ISO 9001:2000 Certified

Articulation Agreements

Bioscience Technology

Biotechnology has been defined as "the application of science and technology to living organisms as well as parts, products and models thereof, to alter living or non-living materials for the production of knowledge, goods and services." Through the use of biotechnology we create new products that improve the quality of our food, our health and our environment.

"Atlantic Canada has a vibrant and diversified biotechnology sector that is undergoing dynamic growth. Biotechnological innovation has spurred development and revitalization in such a key Atlantic industries as aquaculture, forestry, fisheries, marine sciences, agriculture, health care and environmental management.”
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Approximately 1,500 workers are employed by biotechnology-related firms in Atlantic Canada.

Canada’s biotechnology sector has expanded rapidly in the last decade and currently ranks second behind the United States with respect to the size of its biotechnology industry. This growth has also been evidenced over the last five years in Atlantic Canada and particularly in Prince Edward Island. In order to meet the needs of this emerging sector, it is critical that a skilled workforce be developed to support new initiatives within this field.

Beginning in 2006, Holland College will offer a Bioscience Technology program in its new Centre for Labour Innovation facility currently under construction beside the Charlottetown Centre. The two-year science-based diploma program is designed for people wishing to work as technologists in the biotechnology areas related to pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, environment, food and agriculture.

Students will learn basic laboratory skills, analytical and organic chemical procedures and microbiological techniques. Specialized techniques in molecular biology, genetics, tissue culturing, protein purification and immunology will be emphasized. Industrial processes in food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical production will be covered as well as the health and safety issues associated with these work environments.

Students will become proficient at all aspects of conducting laboratory based research including the design and conducting of research, and validating and reporting their findings.

Graduates of the program will have the appropriate blend of science background and hands-on laboratory experience to enable them to confidently enter and make significant contributions in any bioscience laboratory or biotechnology based manufacturing or production facility.

Course Outline

The program will be offered as a two year program. The following outlines the courses for each year of the program.

Year 1: The first year will provide the students with the necessary background in chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer technology and laboratory practices. As the year progresses students will be more involved in the biological and chemical disciplines involved in bioprocess operations.

General Chemistry
Fundamental topics in chemistry will be covered using a combination of theory and practical labs. Topics covered will include: atomic theory, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, gas laws, and acid/base titrations.

Students will:

• study chemical theory and properties of the elements
• learn to balance chemical reactions and predict equilibrium concentrations under various conditions
• name and write formulas for chemical compounds
• learn to draw Lewis diagrams.
  

Computers and Literacy
This course will assist the student developing competency with computers and computing technology as employed in the typical workplace. Using Microsoft Office, students will be introduced to typical desktop tools to create and manage information including: word processing and desktop publishing, speadsheets, databases and electronic presentations. Students will learn to navigate the Windows operating system, use a personal information management software (Groupwise), use the Internet for research and manage files in a networked computing environment.

Students will:

• learn basic computing techniques for word processing, presentation and data management
• use microcomputer database software to create and manage simple databases.

Safety
This course will cover the fundamental concepts of occupational health and safety with particular focus on the laboratory environment. Students will learn to recognize hazards in the work place and how to remove or control them to make the workplace safer. The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) will be covered in detail.

Students will:

• learn to apply workplace safety and accident prevention procedures
• learn to apply legislation regulating hazardous and other designated materials
• learn to operate laboratory equipment safely.
  

Microbiology
Building on the systematic approach established in General Biology students will focus on the study of microscopic organisms: Bacteria, Viruses, Protozoans, Algae and Fungi. Isolation, cultivation and identification of microorganisms will be conducted in laboratories.

Students will:

• classify bacteria and identify reproductive and metabolic processes
• perform growth measurements of microorganisms
• collect and maintain the integrity of microbiological samples using appropriate sterile techniques
• isolate pure colonies from mixed cultures
• select and prepare culture media for microorganisms
• use standard aseptic techniques during laboratory practices.

