Biotechnology Technician

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Courses - September 2023

Level 1

Course details

Current Trends in Biotechnology
BIOT1025

Description:

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:

Introduction to Microbiology
BIOT1040

Description:

This course introduces the history, scope, relevance and practical aspects of the field of microbiology. Topics include microbial structure, nutrition, growth and metabolism. Students will develop techniques in culturing, enumeration, characterization, and identification procedures that aid in distinguishing between major microbial groups.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Laboratory Procedures and Safety
BIOT1065

Description:

This course examines the principles of general laboratory safety including the handling of chemicals and biological materials. Discussions include proper record keeping, WHMIS regulations, the importance of following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and proper handling of hazardous materials. Students will learn proper record keeping strategies and review basic data entry and analyses including creating graphs and using functions and formulas effectively. Professional electronic communication will be emphasized.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Introductory Chemistry for Life Sciences
CHEM1055

Description:

This course introduces students to fundamental concepts in Chemistry by emphasizing terminology, atomic structure, classification of matter, bonding, chemical reactions, calculations using chemical equations, nomenclature, intermolecular forces, properties of solids, liquids, gases, and solutions. These topics will be applied in laboratory scenarios relevant to students entering the Biotechnology and Life Sciences field.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Algebra for the Life Sciences
MATH1995

Description:

This course describes important mathematical concepts with a focus on the application of these concepts to the field of Life Sciences. Topics include: algebraic equations, linear and quadratic equations, graphical representation of a variety of functions, and the study of logarithmic and exponential functions.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Introductory Analytical Chemistry
BIOT1055

Description: This course demonstrates the use of analytical laboratory techniques for applications in basic quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis with an emphasis on accuracy and precision. Students will develop confidence in basic analytical techniques and sample preparation, and gain a foundational understanding of topics such as stoichiometry, equilibrium, acids and bases, solubility, and gravimetric analysis.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: CHEM1055 AND MATH1995
  • CoRequisites:

Food and Agricultural Biotechnology
BIOT1090

Description:

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:

Introduction to Molecular Biology
BIOT1115

Description:

This course introduces the theory and techniques associated with Molecular Biology. Topics include the stages of cellular reproduction, chromosome theory of inheritance, the structure of DNA and RNA, DNA replication, gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and molecular cloning. Laboratory exercises include DNA isolation, recombinant plasmid production, preparing competent bacterial cells, transformation of bacteria with plasmid DNA, and amplification of DNA using the polymerase chain reaction.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Quality Management Practices
BIOT2115

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 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:

Organic Chemistry
CHEM1070

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 and other relevant techniques.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: CHEM1055
  • CoRequisites:

Statistics for Life Sciences
STAT2000

Description:

This course enables students to apply the statistical skills necessary for scientific data analysis and research. Topics include: data analysis and interpretation; probability; confidence intervals; hypothesis testing; and analysis of variance.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Biochemistry
BIOT1037

Description:

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:

Applied Analytical Chemistry
BIOT2015

Description:

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:

Immunology
BIOT2070

Description:

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:

Professionalism and Career Success for Life Sciences
BIOT2105

Description: This course discusses several topics for entering a career in the field of Biotechnology and Life Sciences with special focus on values required for ethical conduct in a professional setting. Students will develop skills in logical analysis, a working knowledge of moral principles and theories, and the ability to diagnose and resolve moral disagreements commonly encountered in the workplace. Students will also work to develop a professional portfolio and explore the structure and design of biotechnology industries and the opportunities within them.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Life Science Research Project I
BIOT2120

Description:

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:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Microbiology for Biotechnology
BIOT1070

Description:

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:

Applied Molecular Biology
BIOT2027

Description:

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

Description:

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:

Plant Cell Biotechnology
BIOT2090

Description: This course examines the field of plant biotechnology and its applications. Topics include micropropagation using a variety of tissue culture techniques, as well as the genetic modification of plants. Laboratory exercises include: the preparation and staining of plant tissue, plant transformation, and micropropagation, with emphasis on aseptic technique.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Life Sciences Research Project II
BIOT2130

Description:

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:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

  1. Complete all tasks in compliance with pertinent legislation and regulations, as well as biotechnology standards and guidelines.
  2. Apply quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
  3. Apply best practices for sustainability.
  4. Complete biotechnological applications using principles of chemistry, biology and biostatistics as well as basic principles of physics
  5. Use appropriate laboratory procedures to carry out quantitative and qualitative tests and analyses.
  6. Carry out standard cell culture procedures under aseptic conditions.
  7. Carry out molecular biology procedures.
  8. Assist with the management of biological data to support biological scientists and researchers in capturing, organizing/summarizing and storing their data.
  9. Prepare, maintain and communicate scientific data effectively.
  10. Develop and present a strategic plan for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.