BCC Biotechnology courses and program integrates academic and occupational instructions to prepare students for employment in a broad range of laboratories in industry, research institutions, public health departments, hospitals, and clinics.
About
Are you curious? Interested in how we study viruses, or create vaccines? If you’re a natural problem solver fascinated by genetics, immunology, or biology, or want to make a difference to the future of research, medicine, or environmental sciences—then our biotechnology program could be right for you.
Our Biotechnology program has:
- state of the art facilities and equipment to provide learning environments that duplicate what you will find in the research and industry labs
- highly trained faculty who will teach you everything you need to know to find and keep a job in the biotech field
- opportunities for competitive internships
Biotechnology draws from many disciplines, including genetics, immunology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science. Recent advances in biotechnology have resulted in major contributions to the fields of medicine, public health, and agriculture.
No matter where you are in your academic or professional career, the Biotechnology Program at BCC is a great pathway for:
- BCC science students who are planning to transfer to a four-year college or university
- High School Graduates preparing for a career in biotechnology
- Graduates who have a degree, but could benefit from specialized training (particularly in the lab)
- Adult learners exploring a career change in the science field
- Current High School students interested to expand their knowledge and the lab skills
Career Opportunities
Technician and research assistant positions in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, state and federal laboratories, and academic and private research laboratories.
More details can be found on our Career Education page.
Biotechnology Program Contacts
Barbara Des Rochers, Ph.D.
Biotechnology Program Director
CIRM Grant Director
Science Department Co-chair
bdesrocher@peralta.edu
Rm 523 (510) 981 2887
Erika Yeh, Ph.D.
Biotechnology Program Faculty
CIRM Internship Coordinator
eyeh@peralta.edu
Rm 523 (510) 981 2886
Student Resources
Berkeley City College Receives $2.8 Million CIRM Grant
On July 20th, the governing Board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) voted to award $51.08 million to fifteen community colleges and universities across California, including Berkeley City College (BCC), to fund programs that will help train the next generation of stem cell researchers. As part of the CIRM Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy program award, BCC will receive $2,806,896 over five years.
On July 27, Berkeley City College President Dr. Angélica Garcia informed the Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees about the College’s award and its impact on student success, equity, and workforce development. This is the kind of partnership and collaboration between higher education, science, and industry partners that serves local communities.
CIRM, based in Oakland, was created in 2004 when California voters approved Proposition 71: the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, and has a mission to accelerate stem cell treatments to patients with unmet needs.
The CIRM Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy program provides undergraduate and master’s students with the opportunity to take stem cell related courses and receive hands on experience and training in a stem cell research related laboratory at a university or biotechnology company. Each Bridges internship includes thorough hands-on training and education in stem cell research, and direct patient engagement and outreach activities that engage California’s diverse communities.
This means that Berkeley City College students interested in pursuing a career in biotechnology will have the opportunity to obtain paid internships throughout the Bay Area’s many research laboratories to help accelerate progress in stem cell research and make progress on their career goals. The paid internships provide a level of access to high quality, competitive internships that are often unpaid and further marginalize low income students, who are also often first-generation students of color.
Maria T. Millan, M.D., President and CEO of CIRM, commented, “The CIRM Bridges programs across the state of California will provide students with the tools and resources to begin their careers in regenerative medicine.”
Berkeley City College President Dr. Angélica Garcia is thrilled about the award. “What a great day for BCC—- $2.8M over 5 years for paid internships for students! As we know, education can be a liberating and powerful driver for social and economic growth. This grant for the diverse student population at BCC will create opportunities in higher education and biotechnology, greater earning power, and opportunities for upward social mobility for students and their families.”
Senator Art Torres (Ret.) JD, Vice Chair of the CIRM Board, added that “No other agency in California or the nation has devoted so much to helping create future stem cell scientists from community colleges, like Berkeley City College, and state universities, that reflects the diversity of our state with a goal of helping patients and developing future cures. Bridges funding has created a great legacy for California.”
For more information about CIRM, visit https://www.cirm.ca.gov/.
Student Testimonials
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Degrees and Certificates
Biotechnology - A.S. Degree
Biotechnology draws from many disciplines, including genetics, immunology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science. Recent advances in biotechnology have resulted in major contributions to the fields of medicine, pharmacy, public health and agriculture. The Associate of Science degree in Biotechnology at Berkeley City College prepares students for employment as technicians and research associates in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, state and federal laboratories, and a range of clinical and academic laboratories. The program also incorporates coursework for those students desiring to transfer to CSU/UC prior to entering the workforce.
Learning Outcome(s)
- Demonstrate knowledge and facility with standard laboratory methods and procedures, advanced techniques used in immunology and genetics laboratories, laboratory mathematics, tissue culture, proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials and good laboratory practices.
- Demonstrate an ability to work independently and as a member of a team, to read and interpret laboratory protocols, to analyze and troubleshoot results, to utilize information provided in scientific papers when necessary, and to maintain a legible laboratory notebook with accurately recorded data.
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts in biology and chemistry, an ability to write a scientific paper and present data in an oral presentation and an ability to address ethical concerns associated with stem cells and recombinant DNA technologies.
Biotechnology Laboratory Assistant - Certificate of Achievement
The Certificate of Achievement prepares students for entry level laboratory assistant positions in biotechnology related industry and academic laboratories. It is designed for students who are starting out in STEM, including recent high school graduates, students who are re-tooling or changing majors, and students proceeding to 4 year institutions who may want to work in a laboratory as they complete their studies.
Learning Outcome(s)
- Demonstrate knowledge and facility with standard laboratory methods and procedures, laboratory mathematics, proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials and good laboratory practices.
- Demonstrate an ability to maintain a neat and readable scientific notebook, record data accurately, create and label appropriately tables and graphs and interpret results correctly.
- Demonstrate an ability to work independently and as a member of a team and to read and interpret protocols and standard operating procedures accurately.
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts in chemistry and biology as they relate to biotechnology and the ethical concerns associated with recombinant DNA technologies.
Biotechnology Research Laboratory Assistant - Certificate of Achievement
The Advanced Certificate of Achievement in Biotechnology prepares students for biotechnology technician and research assistant positions in industry and academic research laboratories. The certificate is designed for students who have completed the Certificate of Achievement in Biotechnology and want to progress in their education and training so that they can either enter the workforce directly or transfer to a 4 year institution. The certificate also has been designed for students who have completed degrees in chemistry or biology, and for professionals in the industry and research laboratories, who desire more up to date laboratory training.
Learning Outcome(s)
- Demonstrate knowledge and facility with standard laboratory methods and procedures, advanced techniques common to immunology and/or genetics laboratories, laboratory mathematics, tissue culture, proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials and good laboratory practices.
- Demonstrate an ability to maintain a neat and readable scientific notebook, record data accurately, create and label appropriately tables and graphs, interpret results and troubleshoot errors.
- Demonstrate an ability to work independently and as a member of a team, to read and interpret protocols accurately, and to use information provided in scientific papers when necessary.
- Demonstrate an ability to write a scientific paper and present data in an oral presentation.
- Demonstrate knowledge and facility with concepts in chemistry and biology as they relate to biotechnology and the ethical concerns associated with stem cells and recombinant DNA technologies.
Ready to Apply?
Click the button below to begin your Berkeley City College application and earn your Biotechnology degree or certificate today!