Course Content
Curriculum: January 2024
Semester 1
DELIVERY: HYBRID
Biology I
SCIE 9
Units/ Hours: 45
This course will explore a range of molecular biology topics in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Students will study theory and conduct applied lab investigation of macromolecules, Mendelian and other forms of genetic inheritance, introductory genetics, and gene expression. Ongoing themes include structure-function relationships in biology as well as current advances in biotechnology. Successful completion of Biology I will prepare students for future topics and lab applications introduced in other courses.
Chemistry I
SCIE 131
Units/ Hours: 45
Chemistry I is an introductory chemistry course to prepare students for further study and future employment in the advanced biotechnology field. This course gives students the knowledge and understanding of the principles of general chemistry with an opportunity for hands-on application of concepts in a laboratory setting. Topics covered will include matter, measurement, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical nomenclature, chemical reactions, energy changes, reaction rates, equilibrium, states of matter, solutions, and acid/base chemistry.
Forensic DNA Applications I
SCIE 89
Units/ Hours: 60
This course is designed to develop a basic understanding of genetics and molecular biology, introduce the specific genetic marker systems developed for forensic use, and explore specific cases in which forensic DNA typing has been used. Laboratories will provide the student with an introduction and history to the DNA molecule and how it is utilized within a range of lab/professional setting.
Introduction to Computing for BTF
COMP 580
Units/ Hours: 45
This course will provide students with fundamental computational skills needed to carry out basic tasks common in modern scientific research. The course will utilize the Microsoft Office Suite of programs to create, edit, save, present and publish a variety of projects. Application of Academic Integrity and integration into the Fleming College computer network will be fundamental framework for this course and program.
Laboratory Math I
MATH 114
Units/ Hours: 45
This course is designed to ensure students develop a basic understanding and familiarity with math formulas so that they can be successfully used in a variety of semester 1 courses in the Biotechnology Advanced program for the purpose of performing lab duties and data analysis.
Scientific Communications
SCIE 172
Units/ Hours: 45
The scientific communications course will allow students to develop and refine critical written and verbal scientific communication skills for use throughout the Biotechnology-Advanced program. Library resources, CSE citations, literature searches, scientific writing and presentations will be emphasized throughout the course. Students will research, write, and peer edit a literature review, create a full formal laboratory report, and present scientific findings.
Introduction to Indigenous Studies
INDG 49
Units/ Hours: 45
This course is an introduction to the study of Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit) peoples in Canada. Students will explore the complex historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The course will also guide students to begin to understand the diversity and depth of Indigenous societies, worldviews, and knowledge through a multi-disciplinary lens.
Semester 2
DELIVERY: HYBRID
Biology II
SCIE 10
Units/ Hours: 45
This course provides students with the opportunity for continued study of concepts and processes associated with molecular, cellular, and microbiology. Students will study theory and conduct applied lab investigation of genetic technologies, microbial life, and the cellular physiology of bacteria, plants, and animals. Central themes of structure-function relationships and the utility of model organisms in scientific research will be emphasized. Successful completion of Biology II will prepare students for advanced topics in biotechnology and provide required lab competence in microscope work and molecular biology techniques.
Pre-Requisites
Biology I (SCIE 9)
Chemistry II
SCIE 132
Units/ Hours: 45
Chemistry II is a general chemistry course that follows Chemistry I and is designed to prepare students for study and work in the biotechnology field. This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, introductory biochemistry, and industrial analytical techniques. Topics covered include organic chemistry, protein structure, introductory analytical chemistry techniques, chromatography and spectrophotometry. The laboratory component of Chemistry II will allow students to achieve hands-on learning of the concepts taught.
Pre-Requisites
Chemistry I (SCIE 131)
Data Management and Analysis
COMP 222
Units/ Hours: 45
This course will enable learners to explore and develop competence in the basic concepts and principles related to data design and management. The focus of the course will be using Excel and a database management systems, such as Microsoft Access, for typical biotechnology applications. The learner will be able to design customized Excel applications involving high-level functions, analyze datasets, and create, maintain, and manage a database through the use of tables, queries, forms, and reports using data applicable to the field of Biotechnology. The course also includes an introduction to Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
Pre-Requisites
Introduction to Computing for BTF (COMP 580)
Forensic DNA Applications II (Integration)
SCIE 90
Units/ Hours: 60
This course surveys current and potentially useful laboratory methods in forensic DNA analysis and provides students with the opportunity to develop technical competency in data interpretation using casework results. Laboratories will provide the students with the basics of DNA profiling methodologies that can be used as the primary laboratory application for validation and quality assurance.
