Courses

This course provides a basic understanding of some of the current topics in modern virology including the structure, classification, and replication of viruses, virus-cell interactions, diagnostic and research applications in virology, and the molecular biology of several important viruses causing disease in humans and animals. Special emphasis is given to viral pathogenesis making this course suitable for those pursuing careers in medicine or related fields.

A study of the development of the nervous system in humans and invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms. Topics covered include neurogenesis, the development and cell biology of neurons and glia, developmental genetics, and nervous system defects arising from abnormal development.

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.

A lecture course reviewing a wide range of topics related to cancer including the biology and immunology of tumor cells, chemical and viral carcinogenesis, oncogenes, genetic predisposition to cancer, and treatment strategies.

An in-depth study on protein biochemistry, with a focus on the relationship between protein structure and its corresponding function on a molecular and organismal scale. This course will also cover recent developments in protein research, including the use of proteomics in systems biology and medicine, particularly drug development.

An exploration of various practical applications of biology in environmental management, monitoring, and remediation. Topics include many important areas of concern such as wildlife management, fisheries, forestry, agriculture, water and air pollution, and protection of endangered ecosystems. Various biological approaches to these are considered, such as population modelling, ecophysiology, microbiology techniques, biomonitoring, ecosystem health, and biodiversity inventories. The implications of environmental ethics and the role of Christian environmental stewardship are discussed.

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.

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.