Valencia Campus home to only medical biotech program in the state

The recently launched Medical Biotechnology certification course at The University of New Mexico's Valencia Campus is the first of its kind in the state of New Mexico. The 20-credit hour associate certification prepares students for careers in the biomedical laboratory industry.  

Program leader Piotr Filipczak, Ph.D., said there are five classes consisting of basic science prerequisites in biology, chemistry and microbiology and two core courses in laboratory biotechnological techniques. While attending these core courses, students can expect to be in the lab for 7 and a half hours a week.

Filipczak said he wanted to teach their students applied molecular biology methods to make them more hirable in places like TriCore, UNM Health Sciences Labs, or Sandia Laboratories. 

"The reason for that big time frame for these classes is that they really perform cutting edge techniques and experimentation in the field of molecular biology," Filipczak said. "As part of those core classes, students are basically doing novel and significant cancer research as they master methodology listed in course learning objectives." 

The secondary purpose is to offer students pursuing higher degrees in biomedical and health science fields an opportunity to engage in scientifically significant undergraduate research early in their educational career.  

Results of experiments performed by students will be submitted for presentations at local and regional scientific conferences to provide them with a trackable record of research conduct. Regarding methodology, the emphasis will be put on hands-on practical skills. 

The program is in its second year, and Filipczak said they see many students from Albuquerque and Rio Rancho commuting to the Valencia Campus to participate in the program. Class sizes are capped at 16 students.