Biotechnology
Apply NowWhat is biotechnology?
Biotechnology harnesses biology – cellular and biomolecular processes – to develop technologies for industrial, medical, and other purposes that aim to improve our lives and the health of our planet.
Biotechnology is a fast-growing and exciting field, where discoveries are made to cure diseases, battle climate change, develop new fuels, solve limited global food supplies, and more. Individuals in the field should be problem solvers who are curious, imaginative and persistent.
Skyline College’s Biotechnology Program aims to prepare students to enter the workforce in the biotechnology field. Students in the program have access to fully stocked and functional labs where they will take courses and gain hands-on experience working with the tools and materials they'll need when they enter the workforce.
Faculty guide students through the current trends and processes in the biotechnology field using contextualized science, math and even English skill-building. Students emerge from the program ready for an entry level position working in a lab or production facility.
Skyline College offers an Associate Degree in Biotechnology for students who are looking for a clear path for transfer to a four-year institution in addition to the BioBridge Program, which offers a two-semester program that develops students' workforce readiness and soft skills so they can obtain hands-on work experience. The Skyline College Biotechnology Manufacturing program is also an excellent resource to get you on the path to a four-year degree.
Looking for a list of classes offered in upcoming semesters? Check out the class schedule
Program | Type | Total Units |
---|---|---|
Biotechnology Manufacturing Technician | AS | 60 Units |
Biotechnology Manufacturing Assistant | CA | 17 - 19 Units |
Biotechnology Manufacturing Technician | CA | 33 Units |
The 2023 summer COOP program is a two weeks and two days paid biotechnology work experience from June 12 to June 27. Under supervision of Skyline college faculty, the participating students will follow industry standard procedures to produce quality-controlled products. The products will be used in college biotechnology and local high school science classes. Examples of activities include micropipetting, aseptic technique, plasmid DNA purification, bacteria culture, DNA gel electrophoresis, solution/ media preparation, analysis of the results, documentation and more.
The students will meet in the lab M-Th 9 am -3 pm. Friday activities will be remote. The program includes:
- 75 hours of paid work at $16/hour
- One COOP college credit
- Hands-on laboratory experience
- Discussions of the related scientific concepts
- Interactions with biotechnology professionals
- Exploration of careers in biotechnology
Application deadline: Wednesday, May 3rd.
Students will be notified by May 10th.
If you have any questions please contact Dr. Goli Afshar afsharg@smccd.edu.
The Skyline College STEM Center brings together academic and student support services for students taking science, technology, engineering and math courses.
The center supports student success by ensuring students have access to resources such as academic tutoring, counseling services, a resource depository for STEM pathways and transfer, a hub for internships and work based learning opportunities, as well as a place where students and staff can collaborate and build a community and supportive connection.
Check out the STEM CenterNick Kapp, PhD | Professor, Biotechnology - Advisory Committee Chair | Skyline College |
Michael Fuller | Biotechnology Instructor, Program Lead of BABEC | Skyline College |
Ying-Tsu Loh, PhD | Executive Director | BABEC |
Jing Folsom, PhD | Acting Dean of STEM Division, Biotechnology Instructor | Skyline College |
Golnar Afshar | Biotechnology Instructor | Skyline College & CCSF |
Alex Fuentes | Interim Project Director for Dual Enrollment | Skyline College |
Rocky Ng | Biotechnology Instructor | South San Francisco High School & Skyline College |
Arlyne Bautista | Alumni & Master's Graduate | Exact Sciences |
Priscilla Sanchez | Alumni & Research Data Analyst | UCSF |
Bryony Ruegg | Director, BABEC Board Member | Bio-Rad Explorer Program |
Kevin Recinos | Current Biotech Student | Guardian Health Biorepository Handler |
Christopher Kan | Director of Business Development | Sampling Human |
Angela Consani | Executive Director | BCSI Microbadging |
Andrew Mulato | Senior Research Scientist | Gilead Sciences |
Mona Shah | Project Manager of Summer and GMP Program | Stanford Laboratory for Cell & Gene Medicine |
Chang Dou | Bioprocess Analytical Chemist | ABPDU |
Paul Escalante | Senior Business Development Manager | Kelly Science & Clinical |
Raimundo Romero | MSAT Scientist | Lonza Biologics |
Patrick Beatty | Investor, President | Board of Ignited Education |
Sandra Mikolaski | External Evaluator | NSF ATE Grant |
Manjari Wijenaike | External Evaluator | NSF ATE Grant |
Shin Kiyohara | Consultant | Bay Area American Society of Quality |
Sylwia Palczewska | Program Manager for Workforce and Talent | Biocom Institute |
Agendas and Minutes
Agendas | Minutes |
March 19, 2024 | March 19, 2024 |
November 6, 2019 | November 6, 2019 |
April 25, 2018 | April 25, 2018 |
November 30, 2017 | November 30, 2017 |
March 8, 2017 | March 8, 2017 |
April 27, 2016 | April 27, 2016 |
October 26, 2015 | October 26, 2015 (no minutes available) |
April 8, 2015 | April 8, 2015 |
December 3, 2014 | December 3, 2014 |
Upon completion of the program students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to use sound ethical reasoning when discussing biological science and the use of biotechnological techniques.
- Apply the knowledge of biological science to distinguish between observations, inferences, relationships, and testimonials under investigation.
- Employ the appropriate techniques effectively and safely, including the appropriate use of equipment and tools to produce an acceptable outcome when performing a technical laboratory task.
Location: Building 7, Room 7-130
Phone: (650) 738-4221
Type | Status | Title | Days | Time | Instructor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
OPEN | BTEC 150 - 48744 - Biotechnology Instrumentation | T | 1:10pm-4:00pm | Kapp, N | |
OPEN | BTEC 150 - 48744 - Biotechnology Instrumentation | TBA | Kapp, N | ||
OPEN | BTEC 170 - 47024 - Principles-Applied Bioscience | TBA | Ward, K | ||
OPEN | BTEC 171 - 47025 - Lab Principles-Applied Biosci | TBA | Ward, K | ||
OPEN | BTEC 220 - 46530 - Cell Culture/Protein Recovery | M | 1:10pm-3:00pm | Kapp, N | |
OPEN | BTEC 220 - 46530 - Cell Culture/Protein Recovery | W | 1:10pm-5:00pm | Kapp, N | |
OPEN | BTEC 220 - 46530 - Cell Culture/Protein Recovery | TBA | Kapp, N | ||
OPEN | BTEC 400 - 47559 - Foundations of Biotechnology | TBA | Ecklund, L | ||
OPEN | BTEC 400 - 47559 - Foundations of Biotechnology | TBA | Ecklund, L | ||
OPEN | BTEC 400 - 47561 - Foundations of Biotechnology | TBA | Ecklund, L | ||
OPEN | BTEC 400 - 47561 - Foundations of Biotechnology | TBA | Ecklund, L |
Video Resources
The following videos can help deepen your understanding of the Biotechnology field:
Transfer Resources
The Biotechnology AS degree from Skyline prepares students for transfer to the following BS programs:
Solano College: BS in Biomanufacturing
MiraCosta College: BS in Biomanufacturing