AC 2007-2921: INTRODUCING BIOTECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING THROUGH ELECTIVES

The Technology Department at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) is developing courses for a Biotechnology Manufacturing elective area. The biotechnology field has much promise to grow rapidly in the region and nation. Huntsville, Alabama, is on its way to becoming a leader in the biotechnology industry with the construction of the Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology (HAIB) in Huntsville. The institute will contain state-of-the-art laboratories for biotechnology and is expected to attract many new industries to the area. The institute is expected to employ some 400 scientists and staff when it opens in mid-2007. The Technology Department at AAMU has developed several new courses to better equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to design, maintain, and operate biotechnology devices (or systems). The primary objective of the Biotechnology Manufacturing elective area will be to produce graduates that will have the knowledge in biogenetics and up-to-date technology to support this industry efficiently. This paper will discuss some of the essential elements of courses to support Biotechnology Manufacturing.