University of California, Irvine - Division of Continuing Education
Specialized Studies Certificate in Introduction to Biosafety as a Career
Online, USA
Certificate
DURATION
9 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 2,500
STUDY FORMAT
Blended
Key Summary
About: This Specialized Studies Certificate, offered with the National BSL-3 Training Program at UC Irvine School of Medicine, teaches safe laboratory practice, biological risk management, and regulatory compliance. It covers biosafety for research, diagnostic, clinical, and production facilities handling biological agents and highlights biosafety professionals' role in protecting public health and environmental integrity. The program supports career-ready biosafety practice.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can become biosafety officers, laboratory safety managers, biosafety specialists, infection control coordinators, or compliance officers, working in academia, clinical, industry, government, or contract research. Core skills include BSL-3 awareness, containment strategies, SOPs, PPE, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
Offered in collaboration with the National BSL-3 Training Program from UC Irvine's School of Medicine.
The Introduction to Biosafety as a Career Specialized Studies is a comprehensive program designed to ensure safe laboratory practices, minimize risks associated with biological hazards, and promote compliance with biosafety regulations. The program emphasizes the critical role of biosafety professionals in safeguarding both public health and environmental integrity within research, diagnostic, clinical, and production facilities handling biological agents.
By prioritizing education, proactive risk management, and regulatory compliance, this program aims to engage and prepare individuals for the responsibilities associated with the oversight of facilities working with biological materials.
Required Courses
Prospective learners should be advised that the second course is in development and scheduled to be offered in Summer 2026.
- Introduction to Biosafety as a Career
- Introduction to Biosafety as a Career - Internship
- Introduce learners to biosafety and biorisk as a career.
- Gain an understanding of the oversight and safe practices required in environments handling infectious materials.
- Understand the critical role of biosafety officers in safeguarding public health and facilities handling biological agents.
- Apply knowledge and skills in risk assessment and identification through hands-on practice in lab environments.
This program is ideal for researchers, laboratory technicians, or senior undergraduate students in the life sciences or public health who are considering a career change or are interested in learning more about the field of biosafety.