Biotechnology Certificate Program

Overview

Our program prepares students for careers as entry-level technicians in biotechnology and life sciences laboratories. Over the course of two 11-week semesters, followed by a 12-week paid-internship, students master the cutting-edge technical skills, instrumentation, and quality control measures required to work as entry-level lab technicians. Each semester follows a thoughtful workflow that incorporates practice of industrial methods to prepare students for work in the thriving biosciences economy. In addition to hands-on technical laboratory training, students are mentored by industry professionals and learn valuable career skills including communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and time management. 

Upcoming Events

Class of 2020 Graduation
September 2020

Rolling admissions for Class of 2021
On Going

Gloucester Biotechnology Academy Open House
October 2020

Program Details

  • Small class size fosters one-on-one coaching
  • Open to residents of greater Cape Ann region
  • Age range: 18 – 26 years old
  • Full-time program: 8:00a to 2:30p, Monday – Friday, September through February
  • Full-time, guaranteed, paid-internship, March through May

Career Skills

  • Foster life skills required for professional employment
  • Establish critical thinking and rhetoric through journal article discussions
  • Assist with internship and job application process
  • Teach professional written and oral communications
  • Introduce different types of labs through field trips and guest speakers

Internships

  • Full-time, three-month, paid-experience
  • Work at prestigious biotech companies
  • Mentorship from professional scientists
  • Develop new laboratory skills
  • Network with industry leaders

Curriculum Overview

Semester 1: DNA Techniques

Introduces standard laboratory practices and instrumentation in a molecular biology workflow where students will:

  • Develop skills including lab safety, follow detailed protocols, and maintain a written lab notebook
  • Practice fundamental techniques such as pipetting and preparation of solutions
  • Extract, amplify, and sequence DNA
  • Collect and analyze data
  • Present results to colleagues
  • Read, analyze, and engage in discussions on scientific journals

Semester 2: Proteins, Genetic Engineering, and Bioprocessing

Expands laboratory skills and techniques through a bioprocessing workflow where students will:

  • Recognize and follow standard lab maintenance, organization, and safety practices
  • Prepare consistent solutions, media, and plates for growing cells
  • Engineer bacterial cells to produce a protein of interest
  • Generate cell banks and confirm productivity of engineered cells
  • Demonstrate proficiency in batching, sampling, and decontaminating fermentation processes, while maintaining complete batch records
  • Practice upstream and downstream processing and purification of a protein product
  • Incorporate process analytical technologies to monitor mammalian cell cultures in single-use bioreactors

Program Gallery