; perform method validation.
- Perform basic laboratory measurements, calculations, and statistical analyses of data.
- Communicate professionally both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrate biotechnology laboratory workplace skills, including safety skills, scientific accountability and ethical behavior, appropriate workplace behavior.
- Demonstrate appropriate use of standard forms of laboratory documentation.
- Solve problems in biotechnology by determining the appropriate application of standard biotechnology techniques and equipment.
- Apply the scientific method to the design and execution of experiments and the analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
Students who have earned an associate’s degree or certificate in Biotechnology can obtain an entry-level job as a Biotechnology Technician in:
Biotechnology is a growing field, so the number of positions available for Biotechnology Technicians is expected to increase. Starting salary for students completing a Biotechnology Certificate is estimated to be $12-14/hour (based on information from regional biotech employers).
Applicants considering a career in Biotechnology should be aware that, during their course of study and in subsequent employment in the field, they may work in situations where exposure to infectious agents is possible. Proper education and strict adherence to well established infection-control guidelines can reduce the risk to a minimum.
Program Requirements
| Course name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BIO-251: Microbiology | 5.00 |
| BIO-261: Nucleic Acids | 5.00 |
| BIO-262: Proteins | 5.00 |
| CHEM-151: Chemical Instrumentation and Laboratory Techniques | 3.00 |
| SCI-160: Science Laboratory Workplace Skills | 3.00 |