Revised 04/2013

BIO 180 - Introduction to Careers in Biotechnology (1 CR.)

Course Description

Exposes the student to the field of biotechnology including skills, industries, and employment opportunities. Introduces the requirements to complete training and facilitates the student's creation of a student plan and educational goals. Lecture 1 hour per week.

General Course Purpose

This course is designed to educate biotechnology students about available career options and to prepare them to successfully enter the local bioscience workforce. Students will learn about national trends in bioscience employment as well about the local biotechnology companies that exist in northern Virginia. Students will also learn about the different positions that exist within biotech companies as well as the required skill sets. Students may do this by hearing guest lecturers, going on company tours, and/or doing independent research. Students will also become more prepared to enter the workforce by preparing a professional resume and cover letter and learn interviewing skills. Resumes and cover letters will be peer-reviewed as well as reviewed by the biotechnology faculty. Students will undergo mock interviews with members of the Biotech Program Advisory Committee, NOVA faculty members, or be asked to complete informational interviews on-site in the program’s partner companies.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: Program placed or biotechnology program head permission

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Describe overall national trends in biotechnology employment.
  • Know the major categories of biotechnology industries.
  • Describe different positions within a biotechnology company.
  • List the different biotech companies that exist within the metropolitan D.C. area, especially northern Virginia.
  • Be proficient at doing employment searches on-line.
  • Understand the critical components of an effective resume.
  • Write a professional resume geared toward entry-level positions in biotech companies.
  • Write a professional cover letter.
  • Understand professional etiquette when communicating with potential employers.
  • Exhibit professional behavior and effective interview skills.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • National trends in biotechnology workforce and training
  • Examples of infrastructure and positions within different types of biotech companies and research
  • institutions
  • Discussion on local biotech companies
  • Doing web-based searches to find employment
  • Resume, cover-letter writing techniques
  • Professional behavior during job application/interview process