Biotechnology

Wake Tech offers a variety of non-degree, short classes and certificate training programs in biotechnology, including hands-on training in biomanufacturing and biopharmaceutical operations in a simulated industrial, current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) environment.

BioWork Process Technician
BioNetwork Training
Pharmaceutical Quality Systems Certificate
Medical Device Quality Systems Certificate

For those interested in earning a degree to work in the biotech industry, visit Wake Tech's Biotechnology Department.

Financial assistance available

Workforce Continuing Education offers financial assistance for many workforce training programs through the Propel program and other resources. Email [email protected] for more information.

Course details and registration information

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Course
Upstream Processes: Microbial Fermentation
Name
SEF-412CL
Available Classes
Not currently offered.
Description Course Outline Requirements Intended Audience More Details
Intended Audience
This course is designed for entry-level bioprocess engineers, technicians and operators, upstream process development scientists and specialists, and incumbent workers. It will also benefit professionals in the biotechnology industry seeking training and hands-on experience in fermentation processes.
Description
Biopharmaceutical fermentation involves propagating mammalian, yeast, or microbial cells to produce the desired drug product. This process can be used to produce many types of products, including antibiotics, hormones, amino acids or therapeutic proteins. In this course, students will be able to learn the fundamentals of fermentation technology and processes utilized in the chemical and biotechnology industries. The lab sections will allow the students hands-on experience with a small-scale fermentation process equipment used in the biopharmaceutical industry. Students will also be introduced to the various conditions necessary for sterile media preparation and culture operations.
Course Objectives
  1. Gain an understanding of the biological principles behind microbial fermentation, growth, and genetic modification.
  2. Summarize and apply Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) considerations in fermentation.
  3. Learn how to optimize growth medium for microbial growth and describe the nutritional requirements for media preparation.
  4. Describe the basics of fermentor design, instrumentation, and control.
  5. Identify the components of a small scale fermentor system and gain hands-on experience with operating the system to run a fermentation cycle.
  6. Demonstrate taking analyte measurements to monitor the growth of cultures.
Outline of Instruction
  1. Day 1 Lectures
    a. Biomanufacturing process overview
    b. A brief overview of cell culture
    c. Introduction to fermentation processes (history)
    d. Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) related to fermentation processes
    e. Industrial microorganisms and their products
    f. Phases of cell growth
    g. Recombinant technology
  2. Day 1 Labs
    a. Review lab safety
    b. Refresh a culture
    c. Prepare shaker flask media
    d. Identify nutrition components of various media
    e. Arabinose usage as an inducer
  3. Day 2 Lectures
    a. Factors that affect cell growth
    b. Fermentor design requirements
    c. Parts of fermentor
    d. Nutritional requirements for aerobic fermentation
    e. Sterilization principles
    f. Fermentor design
  4. Day 2 Labs
    a. Inoculation and monitoring shaker flasks for growth
    b. Sterilization investigation
    c. Bioreactor component identification
  5. Day 3 Lectures
    a. Fermentation operation modes
    b. Fermentation instrumentation and control
    c. Fermentation support systems
    d. Single-use technologies
  6. Day 3 Labs
    a. Inoculation and monitoring the bioreactor
    b. Results of the sterilization experiment
    c. OD600 analysis, Glucose analysis
    d. Percent solid/biomass analysis
Contact Hours
21
CEU's
2.1
Industry Standard, State, or National Certification
No
CE to CU Articulation
No
Prerequisites
Text and Supplies Needed
Laboratory workbooks, datasheets, general laboratory equipment and materials including shaker incubators, spectrophotometers, bioreactors, metabolite analyzers, inoculating loops, media, autoclave, pH meters, glassware. (All supplies provided.)
Clinical Site/Special Facilities
Lab facilities with typical lab mixers, pH meters, scales and glassware for performing microbiological work, source of high purity water.
Requirements for Successful Completion of this Course
  1. Attendance 90% or above
  2. Participation
  3. Active participation in all labs, class discussions, and presentations.
Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements
Intended Audience
This course is designed for entry-level bioprocess engineers, technicians and operators, upstream process development scientists and specialists, and incumbent workers. It will also benefit professionals in the biotechnology industry seeking training and hands-on experience in fermentation processes.
Specific Industry or Business Support Needs
Bioprocess Engineer, Bioprocess Technician, Manufacturing Associate, Fermentation Technician, Fermentation Lab Analyst
Industry or Job Titles Related to training Outcomes for Employment
  • Bioprocess Technician
  • Bioprocess Engineer
  • Manufacturing Associate
  • Fermentation Technician
  • Fermentation Lab Analyst
Related Courses
  • Elements of Current Good Manufacturing Practices in Biomanufacturing Processes - SEF-79524
Course Contact Information
Gina Driver
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