Program Manager: Dr. Savita Prabhakar
Email: sprabhakar@frederick.edu
Phone: 301.846.2564
Program Description
Provides students with the essential skills, knowledge, and preparation to enter the cell and gene therapy industry. Explores the steps involved in the manufacturing process, the equipment used, the regulatory aspects, and the current state and future of the field. Students will have hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and will be exposed to common techniques used in the manufacturing process.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Describe the applications of cell and gene therapy.
- Identify the existing FDA approved therapies and the ones in clinical trials.
- Demonstrate the ability to follow good documentation practices (GDP) and good manufacturing practices (GMP).
- Demonstrate the ability to follow correct aseptic technique and maintain cell cultures.
- Demonstrate the ability to work with AAV virus and perform transfections.
- Perform industry-specific techniques including ELISA, real-time PCR, and cell-based assays.
- Demonstrate the ability to work with cells in bags and tubing aseptically.
- Demonstrate the ability to work with AKTA go systems for viral purification.
- Explain flow cytometry principles and applications.
- Demonstrate the ability to follow a flow cytometry protocol.
- Demonstrate the ability to use Flo Jo software and analyze data.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOT 102 | Regulatory Aspects of Biotechnology (Fall) | 3 |
| BIOT 103 | Basic Lab Techniques (Fall) | 1 |
| BIOT 110 | Molecular Biology Techniques (Spring) | 4 |
| BIOT 220 | Cell Biology and Cell Culture Techniques (Spring) | 4 |
| BIOT 222 | Cell Therapy and Flow Cytometry (Spring) | 4 |
| BIOT 224 | Gene Therapy Fundamentals (Fall) | 4 |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Transfer Note
For more information on careers and transfer, contact the Career and Academic Planning Services office at 301.846.2471 or visit Transfer Services.
Guided Pathway to Success (GPS)
Suggested schedules map your path to degree completion.
Students should meet with an advisor each semester to carefully select and sequence courses based on their specific academic goals and interests. Visit Jefferson Hall or call 301.846.2471 for advising.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Recommended First Semester | Credits | |
| BIOT 102 | Regulatory Aspects of Biotechnology (Fall) | 3 |
| BIOT 103 | Basic Lab Techniques (Fall) | 1 |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Recommended Second Semester | ||
| BIOT 110 | Molecular Biology Techniques (Spring) | 4 |
| BIOT 220 | Cell Biology and Cell Culture Techniques (Spring) | 4 |
| BIOT 222 | Cell Therapy and Flow Cytometry (Spring) | 4 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Recommended Third Semester | ||
| BIOT 224 | Gene Therapy Fundamentals (Fall) | 4 |
| Credits | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Part-time Students
Part-time students should complete courses in the order listed on the pathway. Please contact program manager for questions about part-time status.
Students who take fewer than 15 credits each semester or who require developmental English or Math coursework will need additional semesters to complete their degrees. Summer term and January session classes may help students to make faster progress.
Pathway Legend
Milestone - courses with the Milestone notation should be taken within the recommend credit range to stay on track for program completion.
Fall, Spring, Summer - courses with a Fall, Spring, or Summer notation indicate the course is offered in the specified semester only.