Biotechnology Careers

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MODULE 4

Objective 4.3 Lesson A

Biotechnology Careers

Course Advanced Biotechnology Unit Workforce Essential Question What career opportunities exist in the field of biotechnolog y? TEKS 130.364 3E, 4A, 4D, 13B, 13C Prior Student Learning None Estimated Time 2.0 hour Rationale

The 21st century learner no longer obtains a single degree and works at the same job for the majority of their lives. Today’s learners need to be

multifaceted. The field of biotechnology contains employment opportunities for all levels of degrees, all types of learning and all sectors: research labs, drug manufacturing, marketing and sales, technology integration, government regulations and of course, teaching!

Objectives Students will:

 Identify degree requirements and salaries for biotechnology careers in all employable sectors.

 Create a resume containing laboratory, career, and college skills obtained throughout the biotechnology course.

Engage

 VIDEO: Making the Connection Biotechnology

 Ask students what characteristics the person/people possessed in order to be successful in their fields.

Key Points

 Visit http://biotech-careers.org/ to learn about careers and degrees offered in all sectors of biotechnology.

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Activity

1. Students complete “Biotechnology Career Webquest” individually. 2. There are many job websites on the web. Encourage students to

explore these job sites and choose one that provides the best scope for employment in the biotechnology field.

3. Everyone can find a job! Artistic students could look into graphics. Business majors would look into the marketing of biotech products. Lawyers find patent law positions. A nursing major may want to search within the field of clinical trials.

4. Ask students to share the biotechnology programs they find with the class by listing them on a blog site, twitter feed or poster.

5. Share student’s job posting (#18 of webquest) via posting in the room or online. Allow students to choose any posting submitted for which they would like to apply.

6. Using the posting they choose above, students complete “Employable Skills” Assignment.

Assessment

 Completion of “Biotechnology Career Webquest”

 Submission of Job Posting Form

 Resume Checklist Materials

 “Biotechnology Career Webquest” Handout

 “Employable Skills” Handout

Accommodations for Learning Differences

 Visit the Special Populations section of the CTE Career and Technical Education Website: http://cte.unt.edu/special-pops National and State Education Standards

Science Standards

Texas College and Career Readiness Standards

I. E1, E2 III. B3, C1, D1

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Biotechnology Career Webquest Name: _____________________ PART A: View Making the Connection: Biotechnology and answer the questions below.

1. True or False: All education levels, including high school and 2 year degrees, can find a job in the biotechnology field.

2. The following highlights a field of biotechnology that was discussed in the video:

 Texas Parks and Wildlife employee

 Field biologists and geneticists working together

 Studying the genetics of the white tail dear antler growth

 Some rewards in this field: work with people with same interest, being in the field, working outdoors and with wildlife

 Suggested internships during summer Which field is the description referring to?

a. Health Science b. Wildlife Management c. Marine

d. Forensics

 DNA analyst

 Analysis of evidence and comparison of samples

 May testify on stand so must be confident

 Best if a “people person”

 Sometimes is the one to solve a case Which field is the description referring to? a. Health Science

b. Wildlife Management c. Marine

d. Forensics

 Have no patients

 Scientists who use cell culture and real time PCR techniques

 Animal Resource Supervisor

 “Don’t check your brain at the door!” Which field is the description referring to? a. Forensics

b. Health Science c. Wildlife Management d. Marine

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Part B: Study the Biotech Job Descriptions listed at the sites below and then advise the students in the questions below on what job would best fit him/her.

