Answers
Q: What degrees or certificates are granted by the program?
A: The Foothill College Biotechnology Program offers a two year AS degree and a nine month career certificate.
Q: Who teaches the BTEC courses?
A: The faculty consists of two full time instructors and several part time instructors. Many of the short course instructors are scientists employed in the biotechnology industry.
Q: Where are the BTEC courses taught?
A: The program is located on the Foothill College Campus. The centerpiece of the program is the new, state-of-the-art Biotechnology Laboratory room 8707.
Q: Do I have to apply to the BTEC program?
A: Yes, a formal application is required, along with supporting documentation. Please see Getting Started at: www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/biotech/app.php.
After submitting the Foothill College Application for Admission, we strongly recommend you schedule an appointment with a Foothill counselor, to ensure your coursework meets the prerequisites. For an appointment, call (650) 949-7423.
Q: What is the Application Process?
A: Please see Getting Started
Q: Are there any prerequisites for admission?
A: Please see Prerequisites
Q: When does the program start each year?
A: The program starts only once each year in the Fall quarter (late September) and consists of a one year sequence of courses for the Career Certificate, and a two year sequence of courses for the AS degree. Students may enter the BTEC program itself at other times throughout the year, but only with permission of the Program Director. Students can also take shorter Biotechniques courses before starting the program. A quarter-by-quarter listing of Biotechniques courses can be found at: www.foothill.edu/bio/porgrams/biotech/short.php.
Q: When are the courses offered?
A: The program courses are generally taught during the day in the regular academic year. (Three quarters; late September through late June). Days and times vary quarter to quarter and can be found in the Foothill College Catalog and Schedule of Classes. Every attempt is made to schedule the classes in "Blocks" to allow time for students to work in their internships. Short courses are generally taught during the evenings and sometimes on weekends to increase their accessibility to potential students who work full time during the day.
Q: May I attend part time?
A: Students are encouraged to enroll full time, but part-time attendance is acceptable. It is the philosophy of the program to work with students as circumstances arise in an attempt to retain them in the program. If you are only able to attend part time, make sure to enroll in the core courses (BTEC 51A, 51AL, BTEC 52A, 52AL and BTEC 53A, 53AL).
Q: Can I take individual courses in the curriculum without applying to the program?
A: Yes. With the permission of the program director. Students must take any and all prerequisite courses before permission will be granted. Biotechnique courses do not require special permission.
Q: Are there any special mental, physical and emotional standards required of the BTEC students?
A: A brief summary of job requirements includes, but is not limited to:
- Aptitude for science requiring attention to detail, careful observation and accurate record keeping. Capacity to perform arithmetic and simple mathematical calculations. Interest in the operation and maintenance a variety of medical, diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
- Possess the ability to make independent decisions, work unsupervised, be creative, adaptable and resourceful. Uphold the values of personal responsibility, honesty, integrity, ethical behavior, trust and professionalism.
- Understanding of the requirement to work around hazardous chemicals, compressed gasses, pharmaceuticals, sharp objects, radiation and biohazards.
- Competence in effective verbal and written communication in English with coworkers and the public. Capacity to understand, follow, and execute verbal and written instructions given in English.
Q: May I take my General Education courses before applying to the BTEC Program?
A: Yes. Many students complete all or most of their college General Education requirements prior to entering the program. The BTEC courses are very challenging and require a lot of time and effort to be successful. The demands of the curriculum and the required internship hours combined with a busy personal life can prove to be too much for a student without careful planning and preparation.
Q: May I take my General Education and Chemistry courses at a college other than Foothill?
A: Yes. The only courses unique to Foothill College are the BTEC Courses. Many two- and four-year colleges offer courses comparable to those required for graduation from the BTEC Program. Our Biology and Chemistry departments serve a number of Allied Health Career programs and thus provide excellent courses for our students. See a Biotechnology Counselor for additional information.
Q: Will my General Education and Chemistry courses taken at other schools transfer to Foothill College and meet the program's graduation requirements?
A: Generally yes. A petition for Equivalency must be obtained from a BTEC Counselor and completed for some courses that do not exactly match those found on the BTEC Curriculum sheet. The student must contact a Biotechnology Counselor to discuss the possibility of transferring courses taken elsewhere. It is the student's responsibility to ascertain if a given course will be accepted by Foothill College and the BTEC Program Director.
Q: How much does the program cost?
A: This depends on how much college preparation has been completed and varies widely among applicants. In addition to the cost of registration, students must also pay various student fees, books and materials, and ,when applicable, lab fees. Please consult the current College Schedule of Courses for registration information and fees.
Q: How do I contact a Biotechnology Counselor?
A: Mr. Jerry Celillo
(650) 949-7423.
Q: Where do I get financial aid information?
A: For information on financial assistance, scholarships and grants, contact the Foothill College Financial Aid Office or see the Online Financial Aid Guide.
Q: How do I apply for admission to Foothill College?
A: Contact Foothill College Admissions and Records or see the Online Registration information
Q: What is the job market like for biotechnology technicians?
A: The demand for technicians in the Biotechnology industry is high. Many students are employed at the company at which they performed an internship, and most students are employed within a short time after graduation.
- Graduates can find employment in many sectors including biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies, clinical laboratories, education, government, and academic research. Some graduates have been accepted into advanced degree and internship programs.
- Starting salaries are in the range of $35,000 to $60,000/year depending on educational background and experience. Benefits vary from company to company.
Q: Technical Standards (Job Requirements and Working Conditions)?
A: The following statements identify the physical capabilities appropriate to the profession of Biotechnology Laboratory Technician and students enrolled in the Biotechnology Program.
The prospective Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Program student must
- possess sufficient finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination to perform basic laboratory tasks
- be able to view and interpret experimental results depicted in photographs and/or computer printouts
- be able to understand and react quickly to verbal instructions as they may pertain to laboratory safety
- be able to communicate effectively in a verbal manner to understand procedures in order to work safely in a laboratory setting
- be capable of following directions carefully in order to perform laboratory duties in a safe and effective manner
- be capable of following directions carefully in order to handle all laboratory equipment and supplies safely and appropriately
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