FAQs

The curriculum will prepare you to work in a variety of different areas that use biotechnology techniques. Just a few of these areas include medical research, agricultural labs, forensic labs, manufacturing labs and government labs. Graduates will have basic competency in media and reagent preparation, laboratory safety, cell and tissue culture techniques, microbiological techniques, DNA and protein techniques, operation of instrumentation and equipment -- to name just a few.

No, there are currently no licensure or registration requirements in Texas.

After completing the prerequisite courses, the actual Biotechnology Program is 3 semesters or 33-34 semester hours. The 12-week, full-time Internship is a part of those hours. The prerequisite courses should be completed within 5 years of starting the Program. This is because the sciences like chemistry, biology, and microbiology, etc,. change so rapidly.

The internships are a required part of the curriculum and serve as a link between your course work and employment. You will have a chance to practice what you have learned under the mentorship of an experienced research scientist. The internship or capstone experience is a 12-week, full-time, 40-hour a week, rotation in an actual biotechnology-related laboratory. A list of the available internship sites will be available from the Director of Apprenticeships and Internships.

The curriculum in the program is very rigorous. Faculty want you to succeed and will help in whatever way possible. However, students should expect to spend time on lecture and lab preparation and devote as much time as possible to course work. Tardiness and absences will not be tolerated. Students are expected to act and dress professionally at all times.

We accept a maximum of 20 students per year for the Biotechnology Program.  Our number is limited by the available internship sites.

Some of the abilities and personal qualities for working in a biotechnology related field include:

• Corrected vision and good hand-eye coordination
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to work as a team member
• Ability to move about easily and stand for long periods
• Precision and accuracy
• Attentive to details
• Ability to follow instructions
• Aptitude for math and science
• Good communication skills
• Self-motivated
• Professional behavior and attitude

A list of "Essential Abilities or Functions" for being successful in the field will be a part of the application/information packet. Students will be asked to sign a form indicating they understand what it takes to be successful in the curriculum. Contact the biotechnology department for more information.

The prerequisites and curriculum provide a strong foundation for pursuing a bachelor's and/or graduate degree in the sciences or medicine. Temple College has a number of articulation agreements with 4-year universities and continues to add agreements. Contact the department chair for more information.

Check out the links section and the following web site:
www.biotechinstitute.org/what_is/industry_facts.html