Microcredential – Cell Culture | NorthWest Arkansas Community College

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Microcredential
Cell Culture

Microcredential
Cell Culture

Microcredential - Cell Culture


DESCRIPTION
This Microcredential prepares students to work in laboratory or biological manufacturing settings that require the cultivation of prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. It focuses on the upstream portion of the biomanufacturing process. Cell culture skills are essential in various biological fields, including food science, microbiology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and environmental science.

Instruction Method
In person

Skills Acquired

  • Beginning Microscopy
  • Advanced Microscopy
  • Aseptic Technique - Biosafety Cabinet
  • Pipette Usage
  • Solution Mixology
  • Aseptic Technique - Bench
  • Protocol Comprehension
  • Bacterial Culturing
  • Mammalian Culturing or
  • Plant Cell Culturing

Courses to Be Completed
To earn this credential, the following courses must be successfully completed:

Course Names and Codes

  • Biotechnology II (BIOL 2204) or
  • Cell Biology (BIOL 2534) or
  • Plant Biology (BOTY 1614)

Durable Skills Awarded

  • Critical thinking

 

 

Prerequisites

  • Introduction to Biotechnology (BIOL 1103)
  • Principles of Biology (BIOL 1544)
  • College Chemistry I (CHEM 1104)

 

 

Credits Earned
8 academic credits towards associate degree

 

 

Shortest Time to Completion
8 months

 

 

Industry Certification for Which the Student Becomes Eligible
The five core Microcredentials, plus the Advanced Cell Density and Light Microscopy credentials offered by the Bioscience Core Skills Institute (BCSI)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Cell Culture Microcredential, students will be able to:

  • Effectively utilize a light microscope
  • Perform advanced microscopy skills such as utilizing hemocytometers and oil immersion
  • Comprehend and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and good manufacturing practices (GMPs)
  • Use aseptic technique for a laboratory benchtop
  • Use aseptic technique for a biosafety cabinet
  • Effectively utilize pipettes
  • Safely mix solutions according to SOP
  • Manage pure cultures of bacteria
  • Manage pure culture of either mammalian cells or plant cells