ObjectivesThis program provides students with the laboratory skills and technical knowledge required for employment as technicians. Training includes practical and technical instruction in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, analytical chemistry, cell culture, molecular biology, computer applications, and communication skills relevant to the biotechnology industry.
Academic titleBiotechnology Technician Ontario College Diploma
Course descriptionLevel One
BIOT1020 Current Trends in Biotechnology
Description: This course examines the application of biotechnology techniques including a historical and ethical perspective of this technology. Topics include fermentation, bioinformatics, genetic engineering, cell culture and enzyme technologies through the discussion of case studies and possible local industry tours.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
BIOT1040 Introduction to Microbiology
Description: Examines the history, scope and relevance of the field of microbiology. Discusses microbial structure, nutrition, growth and metabolism. Demonstrates techniques employed in enumeration and characterization of microorganisms, and procedures that distinguish between the major microbial groups.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
BIOT1060 Laboratory Procedures and Safety
Description: This course is designed to examine the principles of general laboratory safety including the handling of chemicals and biological materials. By reviewing case studies reflecting real life events, the students will gain an appreciation of the necessity of proper laboratory procedures and safety regulations. Discussions include proper record keeping, WHMIS regulations, the importance of following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and proper handling of hazardous materials
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
HEAL1020 Wellness: The Better You
Description: This course will introduce the students to the concept of wellness and provide practical strategies for developing a healthy lifestyle in all aspects of their lives. The students will, through lectures, group associations, practical experience and self-evaluation explore such issues as stress-management, self-responsibility, physical fitness, nutrition, social interaction, the relationship between feelings and thinking and the rationale for holistic health alternatives.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
MATH1380 Algebra
Description: Prerequisite(s): Grade 12 Mathematics (General Level) Designed to briefly review the most important topics in mathematics from high school, this course includes topics such as linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, graphical representation of a variety of functions, matrices and determinants.
Hours: 45
SCIE1070 Chemistry
Description: The course emphasizes terminology, classification of matter, bonding, chemical reactions, nomenclature, properties of solids, liquids, gases and solutions, bases and pH and an introduction to organic chemistry.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Level Two
BIOT1015 Animal Cell Biotechnology
Description: This course examines the inner workings of the animal cell and the application of this knowledge to the biotechnology industry. A specific focus is placed on laboratory techniques such as cell culture, tissue culture, sterile technique and protein production, identification and isolation.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: BIOT1040
BIOT1055 Introductory Laboratory Chemistry
Description: This introductory course demonstrates the principles of sample preparation and laboratory techniques commonly encountered in chemical analysis. Topics include the proper handling of chemicals for both macro- and micro-quantitation and correct use of statistical methods in chemical analysis with an emphasis on accuracy and precision.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: SCIE1070
BIOT1085 Organic Chemistry
Description: This course discusses the classification of organic compounds, nomenclature using IUPAC, common and trade names of many industrial chemicals, factors affecting boiling point and solubility, the theory of extractions, preparation and reactions of alkanes, alkenes and alkyl halides, sources and uses of hydrocarbons, stereochemistry, and structure determination using IR and NMR spectroscopy. Laboratory exercises include the isolation and identification of natural products, qualitative tests for the identification of functional groups, preparation of samples for qualitative analysis by various forms of chromatography.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: SCIE1070
BIOT1110 Introduction to Molecular Biology
Description: This course introduces the theory and techniques associated with isolation, purification, manipulation and characterization of nucleic acids. Topics include the isolation of RNA and DNA, restriction endonuclease digestion, plasmid mapping, hybridization analysis, creation of recombinant plasmids, polymerase chain reaction, and transformation of bacteria using plasmid DNA.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: BIOT1040
COMM1500 Introduction to Professional Writing and Presentation Skills
Description: Introducing the communication skills necessary for success, this course analyzes cases that reflect real life situations. Students will attain the skills in problem solving and decision making required in professional communications. Emphasis will be placed on producing effective letters and memoranda. The course also helps students develop presentation skills.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
MATH1760 Introduction to Statistics
Description: This is an introductory course in statistics. It covers the following topics: introduction to statistics; organization and graphing of data; measures of variation; probability distribution; sampling distributions; confidence intervals; hypothesis testing; chi-square distribution; regression and correlation.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Electives: General Education
Description: Student must complete a minimum of 36 Hours
Level Three
BIOT1035 Biochemistry
