2016-2017 Fall Publication [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Biotechnology
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Biotechnology is a continually evolving field offering solutions to problems in fields such as forensics, environmental remediation, pharmaceuticals, medicine, alternative fuels, and agriculture. LSC-Montgomery offers the training to prepare students with relevant skills necessary for entry-level work in biotechnology and related industries. The Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree offers training in cell culture, laboratory methods, molecular biology, bioinformatics and laboratory instrumentation. Additionally, the program includes a sequence of biology, chemistry, and microbiology courses. Students are also able and encouraged to apply their skills and knowledge obtained in these formal courses by participating in independent research projects. In the final semester of the program, students work as interns in area biotechnology companies, chemical technology companies, or research labs where they complete their training. The LSC-Montgomery Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program is the first such program in Texas and has been recognized as “Exemplary” by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. In addition, the LSC-Montgomery Biotechnology Laboratory Technician associate degree program is recognized by the Texas Workforce Investment Council and has integrated the state’s biotechnology and biomedical skill standards into its curriculum.
After completing the AAS degree, students typically choose to either seek employment with a local life sciences company or to transfer to a university and enroll in a program leading to a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology or related fields. In recent years, local companies hiring our graduates include Opexa Therapeutics, Novozymes, Magnolia Gardens, Glycos Biosciences, Biotechnology Solutions, Sigma Genosys, Allergan, Huntsman Corp., and many others. Transfer students have enrolled in a number of different bachelor-level science programs at universities such as the University of Houston (Central and Downtown), University of Texas-Medical Branch, Sam Houston State University, and the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions. These students have continued their educations in a wide variety of disciplines, including Biotechnology, Biology, Molecular Genetics Technology, Histotechnology, Cytogenetics Technology, and Engineering. Some graduates have continued their education even further by enrolling in graduate or medical school.
For students with an AS or BS degree in the natural sciences, LSC-Montgomery offers a Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC). Students who have taken the prerequisite courses in chemistry and biology can complete the Biotechnology Laboratory Technician ATC in one year. The program requires only seven courses, including an internship, and thus allows students rapid entry into the workforce as a lab tech. Some students have opted to earn an associate of science degree at LSC-Montgomery, including the required chemistry and biology courses, and earn the ATC shortly thereafter.
Students with the appropriate level of prior training may elect to take individual courses within the biotechnology core, with the exception of the internship course. A student with appropriate prior industry or academic experience, for example, may take the Molecular Biology Techniques course (BITC 2441) specifically to gain skills in that area.
The LSC Biotechnology Institute (LSCBI) was created to establish a point of contact for all biotechnology training inquiries. The Institute’s goal is to prepare students for all levels of entry into the biotechnology industry. The Institute functions to identify and meet biotechnology industry training needs, recruit students using a variety of outreach programs, help retrain workers changing careers through the Biotechnology ATC, and partner with four-year programs. Please e-mail mcbiotech@LoneStar.edu, call 936.273.7060, or visit our website at LoneStar.edu/biotechnology-dept-montgomery for more information about the LSC Biotechnology Institute.
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Advanced Technical Certificate
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