Montgomery County Community College

Biotechnology Courses

• BIT 120 Introduction to Biotechnology
• BIT 123 Basic Techniques and Instrumentation
• BIT 220 Biotechnology Research
• BIT 230 Biotechnology Manufacturing
• BIT 240 Cell Culture Techniques
• BIT 242 Fermentation—Practical Application in Biomanufacturing
• BIT 298 Biotechnology Internship  

BIT 120 Introduction to Biotechnology

This course is designed to acquaint students with the field of biotechnology. Topics will include a history of the biopharmaceutical industry, the drug discovery and development processes, and a description of current marketed drugs. Techniques of the biotechnology industry, such as recombinant DNA technology, mammalian cell culture and protein purification and expression shall be introduced. Issues that impact both the industry and the general population such as stem cell research, bioterrorism and bioethics shall be examined in this course. Prerequisite: High School Biology (college preparatory or higher) or BIO 121, taken within the last 5 years.

BIT 123 Basic Techniques and Instrumentation

This course will allow students to gain theoretical and practical, hands-on knowledge of both commonly used and some specialized laboratory instruments, as well as preparation of common solutions, reagents and methodology. The students will also be oriented to techniques that include maintenance (and corresponding record keeping), repair, cleaning and calibration of laboratory equipment. Discussion and implementation of laboratory safety policies will be key components to the entire course. Prerequisite: BIT 120 with a grade of C or better.

BIT 220 Biotechnology Research

This course provides a foundation for the principles of molecular genetics as they apply to research performed in the biotechnology industry. Lectures topics will include transcription, translation, cell cycle regulation and protein expression as they pertain to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene regulation. The laboratory will give hands-on exposure to recombinant DNA technology such as cloning techniques (restriction digests, plasmid design, purification and gel electrophoresis), and propagation and maintenance of bacteria and other cell types. Prerequisite: BIT 123 with a C or better.

BIT 230 Biotechnology Manufacturing

This course will provide an introduction to the manufacturing process, including a survey of proteins currently in production by biotechnology companies. It will provide information about the regulatory environment in which these proteins are produced, including an investigation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). This course is designed to cover the upstream and downstream processes in place that compliment manufacturing, such as standardizing cells cultured for making proteins to large scale production of these proteins. Prerequisite: BIT 230 with a grade of C or better.

BIT 240 Cell Culture Techniques

This course will allow students to gain theoretical and practical knowledge of culturing animal cells and the techniques used to maintain them in culture. The course will be oriented towards the role of cell/tissue culture in the biopharmaceutical industry and the importance of Good Laboratory Practice and Good Manufacturing Practice. The students will gain hands on experience working aseptically with animal cells and with various equipment and instrumentation and vessels used for culturing animal cells.

BIT 242 Fermentation—Practical Application in Biomanufacturing

This course will allow students to gain theoretical and practical knowledge of bacterial and yeast cells and the techniques used to maintain them in culture (i.e., “fermentation”). The course will be oriented to the role of fermentation in the biopharmaceutical industry and the importance of Good laboratory Practice and Good Manufacturing Practice. The students will gain hands on experience working aseptically with bacterial and yeast cells and the various equipment, instrumentation and vessels used in fermentation including a stir-tank bioreactor.

BIT 298 Biotechnology Internship

In this course, the student will work under the guidance of a mentor at a local pharmaceutical or biotechnology company (or, if appropriate, an academic or clinical setting) to gain expertise in a biological or manufacturing laboratory setting. The course will allow the student not only to gain first hand work experience at the sponsoring institution but also allow him/her to make contacts necessary for gaining future employment. The lecture portion of this course consists of topics related to the particular student internships occurring in the present semester. The students will learn to use and evaluate computer based genome databases. Other topics to be covered in the course include resume writing, networking and interviewing skills necessary for the biotechnology industry. Mock job interviews will be conducted with the students. Prerequisites: BIT 120, BIT 123, BIT 220. GPA of a least 2.5 for all Science Courses. Permission of the biotechnology coordinator. Availability of an internship position. Internship pre-test or screening by the instructor. Fulfillment of any additional selection criteria imposed by the sponsoring institution. (Co-requisite or Prerequisite: BIT 230).