Resources and FAQs

MC Biotech prepares people for success in biotechnology. There are several options for students to develop biotech knowledge and skills. Our focus is on the local Maryland/ Virginia biotech industry.

The credit program has 3 options: a Certificate in Biomanufacturing (246), an A.A.S. degree in Biotechnology (334), and a Certificate in Biotechnology (219).  

Biotechnology courses are developed with input from the local industry. Courses integrate the theory taught in lecture with hands-on practical skills relevant to the biotech industry in lab. The laboratory protocols we use are similar to those used in real-world research or industry labs. We do not use educational kits or demonstrations. We emphasize the development and understanding of basic laboratory skills. Course material is organized by method: cell culture (aseptic technique), protein skills, DNA/RNA skills.

There are also non-credit courses and workshops to address specific training needs in the biotechnology industry. Visit BioTRAIN.org and BioTrac.com for more information. We can offer custom courses designed to meet business needs.

Sometimes credit and non-credit courses are “co-listed”, and credit and non-credit students will take the same class at the same time.

Our philosophy: people learn best by doing. In our labs you will use a variety of equipment: micropipettes, UV/Vis spectrophotometers, PCR thermocyclers, biological safety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, etc., etc. We have more than one of almost everything because YOU will use the equipment, not just watch one lucky student use the equipment.

We also believe that people learn best by doing something more than once. We give you the opportunity to master a technique, not to just try it once. Many of our labs are repetitive: you won’t split cells once, you’ll split them at least 3 times. You won’t count cells once, you’ll count them at least 3 times. You won’t run one SDS-PAGE or agarose gel, you’ll run several. Get the picture? Our labs are designed so that you gain experience with a method. 

MC Biotech offers a hands-on approach to learning basic skills in biotechnology. A benefit of this program is that upon completion of the biotechnology courses you should be prepared to enter the biotechnology workforce. The majority of students taking credit classes have jobs before completing the program or within 6 months of completion, providing they are eligible to enter the workforce (i.e. U.S. citizen or permanent resident). An added incentive is that the tuition at Montgomery College is about the lowest in the area.

If you are already employed in the biotechnology industry, MC Biotech can help you improve your current job skills or provide you with new skills.

If you have been out of the science workforce for a few years, this program is an excellent and economical way to “brush up” your skills.

BIOT 110 Introduction to Biotechnology  
BIOT 120 Introduction to Cell Culture
BIOT 121 Aseptic Technique and Cell Culture Skills
BIOT 200 Protein Biotechnology
BIOT 201 Protein Biotechnology Skills
BIOT 230 Applied Immunology
BIOT 231 Immunological Methods
BIOT 240 Principles of Nucleic Acid Methods
BIOT 241 Nucleic Acid Methods
BIOT 250 Principles of Biomanufacturing
BIOT 251 Techniques of Biomanufacturing
*NOTE: Courses ending in “1” are the laboratory components of lecture courses.

Yes, please look at the prerequisites for each class. Please consult a counselor or BIOT faculty member for advising.

Program Advising Guides

Maybe. The skills you will learn, such as Aseptic Technique and Cell Culture, PCR, validated micropipetting, and RT-qPCR, are in demand in many life science labs. These skills can help you get an internship and a job. 

You should consider earning the Biotechnology certificate (219). If you have taken college level general chemistry, general biology, organic chemistry, and genetics at another college, you will need to provide a BIOT advisor with a transcript (an unofficial copy is fine) so we know you have the prerequisite classes for the BIOT courses. You will need to ask for permission to enroll in classes each semester, because the registration system does not know about classes not taken at MC.

You may be interested in our non-credit offerings (particularly BioTrac.com), but the credit program is probably not for you. While we would love to have you as our student, we focus on basic, fundamental techniques. Our lectures and labs are designed for the novice, so it is likely that the level is too elementary for you. If you have absolutely no training in one of the areas we provide instruction in, such as cell culture or GLP/GMP, then the biotechnology program might be appropriate for you. In this case it would be best to contact the coordinator for additional information. 
 
