Biotechnology
Biotechnology – Advanced

Courses

• First Year - Semester One
• BIOS1013 Cell Biology Lab
• This is an introductory course focusing on the 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.
  Co-requisite: BIOS 1012
• BIOS1012 Cell Biology Lecture
• This is an introductory course focusing on the topics of cell structure and function, the flow of energy in cells, and the exchange of information in and between cells.
  Co-requisite: BIOS 1013
• COMM1068 Communications
• 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 reframe information, ideas and concepts using narrative, visual and symbolic representations, which demonstrate understanding.
• CHEM1019 Introduction to Applied Chemistry-Lab
• The first of two introductory laboratory classes for chemistry. This course aims to provide students with the foundational laboratory skills required to safely and efficiently work in a laboratory setting. The course will examine the proper use of simple laboratory equipment, interpreting results through mathematical calculations, and making proper laboratory observations. Laboratory exercises provide students with practical knowledge of general lab safety and standard laboratory procedures.
• CHEM1018 Introduction to Applied Chemistry-Lecture
• The first of two, this introductory chemistry course examines atomic structure, the names of the elements and their symbols, the IUPAC and common systems of nomenclature for inorganic compounds and ions, molecular weight, mole and solution concentration calculations, chemical reactions and equations. Laboratory exercises supplement the course material to provide students with practical knowledge of general lab safety and standard laboratory procedures.
• MATH1003 Mathematics for Biosciences 1
• Students learn about the 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.
• CHEM1001 Organic Chemistry 1
• This course is designed as an introduction to organic chemistry, with emphasis on molecular structure of the major classes of organic molecules, physical and chemical properties, and IUPAC nomenclature. Students recognize the unique properties of organic compounds, and describe practical applications of organic chemistry to everyday life and biological systems.
• BIOS1010 Sustainability
• This course focuses on understanding climate and climate change, investigating the implications of climate change, the societal and environmental impacts of a changing climate, and geoengineering solutions. Students learn about sustainability as it relates to conserving water resources, food supply, and energy production.

• First Year - Semester Two
• CHEM1016 Applied Chemistry 2-Lab
• This course provides practical exercises to support Applied Chemistry 2 theory.
  Prerequisite: CHEM 1018, CHEM 1019, MATH 1003
  Co-requisite: CHEM 1015
• CHEM1015 Applied Chemistry 2-Lecture
• Students learn principles of acids and bases, gases, chemical equilibrium, and stoichiometry. Emphasis is placed on the chemistry as it relates to disciplines within the Biosciences. This is a companion course for Applied Chemistry 2 Lab
  Prerequisite: CHEM 1018, CHEM 1019, MATH 1003
  Co-requisite: CHEM 1016
• CHEM1013 Applied Organic Chem Techniques
• 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.
  Prerequisite: CHEM 1018, CHEM 1019
• BIOS1001 Introduction to Microbiology
• This course introduces microbiological theory, specifically addressing the fundamentals of microbiology, bacterial structure and function relationships, as well as technical processes to manage microbial growth, nutrition and infection. The principal divisions of the field are discussed in this course, including their relationship to biotechnological, chemical and environmental interests.
• MATH1004 Mathematics for Biosciences 2
• This course focuses on engineering and scientific applications involving properties of exponents, logarithms and special graphing techniques. Microsoft Excel will be used.

  Prerequisite: MATH 1003

• CHEM1014 Organic Chemistry 2
• This course is designed as a continuation of concepts and applications learned in Organic Chemistry 1. Students i) learn IUPAC nomenclature, molecular structure, and physical and chemical properties of major groups of organic compounds, ii) apply principles of stereoisomerism to classification and nomenclature of compounds exhibiting chirality, and iii) differentiate among types of chemical reactions involving organic compounds. Emphasis is placed on the practical applications of organic chemistry to disciplines within the Biosciences. This is a companion course for Applied Organic Chemistry Techniques.
  Prerequisite: CHEM 1001
  Co-requisite: CHEM 1013
• BIOS1002 Organismal Biology & Taxonomy
• 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 1012, BIOS 1013
• BIOS1007 Technical Communications in Biosciences
• 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.
• GNED General Education Elective
• General Education Courses

