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 secondary and post-secondary 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. 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 2024 Schedule

Summer 2024 – register by April 15
Course Launch Date May 6
Module 1 (Asynchronous) Due Date May 24
Module 2 (Asynchronous) Due Date May 31
Module 3 (Asynchronous) Due Date June 7
Module 4 (Asynchronous) Due Date June 14
In-Person Cohort (Alachua, FL) Cohort 1: June 17-20 OR Cohort 2: June 24-27
Sit for the BACE (Optional) Cohort 1: June 21 OR Cohort 2: June 28

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

If your preferred 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 the Friday of your in-person week
  • Challenge the BACE remotely within seven days of completing the IBTE program

ibtefaq

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend IBTE?

IBTE is open to all secondary and post-secondary educators who are (or will be) teaching biotechnology courses or any science course in which biotechnology concepts and techniques may be integrated. Educators attend from around the country.

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?

Summer 2024: April 15

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. Please review this email as soon as possible. If you don’t receive a confirmation email, let us know as soon as possible.

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

Register for Summer 2024:

Registration Deadline: April 15

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 & Biotech Teacher
Marietta High School 

IBTE was an excellent opportunity to work with other biomedical science instructors from across the country. I especially valued the collaborative nature of the experience, the hands-on lab work, and the diversity of knowledge and skills in the room.

Gretchen Fisher, Teacher
Curtis Senior High School

It was a pleasure meeting and networking with other science educators of varying levels; not to mention we had such a great time! This experience benefitted me as a Biotech facilitator who can now better support the learning needs of my students.

TS Douglas, Faculty Member
Kennedy-King College (City Colleges of Chicago)