Analytical Chemistry
This course focuses on the preparation and analysis of samples using a variety of instrumental techniques. Students will be able to interpret and present data generated and determine the level of accuracy and precision associated with the measurements.

Students will:

• prepare samples for instrument analysis
• perform analysis using gas, liquid, thin layer and paper chromatography equipment
• perform analysis using atomic emission and absorption spectroscopy
• perform analysis using UV, IR and visible light spectroscopy
• prepare blanks, spikes and duplicates to verify analytical results.

Immunology
This course studies the process by which organisms produce an immune response. Students will study the organs, cells and biomolecules involved in an immune response and the various applications of these made in biotechnological techniques.

Students will:

• identify the principal components of the immune system and their roles
• differentiate the classes of immunoglobulins
• determine the titre of antibodies by means of immuno- enzymatic reactions and assays
• use various immuno-based detection techniques

Genetics
This course focuses on the maintenance and perpetuation of genetic material through asexual and sexual reproduction. Study of the principles of inheritance and genetic mutation. The processes of DNA replication and gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells will be explored. Laboratories will explore the relationship between microbial genotype and phenotype expression.

Students will:

• learn the principles by which genetic information is replicated and expressed
• learn the concepts of meiosis and mitosis and applications of Mendelian laws of genetics and inheritance
• identify the process of genetic mutation and the influence of environmental, chemical and other factors.

Botany
This course provides students with a solid background in conventional plant propagation and identification techniques. Field identification of native and agriculturally significant plants as well as laboratory identification of the various plant organs and cell types will be conducted.

Students will:

• learn to identify native conifer and broad leaf tree species in the field using common dendrology such as foliage, twig and cone characteristics
• learn to identify key shrubs, grasses, herbs, ferns, mosses and aquatic plants
• learn to identify plant cell types
• learn to identify plant organs, their functions and principal morphological adaptations to their environment
• learn to identify the stages and regulatory factors of plant growth and development.
  

Biochemistry
Focusing on the chemistry of living organisms this course has a large laboratory component as well as lectures. Students will learn to isolate and purify various organic compounds from cultures. Enzyme reaction kinetics and the effects on inhibitory substances will be explored.

Students will:

• identify the composition, structure and biological function of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and proteins
• identify the functional groups present in common biomolecules
• classify enzymes by reaction type and distinguish different enzymatic reaction mechanisms
• perform enzyme assays
• detect and quantify biomolecules using common biochemical techniques and Instrumentation.

Technical Math for Bioscience Technology
This course covers basic mathematical calculations required for bioscience technology. Topics covered include the proper treatment of approximate numbers and measurement error, units of measure, algebraic equations, functions and graphs, trigonometry, vectors, exponential and logarithmic functions, complex numbers, variation, and basic geometry.

Students will:

• apply the rules of significant digits in the manipulation of approximate numbers
• perform conversions between SI and Imperial units of measurement
• use first and second-degree algebraic equations, ratios and proportions to solve technical problems.

Calculus for Bioscience Technology
This course serves as an introduction to the theory and methods of differential and integral calculus. Topics covered include the concepts of continuity, limits, and the derivative as an instantaneous rate of change. Methods of determining derivatives will cover both algebraic and transcendental functions. Practical applications will emphasize maximum/minimum problems. Topics in integration will include both definite and indefinite integrals.

Students will:

• derive and evaluate the derivative of a sum, product, and quotient of functions
• apply derivatives to identify maximum or minimum values
• integrate functions using basic techniques
• determine the derivative of transcendental functions.
  

Communications
The vital role that communication plays in science will be emphasized in this course. The importance of accurate recording of laboratory activities as well as the ability to communicate findings to both the
scientific and general communities will be stressed.

Students will:

• maintain laboratory note books and records
• write reports
• learn proper referencing
• present technical information in both written and oral formats
• write and prepare proposals and contract documents.