• Second Year - Semester Three
• CHEM2010 Analytical Chemistry
• This course provides an introduction to basic theory and calculations associated with quantitative chemical analysis.
  Prerequisite: CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016, MATH 1004
• CHEM2009 Analytical Techniques
• This course provides an introduction to some of the basic techniques and calculations associated with quantitative chemical analysis.
  Prerequisite: CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016, MATH 1004
• MATH2002 Data Analysis 1
• This course focuses on measures of central tendency, measures of variation, frequency distributions, linear regression and the normal distribution. Microsoft Excel is used to generate statistical reports and graphs.
  Prerequisite: MATH 1004
• BIOS2009 Forensics
• This course provides an overview of the nature and scope of forensic science, the theory and practice of applying principles of chemistry, biology and genetics to forensic science, and the ethical and legal considerations pertaining to the discipline.
  Prerequisite: BIOS 1012, BIOS 1013, CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016, MATH 1003
• BIOS2003 Genetics
• This one-semester course in genetics is designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of modern genetics: mechanisms and modes of inheritance, DNA and RNA (structure, function, and synthesis), the genetic code, population genetics, evolution and select applications of genetic principles to biotechnology and medicine.
  Prerequisite: BIOS 1012, BIOS 1013, MATH 1003
• CHEM2006 Instrumentation 1-Lab
• The labs performed in this course support the theory studied in CHEM 2001, Chemical Instrumentation 1.

  Prerequisite: CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016, MATH 1004

• CHEM2001 Instrumentation 1-Lecture
• This course stresses the basic concepts and techniques of chromatography (thin layer, column, gas, liquid and ion) and spectrophotometry i.e. ultraviolet (UV), Visible (Vis), Infra-red (IR), Flame and Furnace Atomic Absorption (AA), conductivity, and specific ion electrodes i.e. fluoride.
  Prerequisite: CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016, MATH 1004
• BIOS2000 Microbiology
• This applied biology course provides an introduction to microbiological theory and skills: specifically addressing microscopy, staining methods, cultivation of microorganisms, control of microbial growth, enumeration, water sanitary analysis and industrial application.
  Prerequisite: BIOS 1001
• GNED General Education Elective
• General Education Courses

• Second Year - Semester Four
• BIOS2007 Biotechnology
• Biotechnology is an introductory course focusing on applications of biotechnology in microbial, animal and plant genetics, biomedical sciences, genome projects, conservation genetics and other selected topics.
  Prerequisite: BIOS 1007, BIOS 2003, MATH 1004
• BIOS2001 Fermentation
• This course covers the fundamentals of fermentation technology and bioprocessing. Subject material includes batch and continuous fermentation, production of biomass, bioconversions, and the use of immobilized cells and recovery of by-products.
  Prerequisite: BIOS 2000, MATH 1004
• CHEM2002 Instrumentation 2
• This course reviews some of the basic concepts and techniques of chromatography (thin layer, column, gas, liquid and ion), spectroscopy (ultraviolet-UV, Visible, Flame and Furnace Atomic Absorption). Fluorescence and Infra-red spectroscopy are introduced. A variety of sample preparation techniques are carried out as various unknowns are analysed in the labs.
  Prerequisite: CHEM 2001, CHEM 2006
• BIOS3002 Nutraceuticals
• This course presents the effects of natural products on human health. Topics include plant colours, flavours, and fibres, fatty acids, dairy products, enhancing the effect of neutraceuticals through processing techniques and an introduction to the development of neutraceutical products.
  Prerequisite: CHEM 1001, CHEM 1013, CHEM 1014
• BIOS2004 Pharmacology
• Students study the basics of pharmacology and prepare to work in the field of pharmaceutical manufacturing and research, label and regulatory requirements or clinical studies.
  Prerequisite: BIOS 1002
• WKPL2020 Placement (One Week)
• A one-week placement in the field.
• GNED General Education Elective
• General Education Courses

