Biotechnology

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 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, medical biotechnology and laboratory instrumentation. Additionally, the program includes 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 addition, the LSC-Montgomery Biotechnology Laboratory Technician AAS degree program has integrated the Texas Workforce Investment Council recognized biotechnology and biomedical skill standards into its curriculum. In the final semester of the program, students work as interns in area biotechnology companies, chemical technology companies, or research labs to complete their training.

After completing the AAS degree, students can either seek employment with a local life sciences company or transfer to a university to pursue a higher degree in Biotechnology or related fields. In recent years, local companies hiring our graduates work in a number of important areas, including agriculture, clinical diagnostics, chemical- and bio-manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and energy. Transfer students have enrolled in 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, Cytogenetic Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Engineering. Some graduates have continued their education even further by enrolling in graduate or medical school.

For students with a prior degree, 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 eight courses, including an internship, which allows students rapid entry into the workforce as a laboratory technician.

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, to gain skills related to the course content.  

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 program.

Programs

• •  Biotechnology, AAS
• •  Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Advanced Technical Certificate