Courses

Biotechnology Practica II-IV provide general and advanced intern experiences in industrial settings. BIOT 200 (2 sem. hrs.) is a requirement for entry to co-op placements and graduation. BIOT 300 and 400 (3 sem. hrs. each) are additional intern experiences providing exposure to advanced techniques and applications in biotechnology. The skills taught in each practicum vary depending on the industrial setting, but should include some of the following techniques: mammalian tissue culture; monoclonal antibody production including cell fusion; hybridoma screening by ELISA and immunoblotting; fermentation microbiology and the operation of large-scale fermentation systems; insect cell culture and use of Baculovirus expression vectors to produce recombinant proteins; downstream processing and the recovery and purification of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids; freezing, freeze-drying and preservation of microorganisms, animal viruses, cell lines and hybridomas; high throughput screening strategies, diagnostic testing; methods in bioinformatics; and quality control procedures.

This course reviews the role of modern biotechnology in plant, animal, and marine biology, microbiology, agriculture, the pharmaceutical industry and medicine. The course focuses on underlying technologies in biotechnology, how these technologies are implemented, together with public concerns and government guidelines and legislation.

Biotechnology Practica provides general and advanced intern experiences in industrial settings. BIOL 300 (3 sem. hrs.) is additional intern experience providing exposure to advanced techniques and applications in biotechnology. The skills taught in each practicum vary depending on the industrial setting, but should include some of the following techniques: mammalian tissue culture; monoclonal antibody production including cell fusion; hybridoma screening by ELISA and immunoblotting; fermentation microbiology and the operation of large-scale fermentation systems; insect cell culture and use of Baculovirus expression vectors to produce recombinant proteins; downstream processing and the recovery and purification of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids; freezing, freeze-drying and preservation of microorganisms, animal viruses, cell lines and hybridomas; high throughput screening strategies, diagnostic testing; methods in bioinformatics; and quality control procedures.

This course is designed to untangle some of the actual or perceived dissonance between issues of biological science and Christian theology. Six major topics are addressed: (1) models, analogies and metaphors in science and Christian theology; (2) scientific and religious investigations of the biosphere; (3) defining human nature; (4) defining non-human nature; (5) caring for the earth; and (6) the biomedical revolution. The common threads among these topics are the tension between Christian faith and the findings of basic and applied biology (biotechnology), and the call to action required in a faith-based view of creation. As well as speaking from their own disciplines and background, the course instructors take part in panel discussions at the end of each of the six units to foster discussion and dialogue on the issues. Student participation is further encouraged by group projects in which the group must develop and dissonance between scientific and religious worldview perspectives.

Biotechnology Practica II-IV provide general and advanced intern experiences in industrial settings. BIOT 200 (2 sem. hrs.) is a requirement for entry to co-op placements and graduation. BIOT 300 and 400 (3 sem. hrs. each) are additional intern experiences providing exposure to advanced techniques and applications in biotechnology. The skills taught in each practicum vary depending on the industrial setting, but should include some of the following techniques: mammalian tissue culture; monoclonal antibody production including cell fusion; hybridoma screening by ELISA and immunoblotting; fermentation microbiology and the operation of large-scale fermentation systems; insect cell culture and use of Baculovirus expression vectors to produce recombinant proteins; downstream processing and the recovery and purification of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids; freezing, freeze-drying and preservation of microorganisms, animal viruses, cell lines and hybridomas; high throughput screening strategies, diagnostic testing; methods in bioinformatics; and quality control procedures.

Students will be required to choose a topic for their senior thesis (BIOL 409-410/GENV 409- 410) in consultation with an instructor. Selected readings and references pertinent to the topic will be assigned. A final written report will be presented consisting of a detailed thesis proposal and a review of the literature.

Research in a chosen area of biology or environmental studies with a final written report. Presentation of research findings will also be made by the student in a poster session.

An overview of the interdisciplinary science of genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics which applies the tools of information technology (computer hardware and software) to analyze biological data such as gene or protein sequences. This course examines the theory of bioinformatics as well as its practical application to biological problems using approaches such as BLAST searches, phylogenetics, and protein structure function analysis.

This capstone course in biotechnology considers the theoretical and practical aspects of implementing biotechnology, paying particular attention to current issues including: (1) technology transfer and commercialization; (2) patent protection in biotechnology; (3) Good Laboratory Practices (GLP); (4) Good Manufacturing Practices (Food and Drug Regulations, 2002 edition); (5) Good Clinical Practices (GCP); (6) Research Ethics Board guidelines; (7) validation studies; (8) downstream processing and the recovery of purified products; (9) novel developments in methodology. The course includes a seminar series by industry and regulatory experts and site visits to local biotechnology companies to assess how they have implemented and overcome obstacles to production and quality control.