A Certificate in Biotechnology will verify that a student has completed at least seven biology laboratory courses at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Because of  UHCL’s proximity to two medical centers, graduate institutions (Ph.D.-level), and current/developing biotechnology industries, it is important that students at UHCL receive state-of-the-art training in laboratory techniques. The certificate option targets students who are working toward or have already completed a Bachelor of Science degree and wish to add coursework that will be focused on the biotechnology field. In addition, the certificate targets current employees in the biotechnology industry who are retooling their competitive skills or are adding credentials to their career portfolios. Training in these laboratories will prepare the student for a career in academic, industrial, biomedical, clinical, state/federal or environmental areas.

Examples of jobs for which the Certificate in Biotechnology is targeted are listed below:

• Laboratory Technicians: Assist scientists conducting academic, biomedical, clinical, or pharmaceutical research, manufacturing biological/clinical supplies, and examining criminal evidence.

• Environmental Technicians: Assist scientists at state/federal agencies, industry and academic research by investigating infectious disease organisms, analyzing environmental pollutants and recommending methods of sample and data collection/analysis.

• Health Technicians: Assist in studies that predict the availability and safety of food sources in the environment and food industry.