Program Description
Bioproduction is a new state-of-the art program that uses living cells to produce desired products. This dynamic, interdisciplinary field incorporates aspects of biology, engineering, and chemistry and incorporates many technologies including, but not limited to: cell culture, protein production and analysis, upstream and downstream processing, laboratory analysis using spectroscopy, chromatography, microbiology, and biotechnology. Students will learn these techniques both on campus in Cecil’s state-of-the-art laboratories as well as during their last semester off-campus internship that immerses them in the field of bioproduction. Career opportunities abound in this emerging industry in areas such as health and medicine, production of therapeutic proteins, vaccine development and production, and biofuel production.
Degree Programs
Bioproduction (Associate of Applied Science)
This program offers an introduction to the field of Bioprocessing. This exciting new field harnesses cellular processes to create vital industrial and medical products. Students will be introduced to the requisite skills and knowledge for either a transfer to a four-year program or entry-level positions in the industry.
Required Courses & Learning Outcomes
See a list of required courses and learning outcomes for this program in the college catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bioproduction?
Bioproduction is an emerging field that uses living cells to produce desired products. This dynamic, interdisciplinary field incorporates aspects of biology, engineering, and chemistry and incorporates many laboratory technologies necessary to produce biomolecules of interest.
What can I do with a degree in bioproduction?
Students who earn an A.A.S. in Bioproduction at Cecil College can enter the workforce in an in-demand field. Graduates will have the skills necessary to work in a bioprocessing lab at various stages of the bioproduction process. Students may also transfer to 4-year institutions to earn a bachelor’s degree in bioproduction or biotechnology. Some institutions offer master’s programs as well.
What are the opportunities for experiential learning?
Bioproduction students at Cecil College have an opportunity during their last semester to obtain work experience that is productive in nature and an essential part of the overall educative process. The student’s work assignment is related to their field of study and/or career interests in the bioproduction industry.
Is there any opportunity for student employment in the college labs?
There are opportunities for student employment in Cecil’s science labs. Students who qualify for work study are encouraged to apply for a position as a lab assistant. Lab assistants gain valuable experience by helping to organize and prepare lab experiments for biology, chemistry, microbiology, and other science lab courses.
Can I earn college credit for taking AP biology in high school?
If you earned a 4 or better on the AP Biology Examination, it will transfer as credit for BIO 130/BIO131 or BIO 132/BIO133.
Program Information
To learn more about this program, please contact Benjamin Rohe, Ed.D., Bioproduction Program Coordinator, at brohe@nullcecil.edu.
Admissions & Advising
Cecil College is an open enrollment institution. Get more information, find out how to apply, or meet with an advisor.
Transfer
Whether transferring coursework to Cecil College or transferring your completed degree or certificate to a four-year institution, transfer is a viable option to help meet your educational goals.
Cecil College has strong partnerships related to the biological sciences with Maryland colleges and universities as well as other schools in nearby states.
Transfer information for Maryland colleges and universities is available through the Articulation System of Maryland (ARTSYS) website at www.artsys.usmd.edu. Additional transfer information can be found on the Transfer Agreements page.
Jefferson College of Health Professions at Jefferson University
Cecil College has an articulation agreement with Jefferson College of Health Professions at Jefferson University. Students that complete the Bioproduction A.A.S. degree at Cecil College and meet other requirements, are granted priority considerations and an admission interview. Students may be admitted to the Jefferson University Biotechnology baccalaureate program as a junior or senior upperclassman with options that include pathways to a Master's degree.
Faculty
Full-time Faculty
Benjamin Rohe
Bioproduction Program Coordinator
Ed.D., University of Delaware
Christine Warwick
Science & Technology, Chair; Assistant Professor of Biology
M.S., University of St. Joseph
Graduate certificate in Emerging Diseases, University of Saint Joseph
Heather Cadogan
Associate Professor of Biology
M.S., Clemson University
Kayla Ross
Science & Engineering Lab Coordinator
M.S., University of Maryland Global Campus
Adjunct Faculty
Our adjunct faculty hold advanced degrees in their fields and bring a wide array of experience into the classroom.