Pictured: Professor Swanson with SCF students. Photo courtesy of SCF.

At SCF, we believe in meeting you where you are. In our science programs, that means creating a space where curiosity leads to discovery, and where you’re not just a student but a scientist in the making. The college offers vibrant pathways into the biological, chemical, and physical sciences, open to lifelong learners, future researchers, and anyone who wonders how the natural world works. Our motto “At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re Everyone’s College.” truly comes to life here.

Students can explore programs including the Biotechnology associate in science and the Biotechnology specialist certificate. The Biotechnology AS is described as “the applied science of the 21st century,” preparing students for roles in biomedical research, commercial biotech labs, and other applied biology fields. Likewise, the Specialist Certificate “prepares students for technician roles in research labs or industrial settings,” and its coursework flows directly into the AS program.

What makes these programs stand out is the hands-on, research-driven experience. From molecular isolation and sequencing techniques to cell culture, bioinformatics, and internships, SCF students gain real laboratory skills from day one. The department’s vision is “to promote scientific literacy and excellence in science learning by offering progressive programs using current technologies and procedures that foster critical thinking and engage students through active learning.”

Andrew R. Swanson, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences, emphasizes that students aren’t just learning science, they’re doing science. They isolate DNA, amplify genes, culture cells, ask questions, and find answers. His approach reflects a deep commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world applications and to empowering students with both knowledge and confidence.

Students often describe their time in the biotech lab as eye-opening and transformative. Many arrive with curiosity about how living systems work and discover, through hands-on experience, that they are capable of far more than they imagined. The Specialist Certificate is frequently noted for building confidence through practical skill development and preparing students to step into laboratory environments with a sense of readiness and familiarity. These experiences highlight the supportive, community-focused culture that helps learners grow academically and personally.

Beyond the labs, what truly defines this area of study is the culture: faculty who care, classrooms that welcome, and pathways that adapt. Whether you’re fresh out of high school, changing careers, or returning to learning for the joy of it, SCF offers a place to grow. Here, science is more than a subject, it’s a shared journey of curiosity, creativity, and discovery.

To explore more about these programs and the people who bring science to life, visit SCF.edu

Tommy Gregory, J.D. is the President of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.

Pictured: Professor Swanson with SCF students. Photo courtesy of SCF.