 Biotech Job Descriptions Part 1  Biotech Job Descriptions Part 2

5. I enjoy participating in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals. I am good at making detailed observations, analyzing data, interpreting results and working with others on projects.

a. Clinical research administrator b. Validation technician

c. Research associate

d. Regulatory affairs specialist e. Instrument/calibration technician

6. I have just graduated from high school and have taken a high school biotechnology course and love the field. Suggest a job that I would be immediately qualified for in a research and development department.

a. Glass washer

b. Validation technician c. Quality control analyst d. Regulatory affairs specialist e. Instrument/calibration technician

7. I am responsible for developing, preparing the installation of, and revising test validation procedures/protocols to ensure that a product is manufactured in accordance with appropriate regulatory agency validation requirements, internal company standards, and current industry practices. What is my job title in quality control?

a. Manufacturing technician b. Validation technician c. Research associate

8. I am very detail oriented and organized especially when it comes to files and data collection, but I only have a high school diploma. In high school my favorite class was Biology, and my teacher always commented on how meticulous my lab notebook was and note-taking skills. I plan on entering a biotech program this year at a community college and am looking for a job where I can gain some experience in the clinical research field. Suggest a Job for me:

a. Clinical research administrator b. Validation technician

c. Research associate

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9. I am responsible for conducting routine and non-routine analysis of raw materials. I compile data for documentation of test procedures and reports abnormalities and review data obtained for compliance with specifications and reports abnormalities. Who am I?

a. Manufacturing technician b. Validation technician c. Quality control analyst d. Regulatory affairs specialist e. Instrument/calibration technician

10. I have just completed a biotechnology program with an AS degree. During my studies, I got a lot of hands on experience with biotech equipment. I learned how to operate biotech equipment, weigh and measure. I also know how to maintain records and clean production areas to comply with regulatory requirements, good manufacturing practices, and standard operating procedures. Suggest a Job for me in Manufacturing and Development:

11. I am responsible for performing maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, calibration, and repair on a variety of circuits, components, analytical equipment, and

instrumentation. I also maintain spare parts inventories and may prepare technical reports with recommendations for solutions to technical problems.

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PART C: Go to http://biotech-careers.org/.

12. From the pull down menu on the left side of the page, find two jobs that you would be qualified for with only a

a. High school diploma:

b. Associate’s degree:

c. Bachelor’s degree:

d. If you had to choose one of the jobs above which one would it be? Why?

13. Select Photos. Choose one person from the photo journal list to read about. a. Describe the role that this person plays in the biotechnology industry.

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14. Select Career- Choose a career that interests you. a. Explore the jobs and videos listed for this career.

b. Based the videos, what skills are needed to work in this field?

15. Under the Career section, select one career path from this interactive activity that appeals to you and discuss the reasons why.

16. Select one job that appeals to you within your chosen career path and summarize the duties listed under the position description.

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18. Find an employment posting for this job by following the links provided under the Job Search tab.

LOGO

HERE

Company Name

Job Title: Date:

Job Description:

Responsibilities:



Job Location: Company Industry: Job Role: Joining Date: Employment Status: Employment

Type:

[ie: Employee, Internship, Contractor, Temporary Employee]

Monthly Salary Range: Manages Others:

[Yes or No]

Skills:

Career Level: Years of Experience: Residence Location: Education: Degree: Other: Company URL:

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19. Find a community college program that offers the degree or certificate needed for this job and record below. Follow the links provided under the Education and Training tab. Record what you found below.

20. Explain what you would hope to achieve in a biotechnology career.

21. Go to http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ and find the closest school to your location that offers any type of biotechnology degree or certificate. List below. Also note if there are any scholarship opportunities.

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Employable Skills

1. Review the job postings of your classmates. Choose one that you would like to apply for.

2. Visit the Texas A&M Career Center for tips, templates and checklist on how to create a professional resume. Create a resume that includes the following information:

a. Biotechnology skills you have mastered this year.

i. View a copy of the EDC/FFA Combined Biotechnology Skills Standards to identify skills you have acquired throughout this course.

b. College and Career Readiness skills you have acquired this school year. i. View a copy of the Texas College and Career Readiness Standards

to identify standards that you have mastered throughout this course. c. At least two ways you have helped maintain quality assurance in the lab. d. Technologies you are proficient in.

e. Extended Learning Opportunities you may have taken advantage of. f. Your top 5 employable skills.

3. Create a cover letter for the job posting you choose to explain why you would be a good fit for the job.

Biotechnology Careers