Developing a "Biotechnology Friendly" Workforce

March 7, 2010, author: Brian Shmaefsky. This article was written for BIO on the need to have biotechnology programs train students in the appropriate techniques.

Quoting the article:

Groups such as Bio-Link are setting biotechnologycurriculum standards that match the biotechnology workforce. These endeavors to produce a biotechnologyliterate workforce require financial support and guidance from thebiotechnology industries. On the other hand, it is the responsibility of the colleges and schools teaching biotechnology to be proactive in teaching the students contemporary and appropriate skills that meet the needs of industries.

 

Shmaefsky laments the disparity between the focus of academic courses and the needs of industry.  In particular, he notes that:  

Few students are taught the principles related to the GCPs, GLPs, and GMPs. Confidentiality and proper record-keeping are also infrequently taught with appropriateness to the biotechnology workplace. Industrial safety and industrial hygienepractices are also lacking in the curriculum.

Unlike many four-year colleges, a distinguishing feature of Bio-Link programs is that they do stress proper workplace behavior and make extensive use of concepts such as GMPs, proper dress-codes and hygience practices, and industry-standard documentation.

Read the article.