Year 2: The second year of the program will focus on the industrial and research application of the biological and biochemical processes that have been studied. Courses during this year will emphasize industrial processes as well as advanced bioscience techniques. Students will undertake a research project related to, and potentially sponsored by, an industry partner. An on-the-job training (OJT) placement will be incorporated into the semester.

Molecular Biology I
This lab intensive course will allow students to perfect techniques to introduce foreign genes, regulate their expression, identify and purify resulting protein product using bacterial host systems. Identifying the appropriate host and vector combinations and recognizing the limitations of bacterial based systems will be covered.

Students will:

• isolate DNA, RNA and proteins from bacterial cultures
• conduct DNA amplification using polymerase chain reaction
• separate and identify DNA fragments using gel electrophoresis and hybridization techniques
• isolate proteins using size exclusion, affinity columns, immuno-absorption techniques
• conduct cloning experiments using Microtechniques

Molecular Biology II
In this second course in molecular biology the cloning, expression and recovery of foreign genes will be conducted using animal and plant cell lines.

Students will:

• conduct cloning experiments using animal and plant cell lines
• learn different methods of protein expression possible during cloning and the advantages and disadvantages each present
• learn about phage and ribosomal display systems.
  

Cell Culturing
Through a combination of lecture and laboratory experience students will learn the special requirements that must be met in maintaining animal and plant cell lines.

Students will:

• culture and maintain animal cell lines
• culture, maintain and propagate plants in vitro

Protein Biochemistry
The central roles proteins play in all biological processes have made them the focus of biotechnology research. This course will highlight the biochemistry of proteins and the laboratory methods of isolating, purifying and identification including 2-D gel electrophoresis.

Students will:

• outline the stages of protein production
• identify the mechanisms for recombinant protein production using various hosts
• perform protein purification and characterization
  

Industrial Bioproducts
This course will focus on industrially significant biotechnologies. Batch, continuous flow and fixed media reactor designs will be explored.

Students will:

• measure, monitor and adjust physical and chemical variables during bioreaction processes
• measure, analyse and interpret the growth of fermenter cultures
• test and evaluate the effects of physical and chemical variables on bio-reaction productivity
• learn proper equipment and materials sterilization procedures.

Industrial Purification of Biologicals
Downstream processing and refining of biologically compounds can be as significant as the initial production. In this course students will view the entire production process including the industrial scale recovery and purification steps.

Students will:

• learn purification technologies appropriate for industrial scale production of biological products of interest
• learn extraction methods for biopharmaceuticals and bionutraceuticals from the parent organic materials.
  

Laboratory Management
This course will require students to develop schedules for laboratory activities as well as equipment utilization. Maintaining inventories of materials, determining costs/pricing for laboratory services as well as cost estimates for projects will performed. Students will become familiar with various laboratory and manufacturing certification programs and how to comply with them.

• become familiar with laboratory and manufacturing certification programs
• manage standard laboratory operations
  

Biological Databases - Bioinformatics
The genetic revolution has ushered in a new age in biology where entire genomes are known. The ability to search, compare and utilize this information requires access to global databases and an understanding of the tools necessary to use them. Bio-informatics is the discipline associated with the information gathering, data-mining and knowledge building tools required to manage and extract useful information from the vast data sets available.

Students will:

• learn basic data management using computer data bases
• learn how to use web based tools for searching DNA and protein sequence data bases
• learn how to submit and retrieve sequence information from bioinformatics centers.

Applied Research
This hands-on course will allow students to conduct an applied research project. They will develop a testable hypothesis, design and conduct the necessary research, compile and report their findings.

Students will:

• research and access sources of technical information
• design and carry out a research project
• present their research and findings in both oral and written formats.