Pre-Requisites
Forensic DNA Applications I (SCIE 89)
Forensic Techniques
LAWS 246
Units/ Hours: 45
This course focuses on forensic investigation techniques. Students will first learn communications skills necessary to retrieve and record activities and information from investigation participants including investigators and where appropriate, victims, witnesses and suspects. Students will also learn basic forensic investigation technique skills including observation, analysis, evidence identification, collection and preservation. Participants will also learn the process used for the presentation of seized evidence in a legal setting as well as learn and experience the proper procedures required of a professional forensic witness in a legal process.
Laboratory Math II
MATH 159
Units/ Hours: 45
This course is designed for students to build on their understanding and familiarity with math formulas from MATH114 so that they can be successfully used in a variety of upper semester courses in the Biotechnology Advanced program for the purpose of performing lab duties and data analysis.
Pre-Requisites
Laboratory Math I (MATH 114)
Co-Requisites
Laboratory Physics (SCIE 93)
Laboratory Physics
SCIE 93
Units/ Hours: 45
This is an introductory course to fundamental physics with emphasis being placed on concepts related to real-world activities. The mathematical structure of physics will be used in equations as recipes for computational problem solving and more importantly as a guide for thinking.
Pre-Requisites
Laboratory Math I (MATH 114)
Co-Requisites
Laboratory Math II (MATH 159)
Semester 3
DELIVERY: HYBRID
Forensic DNA Applications III (Integration)
SCIE 91
Units/ Hours: 60
Forensic DNA Applications III continues to build on the previous two courses, this time with a focus on modern biotechnological techniques. Key topics in this advanced laboratory-based course include DNA isolation, purification, polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing combined with automated DNA platforms. The course will simulate a research laboratory setting and industrial setting with bi-weekly lab meetings. The lectures will primarily focus on theory behind the uses of biotechnology in a research laboratory and industrial settings.
Pre-Requisites
Forensic DNA Applications II (Integration) (SCIE 90)
Laboratory Automation I
AUTM 68
Units/ Hours: 45
This is an introductory course for laboratory automation and instrumentation components. It will introduce laboratory workflow, instrumentation components, programming concepts, analog and digital electronics, sensors, encoders, actuators, controllers, data interfaces, liquid handlers, and robotics. The course also introduces the student to National Instruments LabVIEW.
Pre-Requisites
Data Management and Analysis (COMP 222)
Laboratory Physics (SCIE 93)
Laboratory Operating Standards and Quality Assurance I
SCIE 100
Units/ Hours: 45
This course is designed provide a broad based knowledge of management and quality assurance in a laboratory setting. Students will learn the importance of quality control, so as to ensure that integrity is being maintained within a system and apply those standards in the lab setting. The roles of the regulating bodies that issue guidelines will be examined, as well as the standards and processes for acquiring and maintaining lab accreditation. Canadian standards will be compared to those in the United States and Europe and the implications of international standards assessed.
Pre-Requisites
Scientific Communications (SCIE 172)
Forensic DNA Applications II (Integration) (SCIE 90)
Microbiology
SCIE 94
Units/ Hours: 60
Through lab work and activity, this course enables students to develop hand-on skills in the use of microbiological techniques routinely used in research and clinical laboratories. The curriculum is designed to help students make connections between theoretical knowledge and practical applications of microbiology in medicine, the environment and other related fields.
Pre-Requisites
Biology II (SCIE 10)
Molecular Biology
SCIE 95
Units/ Hours: 60
This course examines the fundamental concepts in molecular biology with emphasis on the central dogma including how and why information flows from DNA, to RNA, to proteins. Techniques in recombinant DNA technology as well as their applications in the biomedical, forensic, and pharmaceutical fields will form the core of the course. The laboratory component will introduce students to recombinant DNA methodologies. Emphasis will be placed on understanding basic concepts and on the integration of these concepts as a tool for problem solving in the lab.
Pre-Requisites
Forensic DNA Applications II (Integration) (SCIE 90)
Biology II (SCIE 10)
Forensic DNA Applications I (SCIE 89)
Professional Practices in Biotechnology
BUSN 56
Units/ Hours: 60
The biotechnology industry is young, regionally diverse, internationally competitive, volatile and growing. This course is designed to provide an introduction on the complexities of the biotechnology workplace and to provide the necessary tools for career success. Students will first undergo self-assessment exercises to determine their key strengths, skills and values. From there, they will apply this information to create effective resumes and cover letters as well as prepare for job interviews. The course will address topics relevant to professionalism in the workplace such as the ability to communicate (verbally and written), business etiquette, appropriate use of technology and branding as well as the importance of networking to excel in the biotechnology industry.
Pre-Requisites
Introduction to Computing for BTF (COMP 580)
Forensic DNA Applications I (SCIE 89)
Forensic DNA Applications II (Integration) (SCIE 90)
Scientific Communications (SCIE 172)