Description: This course discusses the structure and properties of proteins, as well as their function in living cells. Includes techniques for studying proteins and the relationship of protein structure to function. Discusses the central pathways involved in the biosynthesis of macromolecular precursors. Analyzes the process of photosynthesis and its role in providing biological systems with free energy. Students are introduced to the methods used for the isolation, purification and analysis of simple and complex biopolymers.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
BIOT1070 Microbiology for Biotechnology
Description: This course discusses microbial genetics, and recombinant DNA techniques. It describes eucaryotic and procaryotic cells, the role of microorganisms in the environment, industrial microbiology and biotechnology. Laboratory exercises demonstrate the procedures used in the identification of microorganisms, the evaluation of antimicrobial activity, and the growth and quantification of phage.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: BIOT1040
BIOT2015 Quantitative Analysis
Description: This course is designed to enable students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in Introductory Laboratory Chemistry including: visible, ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy, chromatography (gas and high performance liquid chromatography), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and electrophoresis. Specific emphasis will be given to the correct operation and troubleshooting of all instruments used through case studies.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: SCIE1070
BIOT2045 Biotechnology Instrumentation
Description: This course is a theoretical and practical study of chromatographic and spectroscopic methods applicable to the biotechnology industry. Theoretical aspects of analytical methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, electrophoresis, Western blot, PCR, DNA sequencing, micro-arrays, ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy (UV/VIS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), atomic absorption (AA), and fluorescence spectroscopy (FS) will be presented through practical laboratory exercises and possible local industry tours.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
BIOT2050 Communications for Biotechnology
Description: This course demonstrates the effective and professional communication of scientific procedures, data and conclusions within a research group. Through group work and case study analysis, students are provided with the necessary skills to present information both verbally and written in a scientific forum. Discussion will include research group dynamics and conflict management.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
BIOT2070 Immunology
Description: This course is designed to acquaint the student with the components of the immune system as well as their functions. This course presents advanced concepts and technologies in the field of humoral and cell-mediated immunity and their application to the biological sciences. Laboratory exercises provide a working knowledge of immunological techniques and their applications to the biotechnology industry. Topics include immunohistochemistry, immunoassays, biosensors, cancer vaccines and the development and use of phage display libraries
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Electives: General Education
Description: Student must complete a minimum of 36 Hours
Level Four
BIOT2025 Applied Molecular Biology
Description: This course is designed to enable students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in Introduction to Molecular Biology with a focus on the principles of genetic analysis. Laboratory exercises include the study of recombinant DNA technology, regulation of gene expression, mutation, recombination, transposable elements, and extra-nuclear DNA as they relate to the industry of biotechnology.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: BIOT1110 or BIOT2080
BIOT2030 Applied Statistics for Biotechnology
Description: This course is designed to enable students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in Introduction to Statistics specifically to biotechnology applications. It discusses the statistical skills necessary for scientific research. Topics include: data analysis and interpretation; probability; quality control; confidence intervals; hypothesis testing; correlation and regression.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
BIOT2065 Fermentation Technology
Description: This course discusses the basic requirements for practical industrial fermentation processes. Laboratory exercises demonstrate a variety of fermentation techniques to produce, process and isolate biomass, compounds and proteins that have biotechnological applications. Students are exposed to various fermenter designs and technologies with a focus on specific operation and application techniques as related to the biotechnology industry.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: BIOT1040
BIOT2090 Plant Cell Biotechnology
Description: This course examines the inner workings of the plant cell and the application of this knowledge to the biotechnology industry. A specific focus is placed on laboratory techniques such as proper indoor plant management, micropropagation, callus culture, embryogenesis, organogenesis, protoplast culture, plant transformation protocols, sterile technique and protein production, identification and isolation.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: BIOT1040
BIOT2100 Professional Ethics for Biotechnology
Description: This course discusses values required for ethical conduct in a professional setting. Students develop skills in logical analysis, a working knowledge of moral principles and theories, and the ability to diagnose and resolve moral disagreements commonly found at work. Applications to the biotechnology industry will be examined through the use of case studies.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
BIOT2115 Quality Management Practices
Description: This course discusses the importance of Total Quality Management together with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs). It demonstrates the development of a quality management system based on ISO 9000 standards, discusses government regulations, and teaches management practices appropriate for a biotechnology facility, including basic human resource management, and financial administration.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2