Honours in Biotechnology

In this course, you will examine the principles of lab safety for handling chemicals and biological materials. You will also review the regulatory requirements for general laboratory safety, chemical safety, and biological safety. In addition, this course also provides a link to an online WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) course. The purpose of this course is to provide you with the basic knowledge to work in the BCIT Biotechnology Labs for the next two years. You must pass this course, as well as the online WHIMS course, in order to continue with the Biotechnology program.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

(UBC BIOT 205) Examines microbial diversity and evolution, as well as the history, scope, and relevance of the field of microbiology. Microbial cell structure, growth and metabolism are discussed in depth. The control of microbes by antimicrobial chemotherapy is also covered. In the lab, techniques employed in the growth, enumeration and identification of bacteria are taught. Measurement of antimicrobial activity of antimicrobial drugs is also performed.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course provides a broad introduction to the field of biotechnology, with a focus on products and processes of biotechnology. Topics include recombinant technologies, protein and genetic engineering, production of biological molecules including monoclonal antibodies, genomics, proteomics, bioprocessing and current events. Students will also explore careers in biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

The course explores the concepts, language, and regulatory framework for pharmaceutical and health product development projects. Topics include: Discovery phase and the clinical trials process, regulations, compliance and record keeping, entrepreneurship, and non R&D career opportunities in health product companies.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

(UBC BIOT 207) This course will compare physiological processes in different animals, including cellular and membrane dynamics, nervous and endocrine system responses, muscular contractions, circulatory and respiratory functions, and ion and water balance. Physiological data acquisition technology and other techniques will be used to measure physiological responses in various animal species.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course covers structure and bonding in organic compounds, acidity and basicity, factors affecting boiling point and solubility, extractions, nomenclature, and structure determination using IR and NMR spectroscopy. The preparations and reactions of alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, epoxides, and sulfides will be examined. Laboratory exercises include the isolation and identification of natural products, qualitative tests for the identification of functional groups, preparation of samples for infrared analysis, and qualitative analysis by gas chromatography.
Prerequisite(s):

• UBC CHEM 121 and CHEM 123

(UBC BIOT 231) This course will introduce you to the writing, speaking, research and presentation skills you will need to successfully carry out your professional communication tasks. You will learn how to organize and present technical information in memos and reports. In COMM 3343, your research on a controversial biotechnology topic will be incorporated into both a formal written report and an oral presentation. As industry requires high literacy levels, we will continue to focus on English grammar and editing skills.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

(UBC BIOT 241) This is an introductory course on basic descriptive statistics and probability, and the application of computers and information technology in the field of biotechnology. The course covers the use of spreadsheets as tools for the manipulation, basic statistical analysis and presentation of biological data. The use of appropriate computer tools for more advanced analysis of data and to access biological databases is introduced in the latter half of the course.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

(UBC BIOT 206) Discusses microbial genetics, recombination, plasmids and recombination DNA techniques. Describes eucaryotic and procaryotic viruses, and surveys major groups of microorganisms. Also describes the role of microorganisms in the environment, industrial microbiology and biotechnology. Using a microbial system, employs procedures used in the identification of microorganisms, the evaluation of antimicrobial activity, the growth and quantification of phage and detection of mutagens and carcinogens.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in BIOT 3201

Cell biology is the study of structure-function relationships at the sub-cellular level. This course examines the inner workings of the animal (mammalian) cell and the application of this knowledge in biotechnology. Includes lecture topics on membranes, intracellular compartments, cell signalling, and cell division. Laboratory topics include: in vitro cell culture, gene transfer and expression analysis, cell-based assays, immunostaining and fluorescence microscopy. (UBC BIOT 310)
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in BIOT 3201 and 50% in BIOT 3210

(UBC BIOT 208) This course will examine plant biodiversity and how plants evolve and interact with their environment in terms of water relations, nutrition, photosynthesis, growth and overall body plan formation. The morphology and cellular anatomy of angiosperm and gymnosperm vegetative and reproductive structures will be covered. Other physiology topics not covered in this course will be discussed in BIOT 5230.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course covers the nomenclature, properties, preparations, and reactions of aromatic compounds, carbonyl compounds, amines, amino acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Laboratory work involves the synthesis of a variety of compounds, isolation and purification techniques, qualitative and quantitative analysis using instrumentation. Students should be fluent with the following topics from CHEM 3338: nomenclature of hydrocarbons, alkenes, and alcohols, assign stereochemistry (R,S / E,Z), draw the mechanism of a substitution / elimination reaction, identify the hybridization used in bonding, resonance structures, proton NMR and IR spectroscopy.
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 3338

Communication 4443 builds on the curriculum in COMM 3343, focusing on the writing, listening, speaking and presentation skills you will need to successfully carry out your professional communication tasks. Your first tasks will be to develop strategies for finding potential employment and to participate in a mock job interview. You will prepare and deliver an effective oral and written proposal both as an individual and as a team member. This course will also help you acquire the interpersonal skills you will need to communicate effectively during team project work, and to resolve a variety of potential workplace conflicts.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in COMM 3343

(UBC BIOT 242) The course covers inferential statistics and statistical research methods to give the students the tools to critically assess research papers. The course starts with discrete and continuous probability distributions; sampling, estimation and hypothesis testing; application to population means, proportions, difference of population means, paired differences; method of least squares, linear regression and correlation, goodness-of-fit tests and a brief introduction to analysis of variance. Multivariate techniques, applied to microarray analysis, will also be introduced. Statistical software, such as R, is used throughout to work with large realistic data sets.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