Statistics for Bioscience Technology
This course covers the essentials of statistical collection, analysis, and interpretation. Topics covered include the principles of statistical design, frequency distributions, descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency and dispersion, basic probability, standard normal distributions, linear regression and correlation, and a variety of statistical tests for goodness of fit, differences between means, and identification of outliers. Emphasis will be placed on the use of statistical software for data analysis.

Students will:

• apply the principles of statistical design
• collect, organize, and report statistical data
• apply basic rules of probability to predict events
• apply standard normal distribution to predict events
• apply the principles of linear regression and correlation
• perform and interpret statistical tests on data to determine when differences are significant.
  

Biosensors and Analytical Instrumentation
Biological elements such as enzymes and antibodies are unparalleled in their ability to recognize particular constituents. These properties have made them invaluable in sensing instruments. The development of sensors based on these biological components will be the focus of this course.

Students will:

• learn how the action of biological agents such as enzymes and antibodies are incorporated into sensors for a wide range of constituents
• learn how chemical and physical signals are converted to electrical.

Health and Safety
This final health and safety course will apply the principles developed through the program of recognizing, minimizing and controlling risk to the development of health and safety plans for various industrial work sites.

Students will:

• review health and safety procedures that have been followed through the program
• develop health and safety inspection plans for various work places
• determine emergency response procedures for various work places.
  

Science and Ethics
As scientific advances continually expand what we can do, ethics will become increasingly important in defining what we should do. In this course students will explore the ethical issues surrounding bioscience technology and learn how to develop and articulate ethical debates.

Students will:

• assess the potential impact of technology on society
• promote the potential of biotechnology for the betterment of society
• act in a professional manner
• articulate responses on controversial topics arising in the biotechnology field.
  

On-the-Job Training: Bioscience Technology
This course has been designed to give students the opportunity to apply and improve skills acquired in the Bioscience Technology program in a "real-work" setting. Students will be able to integrate themselves into a laboratory or industrial production environment that utilize bioscience technologies and see first hand how the skills they have developed are used in these work environments. Students are exposed to the professional standards, routines and demands of an organization and are expected to add value through the application of their skills and abilities.

Students will:

• meet employer expectations during on-the-job placement
• apply program-acquired professional skills based on the organizations requirements
• communicate in a professional manner with supervisors and other work colleagues.
  

“The Canadian bio-based economy is the second largest in the world, with revenues of $4 billion, currently growing at 15% annually. Already, PEI has 15 companies, with sales of over $60 million per year and over 400 employees.”

Rory Francis, Executive Director,
Prince Edward Island BioAlliance

Graduate Opportunities

Graduates of the program will be qualified for a variety of positions including:

• biological laboratory technologist
• microbiology quality control technologist
• microbiology technologist
• food bacteriological technician
• plant breeding technician
• agricultural technologist
• aquaculture technician
  

Positions such as these are found in private industrial settings, institutional/research centres as well as government laboratories.

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent
• Grade 12 academic English, biology and chemistry all at 70% or above
• Grade 11 or 12 academic math at 70% or above
• Resume including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program to which you are applying.

*Security clearance (criminal records check) may be a requirement for some on the job training positions.  Having a criminal record may affect your chances of employment, or restrict your on the job training placement possibilities.

If you have any questions concerning the Bioscience Technology program, contact:

Mike Gibson, PhD., Learning Manager
Ph: (902)566-9696/ 1-800-446-5265
E-mail- mjgibson@hollandc.pe.ca

“Over the past five years there has been great growth in the Bioscience sector of the PEI economy. Currently, the sector on the Island consists of private sector companies, research institutions (NRC), academic institutions (UPEI and AVC) and federal and provincial government agencies (Agriculture Canada). Many of the agencies and institutions are undergoing expansions which will directly increase the need for technologists as well as support the development of additional private sector initiatives, further strengthening the sector…The ability to capitalize on these initiatives and to strengthen PEI’s economy …will depend on the availability of a suitably trained and knowledgeable bioscience workforce.”
Dr. Michael Gibson, Holland College