A New Biomanufacturing Program: Using Cells as Microscopic Factories

A New Biomanufacturing Program: Using Cells as Microscopic Factories
Posted on 02/08/2018

BiotechDr. Joan Abrams is back from sabbatical and certified in biomanufacturing and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). In September 2018, the CRLS/RSTA Biotechnology Program will begin training students in Biomanufacturing - large-scale protein production using cells as mini factories.

With over 180 biotech companies in Cambridge and Boston, the biotech industry needs a highly skilled biomanufacturing workforce. The Biomanufacturing Program offers a great option for students interested in a more direct pathway to employment with significant opportunities for growth. Graduates of two-year biomanufacturing programs are in high demand with starting salaries averaging $55,000.

Rest assured, the RSTA Biotechnology Program will continue our research oriented, project-based, skills training for future scientists, doctors, and Nobel Prize winners!

The RSTA Biotech Program has remarkably well-equipped labs, having received $265,000 in grants from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) and $65,000 in equipment donations from the biotech industry. An MIT professor visiting for a guest lecture said of the biotech lab: "This lab is better than my lab at the Whitehead!"

The most recent $100,000 award is being used to purchase biomanufacturing equipment for protein production using bacterial and mammalian cells. The new 1,000 square foot lab is across the corridor from the main biotechnology lab. Come in for a tour!

Points to Note:

  • All Biotech courses are Science Electives with Honors credit
  • Level 2 and Level 3 provide credit toward fulfilling requirements for graduation with Distinction in the Life Sciences
  • Juniors and Seniors may enroll in Level 2 directly with permission
  • Biotech 1 is now open to freshmen!
  • RSTA Exploratory not required

Course structure:
Introductory Biotech, Level 1 is a one-semester, single block course offered in Fall and Spring. Biotech Levels 2 and 3 are full-year, single block, and fulfill the PE requirement (3-week embedded PE).





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