If you are looking for more advanced training, here are some recommended programs in the Washington DC area:

• Biotechnical Institutenew window (Baltimore, MD)
• FAES Graduate Schoolnew window (NIH, Bethesda, MD)
• The Institute for Genomic Researchnew window (Gaithersburg, MD)
• Johns Hopkins Universitynew window
• Hood Collegenew window
• Georgetown Universitynew window

Classes are offered day and evening to accommodate students working first or second shifts.

Register early to avoid disappointment. 

Biotechnology laboratories are offered only at the Germantown campus of Montgomery College.  

BIOT110 is offered at other campuses. Some BIOT lecture classes are offered as HyFlex courses (livestreamed from the classroom; students can attend face-to-face or by logging in during class time).

BIOL, CHEM, and other classes can be taken at any of the three Montgomery College campuses (Germantown, Rockville or Takoma Park).

If you are a first time student at the college and do not have a degree, you may need to take placement exams in Math, English, and Chemistry. Study for these exams! Once those are completed and you have met with a counselor, you should then contact the Biotechnology coordinator.

If you are a first time student at the college and have a degree, you will need to enroll in the college and then speak to a Biotechnology faculty member or counselor.  

If you are currently enrolled at Montgomery College you should contact a Biotechnology faculty member or a counselor for academic advising.

Yes, as long as you have met the course prerequisites (have the proper science background) or obtain permission of the instructor or coordinator.

Yes. However, you may not take only the laboratory course.

We sometimes offer BIOT classes in a 7-week format. Also, consider our non-credit offerings. 

First, it depends on your level of preparation. If you are ready for college-level classes, you can complete the BIOT AAS in 4 semesters.

If you have a degree and can transfer in general biology and general chemistry, you can complete the biotechnology certificate in 2 semesters.

If you are a part-time student, of course, it will take longer.

If you do not have a college degree, you should consider earning the A.A.S. degree. The A.A.S. includes science courses and general education requirements. On completion of the A.A.S. degree, you may continue your education to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree by transfer.

The Biomanufacturing certificate can be earned as you take classes towards your A.A.S. The biomanufacturing certificate consists of Biology, Chemistry, and Biotechnology classes (Biology and Chemistry classes taken at other college can be transferred to MC, if necessary).

If you have a college degree, you should consider earning the Biotechnology certificate. The Biotechnology certificate requires only science courses for completion but does not prepare you for transfer to a four-year institution. The certificate may be useful for those wanting to “brush-up” on their skills, to prepare for entry to graduate school, or to change fields.  

Yes, by transfer agreement. We currently have agreements with George Washington University, Universities at Shady Grove, and University of Maryland Global Campus. More Information

BIOT120, 121, 200, and 201 transfer to UMD as electives.

For other institutions check with the specific institution you intend to transfer to and see if the Biotechnology courses or other courses will transfer. The Program Coordinator will be happy to assist you as much as possible.

I have a Bachelor (or Masters) of Science in Biology, Chemistry or related field:
You should take this program if you need additional skills to be better prepared to enter the Biotechnology field or want to enhance your resume. The Biotechnology certificate option is recommended. Many students who have completed their B.S. or M.S. and are having trouble finding a job in the Biotechnology field enroll in our program to increase their marketability. Our laboratories are hands-on practical applications of science. Roughly 40% of the students enrolled in our program have already completed a Bachelors or Master’s degree in a life science.

I have Bachelors (or Masters) Degree in a discipline other than science:
This program is an excellent starting point for those of you who are thinking of a career change - we start at the beginning and move to advanced topics and are reasonably priced. In addition to the biotechnology courses you will also have to take the other prerequisite science courses.

Biotechnology courses do not require traditional textbooks. Course materials are given to students. Students must procure a laboratory coat, safety glasses, and must purchase a biotechnology laboratory notebook (~$10). 

