Industrial Biotechnology Teacher Experience (IBTE)

Professional Development for Bioscience Educators

Course Description

Industrial Biotechnology Teacher Experience (IBTE) is an 80-hour hybrid professional development program designed for educators who are (or will be) teaching Biotechnology courses*, Project Lead the Way’s Biomedical Science curriculum, or any science course in which biotechnology concepts and techniques may be integrated.

The primary aim of this course is to provide experience with the skills, techniques, and knowledge to teach biotechnology curricula in the context of working in the biotech industry. In addition, there will be guidance and practice with the preparative steps necessary for the hands-on components of the program. Industry experience will include the design, development, testing, and manufacture of a biopharmaceutical product. Participants will develop an understanding of the departmental roles and careers, as well as the criteria associated with working in this highly regulated environment.

Why take IBTE?

*Completion of this course earns district certification for existing Biology and Chemistry educators in the state of Florida, enabling them to teach the CTE components of the program.

Course Format

This program is based on a flipped classroom format. Prior to a week-long session of hands-on training, participants will complete four modules of self-paced lectures, complementary coursework, and assessments. Each module will take approximately 8-10 hours to complete, including the review session.

For the summer session, participants choose one of two cohorts that end in a week of hands-on training, held at our training facility in Alachua, FL (fall session has only one cohort). During this training week, participants will complete hands-on activities and techniques aligned with content presented in each of the online modules. Participants will also have the option to sit for the Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam (BACE) — please see further information below.

IBTE 2023 Schedule

Registration for fall closes October 6, 2023.

Course Launch Date	October 23
Module 1 (Asynchronous) Due Date	November 10
Module 2 (Asynchronous) Due Date	November 17
Module 3 (Asynchronous) Due Date	November 24
Module 4 (Asynchronous) Due Date	December 1
In-Person Cohort (Alachua, FL)	December 4-7

Please note: there is a minimum registration number required to run each session. If the number is not met for fall, all registrants will be notified three weeks prior to the start of the course.

If the fall session is full, please email biotility@research.ufl.edu to be placed on a waitlist.

Sit for the BACE (Optional):

Challenge the BACE live on Friday, December 8
Challenge the BACE remotely within seven days of completing the IBTE program

ibtefaq

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the IBTE registration fee?

The IBTE registration fee includes course and lab materials, the BACE (optional), and lunch/snacks/coffee Monday through Friday (onsite).

What are the hours for the onsite portion?

The onsite course days are Monday-Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, with a 30-minute lunch break. The BACE (optional) will take place on Friday, starting at 8:00am (end time varies, pending the conclusion of your exam).

Should I bring a laptop to the in-person training week?

A laptop is required to complete some assignments during the in-person training week.

Are accommodations included?

Accommodations are not included, but we will offer attendees a discounted rate for a nearby hotel (information provided after registration).

Is transportation included?

We have found that most attendees prefer to carpool, so we will provide a ride-share board for you to discuss transportation options with your fellow attendees. If after trying the board you are still in need of transportation for an IBTE-related activity, please contact us and we will be happy to assist.

What meals are provided? Will food allergies/sensitivities be accommodated?

Lunch and snacks will be provided each day of your final (onsite) week. Our contracted hotel will also provide a complimentary breakfast.

For meals provided by Biotility: special dietary requests will be collected during registration and re-confirmed before the final week.

What's the deadline to register?

Registration for the Fall 2023 cohort closes October 6, 2023.

What do I do if the cohort I wanted is no longer available?

Email biotility@research.ufl.edu to be notified of future opportunities.

I’ve registered for IBTE. What’s my next step?

You should receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of registration. This email will include a copy of your registration information, our course policies and procedures, your IBTE registration packet, and an IBTE registration survey. Please review the email, all attachments, and complete the survey as soon as possible. If you don’t receive this email, please let us know as soon as possible.

When is the next IBTE session?

IBTE – Summer 2024
(registration coming soon – sign up for our educator newsletter to be notified)

	Cohort 1	Cohort 2
Launch	May 6	May 6
Module 1 Due	May 24	May 24
Module 2 Due	May 31	May 31
Module 3 Due	June 7	June 7
Module 4 Due	June 14	June 14
In-Person Week	Monday, June 17 – Thursday, June 20	Monday, June 24 – Thursday, June 27
Challenge the BACE (optional)	Friday, June 21	Friday, June 28

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

Schedule a brief meeting with Educational Specialist Stephanie DeMarco or email biotility@research.ufl.edu.

Course Information

	Fee	$2350.00
	Course Type	Combination (Online Asynchronous and Live)
	Instructor	Stephanie DeMarco
	Duration	80 hours

Asynchronous portion begins October 23, 2023.
Register by October 6, 2023.

“IBTE was a wonderful immersion into the world of biotechnology and a great experience. By far the best professional development I have attended.”

Amanda Barrett
Honors Chemistry & Biotechnology Teacher
Marietta High School