(UBC BIOT 307) Introduces genetic analysis viewed from the molecular level. Includes Mendel's Laws, chromosome mapping, DNA structure, gene mutation, and the genetic basis for recombinant DNA technology.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in BIOT 4201

(UBC BIOT 309) Plant biotechnologists can genetically modify gene functions to introduce desirable plant traits, giving scientists more tools to create new crops and plant products. Students will be introduced to modern techniques used to genetically engineer plants and analyze gene expression. You will learn various skills in molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, microscopy and plant tissue culture.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in BIOT 4260

This course explores the structural and functional properties of proteins, and the diverse roles they play in living cells. Key principles of protein biochemistry will be applied to problems in the laboratory. Laboratory topics include the purification, quantification and characterization of proteins and enzymes. (UBC BIOT 311)
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 4438

(UBC BIOT 313) Explores the concepts, language, and techniques of scientific pharmacology. Includes pharmacokinetics, pharmacoeconomics, drug assay systems, and the clinical trials process.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

(UBC BIOT 210) Studies fermenter design and operation. Discusses instrumentation required for biological process. Assesses various methods of downstream processing of fermentation broths. Analyzes economics of fermentation and downstream processing. Presents waste treatment systems with examples taken from biotechnology.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in BIOT 4201

This course covers the principles and practise of sample preparation and laboratory techniques commonly encountered in chemical analysis. Specific emphasis will be given to techniques of interest for biotechnology. Major topics also include the correct use of statistical methods in chemical analysis and the theory and applications of extractions to the biotechnology field.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in CHEM 4438 and 50% in MATH 4442

​This course aims to train students to develop their critical abilities for more effective communication both with a scientific audience and when communicating about science with the general population. There's a misconception that scientific communication is strictly about explanation and facts – that when done properly, it does not include elements of persuasion but is primarily or exclusively the description of uncontested empirical claims supported by hard proof. If this were true, effective communication in science would merely require reasonable clarity, good grammar and adequate scientific knowledge. But it's not so. Effective scientific communication is not possible while taking the reductive approach that it can be done by merely informing and understanding without taking into account critical and persuasive components. Those working in science do influence (properly or not), must persuade, need to resist undue influence, and must be able to communicate with others partly or entirely outside their field of expertise. Through the use of elements of logic, rhetorical analysis, academic writing, epistemology and philosophy of science, this course will guide students to become better communicators in discussions of science or that involve science.
Prerequisite(s):

• BCIT ENGL 1177, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.

(UBC BIOT 306) Divided into two major sections: Immunology and Virology. The immunology section covers the innate immune response, and the development of the cell-mediated immune response and humoral immune response. The virology section covers the replication cycles of several RNA and DNA animal viruses. The lab provides training in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, analysis of gene and protein expression in cells and experience in handling and quantitating Baculovirus.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in BIOT 4201 and 50% in BIOT 5220

​This course continues from Molecular Genetics 1 in its coverage of the principles of genetic analysis. Includes recombinant DNA technology, gene editing, regulation of gene expression, genetics of the cell cycle, genetic development and extranuclear DNA. Also covers advanced topics in Molecular Genetics, such as its application in cancer biology.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in BIOT 5220

(UBC BIOT 312) Discusses the generation of metabolic energy through an examination of the central pathways involved in the oxidation of fuel molecules. Examines the biosynthesis of macromolecular precursors. Analyzes the process of photosynthesis and its role in providing biological systems with free energy. Studies methods used for the isolation, purification and analysis of simple and complex biopolymers.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in BIOT 5240

(UBC BIOT 352) Teaches the biotechnology student the to assist in the management of a biotechnology facility. Emphasizes the importance of Total Quality Management together with Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Laboratory Practices. Shows how to develop a quality management system based on ISO 9000 standards. Discusses government regulations. Teaches management practices appropriate for a biotechnology facility, including basic human resource management, and financial administration.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

The course provides an overview of the basic skills of a manager and applies these skills through a series of projects and case studies. It examines the evolution of management and the organizational culture and environment. It also teaches the decision-making skills and the skills involved in planning, organizing, leading and controlling, including planning and facilitating change, teamwork, applying motivational techniques and effective communication.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

`Students apply the principles and laboratory procedures for the modern instrumental methods of chemical analysis routinely used in biotechnology: spectroscopic methods including visible, ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy, chromatography (gas and high performance liquid chromatography), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, electrochemistry and electrophoresis. Specific emphasis will be given to the correct operation and troubleshooting of all instruments used. A laboratory-based project will require the students to demonstrate teamwork, leadership and problem solving skills.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in CHEM 5509

The course will introduce students to fundamental theories in normative ethics – including utilitarian theory, deontology (Kantian ethics), virtue ethics, and the ethic of care – and to competing theories of distributive justice. Students will be introduced to relevant methods of applied ethical reasoning, mainly in the context of bioethical issues arising in the areas of medicine, business, and the environment. Following the case study approach, weekly readings may include topics such as public immunization policy, clinical trials involving vulnerable populations, patent protection of genetic information, and the use of GM foods. Discussions will be organized to encourage ethically and factually well-informed debate of these and other topics emerging from weekly readings and viewings.
Prerequisite(s):

• BCIT ENGL 1177, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.

(UBC BIOT 398) Provides application of theory and practical training from Levels 1 and 2. This is a paid position in industry acquired with the assistance of the Cooperative Education Office. The position must be a minimum of 12 weeks to qualify for credit.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

(UBC BIOT 399) The second of two BCIT Co-op Work Terms, enables application of learning in an industrial setting. This is a paid position in industry acquired with the assistance of the Cooperative Education Office. This position must be a minimum of 12 weeks to qualify for credit.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.