Biotechnology
Biotechnology
At Solano Community College, the Biotechnology Program explores how living systems and organisms are used to create products that improve our lives and protect our planet.
Curious about how biotech shapes your everyday world—and how it can shape your future?
Click below to discover Biotechnology at Solano Community College!
“From lab to life—turn curiosity into innovation with Solano Biotech.”
This program trains graduates for careers in the biotechnology industry as production technicians. In this role, technicians operate and maintain the specialized equipment used to manufacture protein pharmaceuticals and other biotech products.
Students gain hands-on experience cultivating bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cells, as well as recovering the valuable proteins these cells produce. They also learn to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), carefully maintaining records to meet quality assurance standards and government regulations.
Because the field requires adaptability, students should be prepared to work with a flexible schedule.
1. Biotechnology Laboratory Assistant — Certificate of Achievement
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A 14‑unit certificate designed as a bridge into bioscience careers or as a stepping stone toward the Industrial Biotechnology pathway.
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Prepares graduates to work in industry as lab assistants, performing tasks like media preparation, buffer prep, and routine equipment operation.
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Courses: BIOT 160, MATH 330, ENGL 360.
2. Industrial Biotechnology — Certificate of Achievement
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A focused certificate (18–24 units) providing practical skills for production technician roles in biotech.
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Covers core biotechnology topics including cell culture, protein recovery, instrumentation, and quality control.
3. Industrial Biotechnology — Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree
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Requires completion of the 22–24 unit Biotechnology major plus general education and electives, totaling at least 60 units. Ideal for transfer or workforce entry.
4. Stem Cells & Cell-Based Technologies — Certificate of Achievement
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A 24–29 unit certificate focusing on advanced biotech fields such as stem cell culture, CAR-T therapies, and cell-based manufacturing.
5. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biomanufacturing
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A four-year degree (120 units) among the first baccalaureate programs offered by a California community college. Builds on the associate degree and includes upper-division coursework in process development, regulatory affairs, quality systems, Six Sigma, and more.
Graduates of Solano’s Biotechnology Program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the rapidly growing life sciences industry. Entry-level opportunities include positions such as:
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Biomanufacturing/Production Technician – support the production of pharmaceuticals and biotech products.
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Laboratory Technician – assist with experiments, testing, and data collection.
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Quality Control/Quality Assurance Technician – ensure products meet strict safety and regulatory standards.
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Research Assistant – contribute to scientific discovery in academic or industrial labs.
With additional education and experience, students may advance into specialized roles such as research scientists, regulatory affairs specialists, or biotech project managers.