Biotechnology – Advanced (BTA)

Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
BIO173	Biology	In-person	Not offered	In-person
	This course is an introduction to fundamental principles and concepts in Biology. Emphasis is placed on an introduction to biochemistry as well as structure and function as it relates to the cell, and the human organism. The laboratory work stresses techniques involving measuring, microscopy and spectroscopy.
CHM173	Chemistry	In-person	Not offered	In-person
	This is the first semester in a two semester general chemistry course. The stress in this course is on fundamental principles. Topics have been selected such that the student will develop the basic lab skills if he/she is to use chemistry successfully as a tool in his future training. As far as possible, concepts are presented within a lab context. There is, therefore, a great deal of emphasis on lab work and report writing. This approach helps to reinforce theory with experiment and is conducive towards developing a mastery of the skills required for problem solving in chemistry.
COM101 or COM111	Communicating Across Contexts or Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched)	Hybrid  Online  In-person	Hybrid  Online  In-person	Hybrid  Online  In-person
	COM101: This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities. COM111: This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities. COM111 is six hours per week in order to offer students extra language and reading support.
MTH173 or MTH171	Mathematics or Mathematics	In-person	Not offered	In-person
	MTH173: MTH171: A study of the fundamentals of technical mathematics with applications as necessary for studies in chemistry and the biological sciences. Topics include numerical computation, solving linear and quadratic equations, algebra, graphing empirical data and linear equations, geometry, measurement and unit conversion, solutions, and dilutions. Additional review of fundamental mathermatical concepts will also be covered.  Students will be presented with many examples and exercises designed to provide experience with interpreting and analyzing practical problems that relate to applications in chemical and biological laboratory work.   It should be observed that MTH171 / MTH173 is to be regarded as only the first half of a two-part requirement that, for completeness, must also include MTH273. This subject requires students to use the WileyPLUS online resource.
SSA001	Science Survival	In-person	Not offered	In-person
	An introduction to a number of independent study topics that will assist students in biology and chemistry with their studies at Seneca. Topics will include such items as the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), laboratory safety, and academic honesty. Completion of the WHMIS component is mandatory for participation in the laboratory component of any School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry (SBSAC) subject. This subject is offered in an independent online study mode.

Semester 2

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
ACA273	Advanced Computer Applications	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	The focus of this course will be on establishing students’ proficiency in using current Information Technology tools to accomplish typical business-oriented tasks and producing professional quality results.   Specifically, this course will provide an overview of the standard industry practices related to: Creating, searching, collecting, storing and sharing computerized information, Effective use of key Microsoft Office 2010 “Office Productivity” applications: Word, Excel and Power Point, Web content creation within the Intranet/Content Management System (CMS),  Efficient use of Web/Internet tools.
BIO273	Biology	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	This subject is a continuation of Biology 173. Emphasis is placed on basic biological chemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. This is followed by the molecular basis of heredity, patterns of gene and chromosomal inheritance, and development. Methodology includes techniques associated with the qualitative analysis of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Quantitative analysis, spectroscopy, centrifugation and the techniques of cell counting are included.
CHM273	Chemistry	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	This is the first semester in a two semester general chemistry course. The stress in this course is on fundamental principles. Topics have been selected such that the student will develop the basic lab skills if he/she is to use chemistry successfully as a tool in his future training. As far as possible, concepts are presented within a lab context. There is, therefore, a great deal of emphasis on lab work and report writing. This approach helps to reinforce theory with experiment and is conducive towards developing a mastery of the skills required for problem solving in chemistry.
MTH273	Mathematics	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	This course is a continuation of MTH 173. Topics include elementary statistics, the analysis of empirical data, logarithmic and exponential functions with applications to growth and decay problems, quadratic equations by successive approximations, trigonometry, solid geometry, differential and integral calculations.Pre-requisite: MTH 173
plus: General Education Course (1)

