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. Bristol-Myers Squibb will open a manufacturing plant in late 2009, which will employ approximately 200 individuals possessing an associate’s degree in biotechnology or related science knowledge. The biotech/biomanufacturing curriculum will offer excellent academic and skill development for anticipated positions. For more information, please call (978) 630-9433.

Campus/format: This program can be completed during the day or evening at the Devens Campus. Most Biotechnology classes will be offered at the Devens Campus. Many general education classes must be completed at the Leominster or Gardner Campuses.

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. The curriculum will be offered days and evenings.

Transfer options: Transfer opportunities to other state colleges and universities will be developed.

Special requirements: Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.

Career options: Graduates can pursue technician-level positions throughout the biomanufacturing industry (not just Bristol-Myers Squibb).

Earning potential: 40,232 to $53,206 per year.

*Note: PER130 is recommended for transfer

Elective courses by abbreviation

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Program Competencies

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

1. Be familiar with the language of biotechnology.
2. Be able to articulate, read and follow a SOP (standard operating procedure).
3. Be able to conduct the mathematic and computational operations involved in biotechnology including use of applicable computer programs.
4. Be able to understand and appreciate the regulatory requirements of cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices).
5. Understand the basic biology behind the manufacturing processes.

Technical Standards*

*general information about technical standards and accommodation.

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

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