More information about costs.

No, Montgomery College does not charge lab fees.

A limited number of scholarships are available specifically for Biotechnology students thanks to the generosity of the Biotechnology industry and private donations.

You should file a FAFSA, and we strongly suggest that you apply for MC Foundation and other scholarships.

Most eligible students who successfully complete 3 or more biotechnology laboratory courses obtain full-time employment, usually within 6 months of completing their last course. Many become full-time employees before finishing the program. Successful completion of the program is defined as:

• 2.5 or better GPA
• Regular attendance at classes, including arriving on time and remaining to complete the work.
• Learning and applying proper laboratory practices such as maintaining an up-to-date accurate laboratory notebook, proper care and use of equipment and observation of safety rules.
• Proper behavior in the lab - working as part of a team, being attentive, being courteous, sharing knowledge and participating in the work.
• Able to carry out, understand, and explain the basic protocols covered in the lab.

No, we cannot guarantee anyone a job. We do, however, provide detailed recommendations to employers so they can hire well-prepared students.

Yes - The Biotechnology Program at Montgomery College is proud to have established articulation agreements with specific institutions.  

An articulation agreement means that the courses (up to 60 credits) completed in pursuit of the A.A.S. Degree in Biotechnology transfer to these institutions allowing you to enter as a junior.

The College is always interested in establishing additional agreements.

The majority of our graduates find work right here in Montgomery County, Maryland at local biotechnology companies and research organizations such as the National Institutes of Health.

Some students have moved since completing the program and have obtained positions in other regions such as California, Boston, MA, or Research Triangle, NC.

If you have a position at a biotechnology company (i.e. industry) the answer is a resounding YES! Companies promote employees based on success as much as academic credentials.

If you have a position at an academic institution such as a university or government laboratory your ability to advance without a higher degree (Ph.D. or M.D.) is limited – however in man

y cases individual laboratories at these institutions encourage and support their lab technicians to complete the higher degree.

Your job duties will vary depending on the company you work at. Some students are assigned to duties such as buffer or media preparation, while others work in cell culture facilities growing cells to use as treatments, to produce antibodies, or to use as test platforms for drug discovery. Others are involved in the manufacturing side of biotechnology including scale-up of fermentation or bioreactor processes, or downstream processing of products such as large scale protein purification. Jobs in biotechnology require knowledge, focus, common sense, some eye-hand coordination, patience and dedication. Any of the jobs are challenging and involve applied science where you will be developing or making products that benefit mankind.

Benefits vary by employer but might include:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan such as 401K.
• Tuition reimbursement. If you take classes that are relevant to work such as completing your BS or MS, the company will pay the tuition over and above your normal salary. This is not a loan.
• Stock options.

International students are welcome in the Biotechnology program. Montgomery College has students from over 160 different countries. Before registering you should communicate with biotechnology faculty and an international student counselor.

Find out more information on transcript evaluation.

It might - check with admissions and obtain the information needed for a transcript evaluation. Some or all of the classes you completed abroad may count as college credit here at Montgomery College. 

Maybe. It is difficult to find a position without US work authorization. It is important that your visa is current.  In some cases a company will consent to allow an international student an internship. Contact the international student coordinator and the Biotech Coordinator for additional information. Please be aware that there is no promise or guarantee that you will be allowed to obtain a practicum, be hired or be supported for an H1 visa or green card application by any company. It is not the intent or responsibility of the Biotechnology Program or those companies that sponsor internships to assist in change of visa status. 

Start at Apply and Register.

Maybe. Contact us or the college for more information. 

No, sorry.

• Dr. Collins Jones
  20200 Observation Drive, BE203, Germantown, MD 20876 
  Collins.Jones@montgomerycollege.edu  
  
  
• Dr. Lori Kelman
  20200 Observation Drive, BE204, Germantown, MD 20876
  Lori.Kelman@montgomerycollege.edu