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View our Virtual tourCourses - September 2023
Level 1
Course details
Biochemistry
BIOT1037
This course discusses the structure, properties, and biological role of the four major macromolecules: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Particular focus is given to proteins, including practicing laboratory techniques for protein isolation and purification, and the analysis of enzyme function and activity. The central pathways involved in the biosynthesis of macromolecular precursors will be examined, including the connections between pathways within a cell. Students will explore cellular bioenergetic pathways including cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
- Hours: 56
- Credits: 4
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Immunology
BIOT2070
This course describes the components of the immune system as well as their functions by presenting 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 immunogenicity, B and T cell activation and function, antibody structure and function, immunological assays, and antibody design and production.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Plant Cell Biotechnology
BIOT2090
- Hours: 56
- Credits: 4
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Professionalism and Career Success for Life Sciences
BIOT2105
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Life Science Research Project I
BIOT2120
This course requires students to work in groups that focus on a chosen sector of the biotechnology and life science industry. Students will explore the current work being done in this area while collaborating with an industry partner to prepare a report highlighting the work of a specific company. They will further extend their knowledge of current biotechnology research themes by preparing a literature review of published articles to describe a research topic relevant to their chosen sector. Students will develop their interpersonal and professional skills while working as a group.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Laboratory Skills for Biotechnology
BIOT2141
This course is entirely lab based and will focus on mastering several important laboratory techniques including pipetting, solution preparation, UV spectrophotometry, use of analytical glassware, cell culturing, aseptic technique, chromatography, and electrophoresis. Lab experiments will be based on relevant industry scenarios and incorporate aspects of data management, protocol development, quality control, and problem solving.
- Hours: 56
- Credits: 4
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Conestoga 101
CON0101
- Hours: 1
- Credits: 0
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Level 2
Course details
Microbiology for Biotechnology
BIOT1070
This course is designed to enable students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in Introduction to Microbiology with a focus on advanced concepts related to eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, microbial genetics, recombinant DNA techniques and industrial microbiology. Laboratory exercises demonstrate the procedures used in the identification of microorganisms, the evaluation of antimicrobial activity, and the growth and quantification of microbes.
- Hours: 56
- Credits: 4
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Food and Agricultural Biotechnology
BIOT1090
This course examines the influence and applications of biotechnology on agriculture and food. Students will learn foundational concepts important to the role of biotechnology in improving plant and food products, and will explore applications such as crop yield enhancements, and advanced quality food production. Due to the rapidly increasing use of biotechnology strategies in the food industry, emphasis will also be placed on food safety, regulations and policy.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Applied Analytical Chemistry
BIOT2015
This course develops the knowledge and skills acquired in Introductory Analytical Chemistry with theoretical and practical studies that focus on quantitative chemical analysis. Theoretical studies include an overview of chromatography and spectroscopy with a more detailed look at specific techniques and the associated instrumentation commonly used in analytical settings. Quality control and quality assurance procedures will also be discussed and applied in a laboratory setting. Students will advance their technical training in UV/VIS spectrophotometry, basic techniques of chromatography, and different types of volumetric analyses (redox, complexometric and acid-base titrations).
- Hours: 56
- Credits: 4
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Applied Molecular Biology
BIOT2027
This course focuses on techniques and current applications of Molecular Biology. Topics include molecular cloning and genome editing, diverse applications of PCR systems, methods for sequencing and analyzing nucleic acids, advances in studying gene activity and protein expression, bioinformatics and multi-omics, and current trends in the molecular biology field. Laboratory exercises will provide further development of relevant molecular biology bench techniques.
- Hours: 56
- Credits: 4
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Fermentation and Industrial Processes
BIOT2066
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of industrial processes important to the biotechnology and life science industry with an emphasis on fermentation
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Quality Management Practices
BIOT2115
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 various International Organization for Standardization (ISO) series standards, discusses government regulations, emphasizes the importance of Quality Control and Quality Assurance, and teaches management practices appropriate for a biotechnology facility.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
Life Sciences Research Project II
BIOT2130
This course is a continuation of Life Science Research Project I. Using the literature review prepared in part I, students will work in teams to convert their written project into an oral and visual professional presentation. Students will focus on current advances to the growing field of biotechnology and condense their review into a relevant and impactful presentation. Presentations will be given in a research symposium forum that will include an audience of invited industry partners and program stakeholders.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites: BIOT2120
- CoRequisites:
Program outcomes
- Complete all tasks in compliance with pertinent legislation and regulations, as well as biotechnology standards and guidelines.
- Apply quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
- Apply best practices for sustainability.
- Complete biotechnological applications using principles of chemistry, biology and biostatistics as well as basic principles of physics.
- Use appropriate laboratory procedures to carry out quantitative and qualitative tests and analyses.
- Carry out standard cell culture procedures under aseptic conditions.
- Carry out molecular biology procedures.
- Assist with the management of biological data to support biological scientists and researchers in capturing, organizing/summarizing and storing their data.
- Prepare, maintain and communicate scientific data effectively.
- Develop and present a strategic plan for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.