This hands-on introductory course helps students learn how to perform functions normally expected in a laboratory setting. Students receive training on the operation and care of laboratory equipment, sterilization of glassware, and general housekeeping duties required in a lab. Students are involved in proper inventory procedures, ordering supplies, labeling of samples, and safely storing and disposing of chemicals.

Upon completion of the BioPharma 1: Basic  Laboratory Skills program, students will be proficient in operating, calibrating, and maintaining instruments commonly used in the lab including autoclaves, balances, centrifuges, incubators, pH meters, conductivity meters, gel box, microscopes and spectrophotometers. In addition, they should be able to calculate molarity, serial dilutions, perform sterile techniques, and prepare various types of media, reagents, and buffers solutions.

The course provides comprehensive education and training in many of the fundamental skills needed for entry-level positions with biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies. Lectures present selected topics and exercises to give the participants a solid background in the scientific principles upon which the technologies and applications used in modern biotechnology laboratories are based.

Yes, the lab exercises are hands-on and are designed to provide students practical laboratory experiences and build proficiency with the techniques used in bioprocessing applications. The lecture is one hour long while the labs are two hours long to provide quality hands-on training.

1. Must be 18 years of age or older;
2. Must have a high school diploma or GED;
3. Demonstrate appropriate reading level (COMPASS 54 or ASSET 35) and math level (COMPASS 27 or ASSET 36). Placement tests are offered by the DTCC Placement Testing Center; and
4. Copy of a transcript of any completed college degree (two-year or above).

Bring or send required prerequisite information to a location below, where you will be assigned a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The PIN number must then accompany your registration.

Deliver to: Northern Durham Center (NDC); Main Campus, Corporate Education Center (CEC); or Orange County Skills Development Center (OCSDC). 
Fax to: 919-686-3519, Attn: BioWork and BioPharma Programs
Mail to: DTCC, Attn: BioWork and BioPharma Programs, 2401 Snow Hill Road, Durham, NC 27712
To register: Visit us at one of three convenient locations:
    • Northern Durham Center (NDC)
    • Main Campus – Corporate Education Center (CEC)
    • Orange County Skills Development Center, Chapel Hill (OCSDC)
    • Orange County Campus (OCDC)

No, financial aid is not available for BioPharma 1: Basic Laboratory Skills.