Automation Control in Biomanufacturing Specialized Diploma

Business & Technology

Program Narrative
The Automation Control in Biomanufacturing Specialized Diploma focuses on the practical applications of electromechanical concepts and process control in the highly-regulated production facilities of biomanufacturers and biopharmaceutical companies.  The program is designed to provide the minimal skills and knowledge needed for a quick entry into the biomanufacturing job market upon completion of the specialized diploma.

The program can be completed in its entirety in day or evening classes held in Hartzell Technology Hall on the north side of the main campus. Students in the second year of the Electromechanical Technology Program – Automated Systems are encouraged to use these courses as technical and free electives. See your advisor for more information and course selection.

Program Features
This program will focus on the equipment, instruments and systems that operators and technicians will face in the biomanufacturing industry and closely related processes. The program will acquaint the student with computers and computer operation including the use of word processor, spread sheets and graphing. Electrical and electronic fundamentals are presented to give the basic understanding of voltage, current, resistance, wiring and measurements. The student then gains strong practical knowledge and skills with process instrumentation devices, reading and interacting with P&IDs and a working knowledge of how it all fits together in a process automation system. Equipment and instrumentation that is currently used in the biomanufacturing and biopharmaceutical industries will be used throughout the program to allow for hands on practice.

Professionals in Northampton Community College’s Career Development Office, as well as instructors within the program, will be available to assist students in finding employment in the field.

Program Requirements
The Automation Control in Biomanufacturing Specialized Diploma can be completed in two semesters during the day or evening on a full-time basis.  Alternative schedules such as full-day options to allow for completion of a course or group of courses in fewer weeks will be developed to meet the needs of the local biomanufacturing employers.

This program emphasizes development of the competencies needed by employers in these fields upon completion of the Specialized Diploma, rather than on transferring these courses to a four year college.

Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Automated Process Control Systems S.D. program will:

• Demonstrate the ability to work independently, collaboratively or in teams safely with electrical, mechanical, process instrumentation and automation equipment.
  
• Describe and understand the principles and functions of a wide variety of process automation equipment and instrumentation and connectivity to allow assistance in trouble-shooting automated processing equipment in highly-regulated manufacturing systems.
  
• Analyze and present data in an acceptable, standardized and organized manner using technical vocabulary and graphic interpretation applicable to the area of automated process control systems including Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P & IDs).
  
• Demonstrate observational, integrative and synthetic skills.

Career Potential
Biomanufacturing Technician
Biomanufacturing Fill-line Operator
Biomanufacturing Equipment Operator