Semester 3

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
BIC373	Biochemistry	Not offered	Not offered	Flexible
	his course extends the students knowledge regarding theory and techniques applied in the field of biotechnology by exploring the biochemical reactions that govern life and laboratory-based conclusions. Students will recognize how the molecular environment surrounding biological macromolecules dictates organization and interactions while considering the implications of thermodynamics to the control. Successfully conceptualizing the molecular basis of the interactions that occur between functional groups of various macromolecules in aqueous environments and how these interactions affect functional outcomes in living systems or biotechniques is a critical milestone in a biotechnologists learning. Emphasis will be placed on the structure, function and metabolism of amino acids, proteins and DNA and how these molecules produce the work required for the lifecycle of a cell. Production of nucleic acids and lipids from metabolic activities, genetic control, energy transfer, membrane dynamics and cell signaling cascades including primary, secondary and lipid messengers involved in metabolism and regulation of gene expression will be discussed with regards to the synthesis of functional proteins. Throughout the course, the association of academic and Industrial professional environments will be discussed. The molecular mechanisms underlying various laboratory techniques currently used to investigate amino acids, protein, nucleic acids, and lipids will be presented. For example, the application of phase separations will be explored through current macromolecular research initiatives in biotechnology.
BIT373	Biotechniques	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	This laboratory course is an introduction to the fundamental practices of biological macromolecular biochemistry as would be used in a modern biotechnology laboratory. Topics include the requirement of buffers for biotechnique use. Online exercises and activities focus on the theory regarding the isolation and analysis of proteins and biologically relevant small molecules. Application of various forms of chromatography, dialysis and membrane filtration to the separation and analysis of these molecules are discussed. The use of assays to detect and quantify biologically relevant molecules will be explored with topics such as immunoblot analysis, enzyme use and assays for biotechnology and the detection and quantification of biological molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. The combination of multi-step analyses for inference of conclusions in the biotechniques lab will be presented using the results from multiple practical techniques of biotechnological assays. Practical techniques include stock buffer and working solution preparation, accurate and precise techniques, colorimetric protein assays, column chromatography, and electrophoretic separation of macromolecules. Students calculate mathematical parameters of interest through the processes studied and use computer software to present graphical and tabular results and introductory statistical analyses in experimental error. A hands-on approach and the development of practical laboratory skills, time management for efficient laboratory work, and generation of accurate and precise data are emphasized. Biochemistry (BIC 373) is a mandatory co-requisite course for this subject; the theory behind the techniques used in lab will be discussed both in the lab (BIT 373) and in the lecture (BIC373) co-requisites.
CHO373	Chemistry - Organic	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	This subject is Organic Chemistry in the Biotechnology Advanced (BTA) program. Classes of organic compounds will be studied from the point of view of their structure, nomenclature, physical and chemical properties. In the laboratory portion of the subject, synthesis, separation techniques and some simple identification techniques will be learned.
MBG353	Microbiology	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	An introductory course which examines the structure and physiology of microorganisms.Laboratory exercises introduce basic microbiological techniques including staining and microscopy, media preparation and culture techniques, determination of population counts, identification strategies, and the environmental and biochemical factors which influence microbial growth.Aseptic (sterile) technique and laboratory safety are emphasized throughout. Pre-requisites: BIO 273 and MTH 273
SES391	Effective Technical Writing	Hybrid  In-person	In-person	In-person
	This subject focuses on technical writing skills for biochemistry students. After an introduction to basic communication elements (audience analysis, technical style, routine correspondence), students will write summaries, standard operating procedures, and informal reports; use visual aids; develop oral presentation strategies; and update career packages. Emphasis throughout will be placed on effective writing strategies and editing techniques.
WTP100	Work Term Preparation	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	This Work Term Preparation course is designed to empower students with the tools, skills, and strategies needed to navigate the modern job market and achieve long-term career success. Through self-assessment, career exploration, helping students to identify and leverage skills from their existing experiences, students will develop a deep understanding of their personal strengths, values, personality, interests and goals. The course covers essential topics such as crafting professional résumés and cover letters, mastering interview techniques, and building a strong personal brand, including an online presence. Students will learn how to research career pathways, evaluate job market trends, and create actionable career plans tailored to their aspirations. Emphasis is placed on professional communication, networking, workplace readiness, and adapting to diverse organizational cultures. Additionally, the course provides insights into negotiating job offers, managing career transitions, and professional growth. With a focus on lifelong learning and continuous improvement, this course equips students with the confidence and resources to pursue fulfilling careers while remaining adaptable in a dynamic and competitive workforce. Ideal for students preparing to enter the job market or those seeking to refine their career trajectory, this course fosters self-awareness, professional readiness, and strategic career planning.
WTP100 - Work-Integrated Learning option only

Work-Integrated Learning Term 1

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
BTA441	Biotechnology Advanced, Work Term	Not offered	Hybrid  Online  In-person	Not offered
BTA441 - Work-Integrated Learning option only

