Gloved hand holding a pipette above a small container, with a beaker of red liquid on a lab plate in the background in the QAQC Lab on the University of Montana campus in Missoula, MT.

Montana Biotechnology Center

Decorative

Laboratory Module

Summer 2026 Cohort Dates: July 27-31

The onsite module is offered subject to minimum enrollment (typically 5 participants per cohort).

  • The On-site/Practical (CareerReady - QA/QC Career Accelerator) Module provides immersive, hands-on training in biotechnology Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) laboratory practices. Offered through the University of Montana (UM) and the Montana Biotechnology Center (BIOTECH), this module complements the UC San Diego Extended Studies online didactic training by focusing on real-world laboratory application, instrumentation, and industry-relevant workflows.

    Participants gain direct experience working in a controlled laboratory environment that mirrors current biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry standards. The module may be taken independently or as part of the full QA/QC certificate pathway.

  • Upon completion of the practical module, participants will be able to:

    • Apply Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Documentation Practices (GDP) in a QA/QC lab environment
    • Perform fundamental laboratory techniques including pipetting, weighing, and solution preparation
    • Operate and understand key analytical instruments used in biotechnology quality control
    • Follow standardized laboratory procedures and maintain data integrity
    • Participate in quality workflows including sample handling, testing, and documentation
    • Support deviation handling, including out-of-specification (OOS) investigations and root cause analysis
    • Develop technical documentation including reports and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

  • Laboratory Foundations

    • Laboratory safety training and gowning procedures
    • GLP and GDP compliance principles
    • Consumables and reagents management

    Core Laboratory Skills

    • Pipetting techniques and test solution preparation
    • Analytical balances and pH meter use
    • Accurate sample measurement and handling

    Instrumentation Training

    • UV-Vis Spectrophotometry
    • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
    • Particle Size Analysis
    • Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy

    QA/QC Industry Applications

    • Raw material lifecycle: inspection, compendial testing, release, and material transfer
    • Product testing and method transfer
    • Out-of-specification (OOS) investigations and root cause analysis
    • Regulatory documentation practices and report writing
    • SOP development and quality system documentation

    Assessment

    • Final practical evaluation and skills assessment
    • Delivered in an intensive, instructor-led onsite format
    • Designed as a concentrated hands-on training experience

  • All on-site training is conducted at:

    University of Montana (UM) / Montana Biotechnology Center (BIOTECH)
    Missoula, Montana, USA

    Participants train in a fully equipped biotechnology laboratory environment designed to reflect industry QA/QC settings.

  • Participants in the on-site module receive:

    • Laboratory coat, safety goggles, and required PPE
    • Lab notebooks and instructional materials
    • Access to laboratory instruments and equipment
    • Supervised hands-on training by qualified instructors
    • Safety orientation and laboratory onboarding

  • The module is delivered by experienced instructors from the University of Montana and the Montana Biotechnology Center, with expertise in biotechnology, analytical chemistry, and industrial QA/QC practices. Instruction combines academic rigor with real-world industry application.

  • Upon successful completion, participants receive:

    • Certificate of Completion from the University of Montana (UM)

    If completed alongside the online module, participants may also earn a Graduate Certificate from UC San Diego Extended Studies, providing a dual-credential pathway.

    • Enrollment details and application instructions are available on the program website under Registration
    • Participants are responsible for reviewing eligibility and completing the application process prior to enrollment
    • Prior laboratory experience is beneficial but not required
    • Housing is not provided as part of the program
    • Accommodation is not included in tuition costs
    • Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel and lodging in Missoula, Montana

  • Can I take the onsite module without the online module?
    Yes. The on-site module may be taken independently as a stand-alone training option. In addition, the lab module may also be used as an elective component within the online certificate pathway, offering flexibility depending on your training and career goals.

    Do I need prior lab experience?
    No prior laboratory experience is required, though a background in STEM is recommended.

    Is housing provided?
    No. Participants must arrange and fund their own accommodations.

    What do I receive upon completion?
    Participants receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Montana.