Biomanufacturing Workforce Training

Overview
Learn the fundamentals of the rapidly growing field of biomanufacturing, with a particular focus on the pharmaceutical sector. Build awareness and a strong foundational knowledge to help you pursue opportunities in this innovative industry. This self-paced, flexible course can be completed in just 5-10 hours. Upon completion, you’ll earn a certificate from the University of Arkansas.

What You’ll Learn
This program covers key concepts essential for success in biomanufacturing:

• History of Pharmaceuticals: Explore the evolution of pharmaceuticals and the key events shaping today’s regulations.
• Company and Processing Distinctions: Understand the differences between biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and pharmaceutical companies, along with their unique processes.
• The Drug Development Lifecycle: Learn how drugs move from research and development through clinical trials to FDA approval.
• Biomanufacturing Processes and Technologies: Discover the core technologies and processes driving biomanufacturing.
• Supply Chain Complexities: Examine the challenges of managing a biopharmaceutical supply chain, with insights from COVID-19 case studies.
• Careers in Biopharma: Explore diverse career paths in the biomanufacturing industry and how to get started.

Prior Learning

This noncredit course is beginner-friendly, with no prior expertise required. However, to ensure success, students should:

• Be comfortable reading and understanding English, as all materials are provided in English.
• Have basic computer skills, including navigating the internet, downloading/uploading files, installing software, and using applications like Microsoft Word.

These foundational skills will help you engage fully with our primarily online courses.

Background

biophyle, a Bentonville-based not-for-profit educational institution, and other partners across the state have come together to support the biophyle Train Biomanufacturing Workforce Initiative. biophyle is focused on bringing biomanufacturing companies to Arkansas, with a mission to grow a significant biotherapeutics ecosystem in Arkansas. This training program, along with related credentialing opportunities, will play a key role in advancing statewide and regional initiatives to address talent shortages and increase equitable access to web-based education and training models.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration has awarded $493,521 to support the biophyle Train Biomanufacturing Workforce Initiative. Partners, including the University of Arkansas, oversee the training program and promote career pathways in biomanufacturing. Collaborating with biomanufacturing contract manufacturers, start-ups, and venture capital firms, the initiative aims to build a diverse and inclusive biomanufacturing workforce in Arkansas.

More Information

Train Biomanufacturing Workforce Initiative

• U of A News story
• Announcement from the Economic Development Administration
• Talk Business & Politics article