Biotechnology Programs at the San Diego Community College District

Sandra Slivka

Director SCBC @ Miramar College

Associate Professor Biology

The Lifelong Learning of a Community College Student from an Economic and Workforce

Development Perspective

Emerging Workforce: Transitional Workforce: Incumbent Workforce: Entrepreneurial Education Displaced, Re-careering, Upskilling Small Business

Re-skilling

SPRING 2005

Demographics 2003

• Of 35 students– 14 % age 17-24– 47% age 25-34– 39% age >35

• Of 35 students 52 % with BA/BS or higher– 48 % with High School or Associates Degree

• Large % transitional– Returning to workforce – Up-skilling/Retooling– New to US (usually hold 4+yr degrees)

Here are some of the Job Titles for AA Students (go to www.biocomworkforce.org for more detailed job descriptions)

TitleCategory Weighted Average Annual Salary

2003 data* for entry level

Documentation Coordinator/Processor

Regulatory Affairs $22,245 (depends on background)

Lab Assistant Research/Development Start at $12-16/hour

Manufacturing/Process Technician

Process Devel/Mfg/Production $38,573

Research/Dev Technician Research/Development $32,562

Validation Technician Quality Assurance Depends on engineering background

Veterinary Technician Research/Development $31,175

Machine Operator/Packager (HS only)

Mfg/Production $22,185

*Data from San Diego Survey by Biotechnology Employment Development Coalition

Biotechnology Program

Introduction to Biotech –Bio 131 one semester GE/IGETC–no pre-requisites–non-majors–Intro. to the Biotech Lab (Bio 134)

Certificate of Completion (Two tracks)Mol. Bio. Track (est. 1994)

–Applied Biotech I,II (Bio 132,133)–Advisory of chemistry or biology–2 semesters–Industry taught

Analytical Chem (in dev.)–Applied Biotech I –Chem 251 Analytical Chem.–2 semesters

10 Years at Miramar College Survey Date 2003

228 Unique Students 

% RETURNED 16%

%RESPONDENT WORKING IN BIOTECH 67%

% MET GOAL 76%

Outcomes of Miramar Program

Chemistry Technician Program

• Emphasis in organic chemistry• 1 yr of 6 hrs/wk of lab

– Chem 200, 201, 200L, 201L– Chem 231, 231L 233, 233L, – Chem 255– Option 1: Biochemistry

• Chem 160, 161– Option 2: Analytical Chemistry

• Chem 251• Biotech Relevant Programs

– Certificate of Achievement:• Chemistry • Chemistry Technician

– Certificate of Completion:• Preparation for Chemistry Laboratory

Positions

Biotechnology Training

• History– From 1994-2001, City College offered Biotechnology

training – After a six year hiatus the program is being revived

• Current Status:– Hired a new faculty to coordinate the renewal efforts.– New course “Preparation for Biotechnology” (Fall 07)– Re-activated Bio 206 capstone course “Biotechnology

Instrumentation” (Spring 08)– Certificate of Completion Available– Soliciting and obtaining equipment and supplies from

industry partners -ongoing– Renewing ties to industry and forming a Biotechnology

Advisory Board -ongoing

Mission Statement SCBC@Miramar College

The SCBC promotes, organizes,develops and participates in

premier programs for students and incumbent workers to

expand their knowledge about science careers.

The 18 Colleges of the Region

Barstow Chaffey College of the Desert Crafton Hills Cuyamaca Grossmont Imperial Valley College MiraCosta Mt. San Jacinto Palo Verde Palomar Riverside San Bernardino Valley SD City Mesa & Miramar Southwestern Victor Valley You are here!

Southern California Biotechnology Center @ Miramar College

SCBC Highlights•New technology workshops

•Microarrays•RNAi•Tissue Culture

•Transfer of supplies equipment•Regional Advisory Board•Outreach to Maintain Workforce Pipeline

•AMGEN Outreach Program•Career Counselor Event•Life Sciences Summer Institute