The Biotech class is part of the Biomed/Biotech Program Major. This class gives students the opportunity to work with numerous techniques and tools common in biomedical research and the biotechnology industry. These include purifying a fluorescent protein, identifying who has been exposed to contagious diseases by doing an ELISA, using PCR and gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA samples for a hypothetical crime scene, and many, many more. Some of the tools you will learn to use are micropipettors, spectrophotometers, autoclaves, and centrifuges.

Students also have the opportunity to receive 4 units of college credit from Miramar College if they choose to take the “Challenge Exam”. Last year, 2007-2008, we had 100% pass rate!

The second semester of the class is Internships. They meet with me just once a week, on Tuesdays. This gives them the ability to complete the 50 hours required. Last year, 80% of the class was offsite, interning in biotech companies, research labs, animal hospitals, a surgery center, and dental offices. They get experience in the field and begin to make connections. This gives them an opportunity to see if a career in science is for them.

As part of the Program Major, the students have the ability to graduate with honors, represented by a gold and blue braided cord at graduation. The requirements for the Biomed/Biotech Program Major are:

• 4 years of science: Biology, Chemistry or Physics, Human Biology or AP Biology, and Biotech
• 2 years membership in a science related club
• Community service
• Senior exhibition project (portfolio and intern presentation)

Students who complete the above will receive a Certificate of Completion
Completion with Distinction: (GPA overall 3.0; Science GPA 3.5) braided cord with Certificate of Completion

For more information about the Biotechnology program at Mt. Carmel, please contact:
Catherine Naughton
cnaughton@powayusd.com