The Quincy Sun
Biotech Community invited to utilize Virtual Lab
March 3, 2016
By: Quincy Sun Staff

Quincy College is pleased to invite the Commonwealth’s biotechnology and compliance community to utilize a new Virtual Single-Use Biomanufacturing Laboratory, with the hope that science instructors and biopharma companies will use the lab with their students and employees as a way to learn about single-use technology and practice lab skills through a virtually simulated online learning program. In sharing this resource enthusiastically and collaboratively with the Commonwealth’s biotechnology community, it is Quincy College’s Biotechnology and Compliance goal and hope that science instructors and biopharma companies will use the lab as a learning platform for single-use technology, develop industry best practices following good manufacturing processes, and support further development of critical, real-world lab skills through a virtually simulated online learning program.

“There is a real need in the industry for not only qualified professionals graduating from programs like Quincy College’s Biotechnology and Compliance program but also a need for specialized and customized training pipeline for incumbent workers employed in the Commonwealth’s leading biopharma companies. Quincy College’s Virtual Single-Use Biomanufacturing Laboratory was designed in collaboration with our industry partners who provided critical feedback on the processes, approach, and design. The virtual lab strives to meet this real-world need head-on, providing a resource for continuing education as incumbent worker training and critical skill development for those just entering the biotechnology industry. When coupled with Quincy College’s on-site intensive AKTA Pure training and HPLC training, Quincy College is uniquely positioned to support skill development for levels of professionals working in the Biotech industry.” states Bruce Van Dyke, Chair of the Biotechnology and Compliance Department at Quincy College.

Quincy College is the first higher education institution to integrate a virtual lab into its biomanufacturing program. The virtual lab is a highly interactive and comprehensive tool for teaching and learning disposable biomanufacturing technologies. The Virtual Single-Use Biomanufacturing Laboratory has applications not only for students, but established researchers and industry professionals.

Quincy College Biotechnology and Compliance Program’s mission is to comprehensively teach the laboratory and critical thinking skills necessary to immediately enter the growing biomanufacturing industry in Massachusetts. Through lectures, seminars, and over 450 hands-on laboratory hours, students earn an Associate of Science or Certificate in Biotechnology and Compliance, and are fully trained to begin working in the biomanufacturing industry at entry-level positions.

Since the grand opening of the Virtual Single-Use Biomanufacturing Laboratory, the greater biotechnology community have been able to access the virtual lab, review comprehensive videos, and walk through critical processes that are often encountered in industry settings. MassBiologics, GE Healthcare, BioVolutions and Albany Molecular Research, Inc., Shire Inc., and Biogen industry partners have all demo’d the virtual lab.

Courtney Debreceni, Operations Project Manager at Shire and Curriculum Design Consultant for Quincy College has been privy to the virtual lab since the beginning. She[DC1] has since demo’d the lab for her colleagues at Shire who are required to demonstrate knowledge and comprehension as part of their professional development. Elaborating on the practical value of the Quincy College’s Virtual Single-Use Biomanufacturing Laboratory, Courtney states:

“The virtual lab can have many applications. It could be used to provide background knowledge to new manufacturing hires; allow people to learn about processes in a no stress, no impact environment at their own pace; and help provide an overview of what is happening on the manufacturing floor for non-Manufacturing personnel. Beyond the practical industry applications, Quincy College’s Virtual Lab could be used as a resource for high school students or people looking to begin a career in biotech by giving them a glimpse into what happens in a biomanufacturing facility.”

Quincy College would like to recognize the Department of Labor for providing the funding for this free resource and to the Massachusetts- based company Advanced Tools for e-Learning (ATeL) for providing the resources necessary to develop this virtual lab for the greater community.

To access the Virtual Single-Use Biomanufacturing Lab, simply visit: http://atelearning.com/qcbio/. Enter your email address as the username; the virtual lab password is qcbtc.

Quincy College Biotechnology and Compliance Department welcomes feedback and encourage the sharing of resources to enrich the experience for all learners. To provide feedback, community members are welcomed to email Bruce Van Dyke, Chair of the Biotechnology and Compliance Department at Quincy College. For more information about Quincy College’s Biotechnology Program, visit: http://www.quincycollege.edu/btc.