Biotechnology

Department Head
Dr. Matthew Greene
250-8327

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Arts and Sciences Main PageWhat is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is a fascinating field which is at the cutting edge of science, using living cells and materials produced by cells to create pharmaceutical, diagnostic, agricultural, environmental, and other products to benefit society.  People working in this field make groundbreaking discoveries that fight disease, improve food production, clean up the environment and make manufacturing more efficient and profitable. 

The science of biotechnology is also used to alter genetic information in animals and plants to improve them in some way that benefits people. Because biotechnology essentially uses the basic ingredients of life to make new products, it is both a cutting-edge technology and an applied science.

Analysts have predicted that biotechnology will be one of the most important applied sciences of the 21st century.
     
Greenville Tech’s Associate in Science degree with a Biotechnology concentration is the only two-year program of its kind in South Carolina. This strong educational base will prepare you for entry-level employment in this field, or to transfer your credits for additional education beyond the associate degree level.

Key features of this program provide:

• limited enrollments with an informal and individualized learning environment.
• a strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory sessions.
• an excellent theoretical and practical background in biotechnological techniques and applications.
• a commitment to student convenience with a wide range of scheduling options.
• caring instructors who take an interest in you and your progress.

Can students from other technical colleges take advantage of Greenville Tech’s program?
Thanks to 1 + 1 relationships we’ve established with other technical colleges in the biotech area, you can spend your first year at your home institution taking prescribed general education courses. Your second year will be spent at Greenville Tech, where from fall to fall, you’ll take biotech courses. With Greenville Tech Foundation Student Housing, you can live where you learn as you complete your associate degree. These beautiful, garden-style apartments are located on the Barton Campus, just steps from your classes.

1 + 1 Partners now include:
Piedmont Technical College – Ms. Beth Towles
Spartanburg Community College – Dr. Chipley Bennett
Florence Darlington Technical College – Dr. David Saleeby
Midlands Technical College – Ms. Mary Breci

What positions are available in the field of biotechnology?

• Research and development generates and tests the ideas that become new biotechnologies.  Scientists in clinical research get the ideas generated by R&D and take them into the field for “real-world” tests and observations.
• Quality control ensures products are developed and tested safely in accordance with law.
• There’s a strong need for sales and marketing professionals with a science background who can communicate effectively with researchers and customers alike.
• Regulatory affairs workers play a key role in getting products approved by ensuring the company is in compliance with all government regulations for new products.

What are the latest trends in the field?
Biotechnology for health care is a particularly active field.  Drugs play a huge role in the entire health care market as new therapies are often aimed at reducing hospital and other medical intervention as baby boomers age.

The innovative, high-growth, research and development biotechnology industry is especially reliant on skilled individuals to fill a variety of roles including basic operations, research, and commercialization.  If there is one constant in the biotechnology industry, it is change.

What type of person would be successful in this field?
A person who is open to new possibilities, who can pay extreme attention to detail, and who enjoys meaningful and independently directed work would be successful.

What will help me prepare for the Biotechnology program?
Science and math courses will help, as the required courses in our program can be quite challenging. In addition, any previous experience in a related work environment or lab will be beneficial.

What are the required courses for Biotechnology?
Associate in Health Science, Major: Biotechnology
Associate in Health Science, Major: Biotechnology, One + One Program

Links
Palmetto Biotechnology Alliance