Course description
Highlights
* Upon successful completion of the first year of any biosciences program, students may complete a placement to graduate with an Ontario College Certificate.
* Instruction combines classroom theory and practical lab experience.
* Opportunity for direct entry into a second-year bioscience diploma program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may work as laboratory assistants, producing materials for a range of industries including chemical, cosmetics and food production. The program prepares students for diploma studies specializing in one or more of the biosciences.
Program Description
Learners are introduced to the basic principles and applied techniques of general and organic chemistry, biology and microbiology. Students acquire hands-on skills with chemical analyses, safe lab practices and relevant computer applications. Graduates will possess the ability to apply fundamental lab techniques in the preparation of samples for analysis, carry out experiments and maintain lab documentation, and assist in general lab maintenance.
Courses
BIOS 1000 Biology 1
This is an introductory course focusing on topics of cell structure and function, the flow of energy in cells, and the exchange of information in and between cells. Basic biological laboratory exercises augment theoretical material.
BIOS 1007 Foundation Skills in Science
This course is designed to: 1) raise awareness and interest regarding the place of science in everyday life, by exploring current local and global topics affecting life on Earth, and science's place in bringing these issues to our awareness; 2) develop sound critical thinking skills through exposure to the scientific method and experimental design; 3) apply transferable skills fundamental to scientific research and communication, and 4) learn of career opportunities in science through exposure to careers of current biosciences professors and local industry leaders.
CHEM 1000 General Chemistry 1
This introductory course focuses on the basic concepts associated with matter and energy. Topics include atomic structure; chemical bonds; states of matter; acids and bases; the nature of chemical reactions; charge-transfer reactions; chemical equilibria; measurements and scientific method in chemistry. Laboratory exercises supplement the course material to provide students with practical knowledge of general lab safety and standard laboratory procedures in chemistry.
CHEM 1001 Organic Chemistry 1
This course is designed as an introduction to organic chemistry. A special effort is made to illustrate the practical applications of organic chemistry to everyday life and biological processes.
COMM 1035 Communications 1
This course introduces students to essential language skills to communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audiences. Students will reframe information, ideas and concepts using narrative, visual and symbolic representations which demonstrate understanding.
MATH 1003 Mathematics 1
Engineering and scientific applications involving the following areas: the SI system for dealing with exact and approximate numbers, exponents, solving equations, determinants and linear equations, curve sketching, graphing and trigonometry.
BIOS 1001 Introduction to Microbiology
This applied biology course provides an introduction to microbiological theory, specifically addressing the fundamentals of microbiology, bacterial morphology, growth, nutrition and control. The principal divisions of the field are discussed, and their economic or medical applications. Prerequistie: BIOS 1000
BIOS 1002 Biology 2
The relationship between structure and function is a fundamental principle of biology. This course in organismal biology emphasizes principles of anatomy and physiology of plants and animals within the context of problems that organisms must solve, including sensory perception and response to the environment, acquisition of oxygen and nutrients, excretion of wastes, movement, and reproduction. Prerequisite: BIOS 1000
BIOS 1004 Industrial Processes
An introductory course designed to heighten familiarity with industrial processes via course lectures and field trips.
CHEM 1002 Organic Chemistry 2
This course is designed as a continuation of introductory Organic Chemistry. Students learn nomenclature, structure, and physical and chemical properties of major groups of organic compounds, and differentiate among types of chemical reactions involving organic compounds. Emphasis is placed on the practical applications of organic chemistry to the biosciences and engineering. Lab exercises complement the theoretical components of the course. Pre-requisites CHEM 1001.
CHEM 1003 General Chemistry 2
This course gives an introduction to chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base titration, electro and solution chemistry. Relevant lab work and techniques are emphasized. Prerequisite: CHEM 1000
MATH 1004 Mathematics 2/Computer Applications
Engineering and scientific applications involving properties of exponents, logarithms and special graphing techniques. Microsoft Excel will be used. Prerequisites: COMM 1001 & MATH 1003
PLAC 1008 CLAB Placement 2 Weeks
Note:
Students may choose BIOS 1004 or BIOS 1002.
To obtain the Chemical Laboratory Assistant Certificate, students must successfully complete all courses with a minimum 60% average.
