BioWork is a 128-hour introductory course bringing together the basics of manufacturing technology and the fundamentals of science-two essentials for competent, entry-level technicians in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical manufacturing.
BioWork is intended for high school graduates, traditional manufacturing workers who have lost jobs, or anyone interested in a new line of work. For information on other programs, please visit the community college system's BioNetwork Web site.
A Relevant Framework for On-The-Job Training
BioWork-certified graduates enter the work force ready to learn company operations and tasks. Equipped with BioWork knowledge and skills, they are prepared to:
- Read a process diagram
- Use the metric system
- Adjust pH
- Read gauges
- Make chemical solutions
- Prepare growth media
- Comply with cGMP
- Follow an SOP
- Complete a batch record
An Emphasis on Safety
BioWork students graduate with a safety mind set. Much of safety training is job-specific. However, BioWork introduces students to common hazards in the workplace, critical OSHA requirements, and personal protective clothing and equipment.
A Priority on Quality
BioWork teaches students what quality means and why it matters, providing overviews of current quality systems-with detailed treatment of cGMP as an example of a comprehensive quality system. BioWork graduates understand that a quality product depends on the strict attention process technicians must give to standards and procedures for every task.
Built-in Communication, Teamwork and Problem-Solving
Technical knowledge and skill is not enough. Successful process technicians need an ability to effectively communicate, work with a team, and solve problems. BioWork offers students many opportunities to develop and practice these skills.
Features that make it easy for students to learn:
- Content is structured in manageable segments moving from simple to complex
- Topics unfold in logical sequence with helpful examples, illustrations and reviews
- Text is clear and concise with a simple vocabulary and well-defined industry terms. Course basics are reinforced in a variety of ways, including classroom and lab activities, role plays, case studies and field trips to manufacturing sites
BioWork Study Units
- Unit 1. Your New Job.
- Orientation to the process manufacturing industries (4 hours plus two field trips)
- Unit 2. Working Safely.
- Basic safety attitudes and approaches (4 hours)
- Unit 3. Building Quality into the Product.
- Say what you do and do what you say (12 hours)
- Unit 4. Measuring Process Variables.
- The metric system and variables critical to controlling processes (20 hours)
- Unit 5. Transforming Matter.
- Basic chemistry for process technicians (20 hours)
- Unit 6. Learning the Nuts and Bolts.
- Process manufacturing equipment, systems, and plant utilities (20 hours)
- Unit 7. Controlling the Process.
- Basic principles of feedback control systems (8 hours)
- Unit 8. Maintaining Sterile Processes.
- Working in aseptic manufacturing environments (12 hours)
- Unit 9. Growing Living Cells.
- Bioprocess manufacturing principles and operations (12 hours)