• Third Year - Semester Five
• CHEM3003 Analytical Instrumentation
• This course deals with methods of instrumental analysis. Spectrophotometric techniques (absorption and emission) are discussed. Gas, high pressure liquid and ion chromatography are reviewed. BOD, COD and Kjeldahl determinations are introduced. Where possible, commercially available products are used as samples in the corresponding labs and different methods of sample preparation are emphasized.
  Prerequisite: CHEM 2002, CHEM 2009, CHEM 2010
• BIOS3000 Biochemistry
• This course provides a one-semester investigation of biochemistry, designed to introduce students to the complex structure of cellular components, the function of biomolecules, and the dynamics of metabolic pathways. Based on theoretical and lab-based study, students will examine major groups of biomolecules (carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids), enzyme function, metabolism and inborn errors of metabolism.
  Prerequisite: CHEM 1013, CHEM 1014, CHEM 2002, MATH 2002
• MATH3000 Data Analysis 2
• This is a course focuses on Inferential Statistics. Topics covered include the central limit theorem, discrete probability distributions, estimation (confidence intervals), chi-square distribution, analysis of variance. Microsoft Excel will be used to generate statistical reports and graphs.
  Prerequisite: MATH 2002 or MATH 2012
• BIOS3001 Extraction Technology
• This course is designed to investigate the fundamentals of extraction technology and related applications. Topics covered include liquid-liquid extraction, solid-liquid extraction, Soxhlet extraction, ultrasonic extraction, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), microwave extraction and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. Theory will compliment laboratory exercises.
  Prerequisite: CHEM 1013, CHEM 1014
  Co-requisite: CHEM 3003, MATH 3000
• ENVR3010 Toxicology
• This course is an introduction to the study of the harmful interactions between chemicals and biological systems. Living things are exposed to a variety of toxic substances, ranging from metals and inorganic molecules to large complex organic molecules. Toxicology applies concepts of basic biochemistry, chemistry, pathology and physiology, along with experimental observation and analysis. Topics covered in this course include basic principles of toxicology, interaction of pollutants with natural systems, biological response to toxicants, ecotoxicology of pollutants, bioassay/biomonitoring techniques and exotoxicological decision making. Where possible, examples will be drawn from Ontario and the Great Lakes basin.
  Prerequisite: BIOS 1000, CHEM 1013, CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016, ( MATH 2002 or MATH 2012 )

• Third Year - Semester Six
• BIOS3008 Advanced Microbial Techniques
• This applied biology course builds on fundamental microbiological theory and practical technique courses. Specific topics address advanced microscopy, enrichment culturing, biochemical differentiation and identification of specific groups of microorganisms, antimicrobial activities of various chemical and biological agents, microbiological analysis of food products, bacterial genetics, and introductory medical microbiology and immunology.
  Prerequisite: BIOS 2000
• BIOS3009 Applications-Molecular Biology
• This course provides an overview of common applications of molecular biology to the fields of medical biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology and others. Students will develop an understanding of the scientific foundations of a variety of molecular approaches in biotechnology, including analysis and interpretation of DNA sequence variation, tools and techniques of genetic engineering, gene therapy, reproductive technologies, nucleic-acid based therapeutics, and other current topics. Using data generated in research studies, students will also learn approaches in data management and analysis of molecular genetic information.
  Prerequisite: BIOS 2007
• WKPL3003 BIOT Placement (One Week)
• A one-week placement in the field.
• BIOS3004 Good Manufacturing Practices
• This course combines Health Canada's Guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices: Food and Drug Regulations, (as referred to Division 2, Part C of the Food and Drug Regulations) with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Basic Training Modules on GMP.

  The scope of this course includes all GMP activities relating to fabricating, packaging/labelling, testing, distributing, importing and wholesaling of drugs for human or veterinary use.

  Division 2 applies to drugs listed is Schedules C and D to the Act.

  The course runs over a one-semester period as an online course using the Learning Management System. A facilitator will monitor participants and provide expert feedback and support.

  Prerequisite: BIOS 2000, CHEM 3003, MATH 3000, BIOS 1007

• BIOS3010 Lab Methods-Molecular Biology
• Intensive, laboratory based instruction will provide students with a wide range of technical skills in laboratory methods fundamental to biotechnology, with an emphasis on molecular genetic techniques. Students learn techniques for storage and preparation of nucleic acids (including ancient DNA), PCR optimization and troubleshooting, DNA sequence and micro satellite analysis, construction of recombinant DNA molecules, electrophoresis and analysis of genetic information.
  Prerequisite: BIOS 2007
  Co-requisite: BIOS 3008
• BIOS3005 Tissue Culture
• An introductory course on techniques used to culture plant and animal cells in artificial media. The uses of cell cultures are investigated and labs and field trips supplement lectures.
  Prerequisite: BIOS 1002, BIOS 2000, BIOS 2007

*Courses subject to change.