Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing Degree (BTD)

Biotechnology uses living organisms, usually microscopic, to manufacture drugs or other chemicals for the purpose of enhancing medical care or altering a process which improves living conditions for the general population. Careers in biotechnology/biomanufacturing will continue to advance. The biotechnology/biomanufacturing curriculum will offer excellent academic and skill development for anticipated positions in the biotechnology industry. For more information, please call 978-630-9572.

Campus/format: A majority of this program can be completed during the day or evening at the Devens Campus. All biotechnology classes are offered at the Devens Campus.

Helpful hints: Biotechnology/ biomanufacturing will require a substantial background and interest in science and mathematics. Potential students should recognize the need for a strong background and may be required, through testing and an interview with the admissions office, to enroll in math and science courses as prerequisites.

Transfer options: For a complete list of transfer agreement options visit MWCC’s transfer services website: http://transfer.mwcc.edu and www.mwcc.edu/3plusone.

Special requirements: Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations. Students will need a grade of C or better in all BTC courses.

Career options: Graduates can pursue technician-level positions throughout the biomanufacturing industry.

Earning potential: $17.17 per hour.

Program Competencies for BTD

Upon graduation from this program, students shall have demonstrated the ability to:

• Be familiar with the language of biotechnology.
• Be able to articulate, read and follow a SOP (standard operating procedure).
• Be able to conduct the mathematic and computational operations involved in biotechnology including use of applicable computer programs.
• Be able to understand and apply the regulatory requirements of cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices).
• Understand the basic biology and chemistry behind the manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform laboratory skills use in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.

Technical Standards* for BTC and BTD

* For general information about technical standards and accommodation, see page 68.

Students entering this program must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Comprehend textbook material at a college level.
• Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
• Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
• Stand for a minimum of two hours.
• Walk for a minimum of six hours, not necessarily consecutively.
• Stoop, bend, and twist for a minimum of 30 minutes at a time and be able to repeat this activity at frequent intervals.
• Differentiate colors as assessed by standard color blindness evaluation.
• Differentiate by touch: hotness/coldness, wetness/dryness, and hardness/softness.
• Use the small muscle dexterity necessary to do such tasks as gloving, gowning, and operating controls on laboratory instrumentation.
• Respond to spoken words, monitor signals, and instrument alarms.
• Identify behaviors that would endanger a person’s life or safety and intervene quickly in a crisis situation with an appropriate solution.
• Remain calm, rational, decisive, and in control at all times, especially during emergency situations.