Semester 4

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
AIN573	Analytical Instrumentation	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	This is an advanced analytical chemistry course in which modern automated gas chromatographs with mass selective detectors, GC/MSD, and high performance liquid chromatographs, HPLC, are used for the quantitative determination of sample components. Standard methods of analysis using an external standard calibration curve and the use of internal standards are incorporated into the chosen labs. Controls and blanks are used routinely. Students prepare their own solutions and analyse unknowns independently. Wavelength selection for the detection of eluates in HPLC is discussed. The wavelength selected for the detection of caffeine is chosen after the uv spectrum of caffeine is recorded. The relationship between λ max and optimisation of the signal obtained is covered. All HPLC and GC/MSD instruments are equipped with Agilent ChemStation software. Students create their own methods and carry out data analysis independently.PREREQUISITES:Organic Chemistry, CHO473, and all first and second semester subjects
BIT473	Biotechniques	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	This course is an introduction to fundamental principles and concepts of chemical analysis used in Biology. Students will receive introductory training in 3 separate areas: High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC), and Nuclear Science. The curriculum is designed with an emphasis on understanding the proper use and application of each technique. Generally, one weekly hour is devoted to theory and the remaining five are practical lab hours. Each unit (HPLC, GC, and nuclear science) is 4 weeks in length and is taught by different faculty. At the end of each unit, students will rotate to another course unit as directed by the schedule. Successful completion of this course will allow students to understand and competently use these analytical techniques and will prepare them to receive further, more specific, training in Analytical Chemistry courses or in the workplace.
PHY453	Physics	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	An introductory course in the study of Physics. Its purpose is to expand on the fundamental concepts of physics underlying the studies of biology and chemistry.
STA453	Statistics	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	This course covers the more common significance tests used in biological, chemical, and technical applications.
plus: General Education Course (1)

Semester 5

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
BNF573	Bioinformatics	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	Bioinformatics is the application of information technology to address problems in molecular biology and proteomics. With the explosion of sequence and structural information available, the field of bioinformatics is playing an increasingly large role in the study of fundamental problems in molecular biology and protein biochemistry. In this course, I will introduce standard techniques for utilizing public domain utilities in order to identify genes and detect characteristic patterns that identify gene families; and I will discuss the modeling of phylogenetic relationships, molecular structures and biochemical properties.
IMU673	Immunology	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	This course is an introduction to the general principles of immunology, the immune system, and the integrated mechanism of the immune response. In addition to comprehensive lecture material, students also engage in independent study of selected topics in immunology. Laboratory exercises emphasize the production, purification, characterization and application of antibodies in the research laboratory.
MOB673 or TIC673	Molecular Genetics or Tissue Culture	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	MOB673: This subject is a continuation of BIC 573. Students learn various techniques used in biotechnology such as plasmid isolation and characterization, restriction endonuclease mapping, gene cloning, and southern blotting.Pre-requisites: BIC 573, MBG 473 and TME 473 TIC673: This subject provides an introduction to both the theoretical and practical aspects of culturing animal cells. Students prepare growth media, maintain cell lines by subculturing using aseptic technique, study various parameters governing cell growth, enumerate cells, explant cells from living tissue, clone cells and preserve cells by cryopreservation.
plus: General Education Course (1)
plus: Professional Options (1)

Work-Integrated Learning Term 2

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
BTA442	Biotechnology Advanced, Work Term II	Hybrid  Online  In-person	Not offered	Hybrid  Online  In-person
BTA442 - Work-Integrated Learning option only

Semester 6

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
BPH633	Biopharmaceuticals	Flexible	Not offered	Not offered
	The subject covers both biotechnology and its applications in the area of biopharmaceuticals. Topics will include the basic principles of biotechnology, large scale biopharmaceutical process development and the future of biopharmaceuticals.
FMB573	Food Microbiology	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	An introduction to the microbiology of foods and their raw materials. The basic principles of food production are examined as well as food spoilage, food preservation methods, food poisoning and infection, plant sanitation, food legislation, and HACCP systems. Laboratory exercises focus on the production of fermented foods as well as methods used to detect, quantify, and identify microbes (and/or their products) in foods.
MOB673 or TIC673	Molecular Genetics or Tissue Culture	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	MOB673: This subject is a continuation of BIC 573. Students learn various techniques used in biotechnology such as plasmid isolation and characterization, restriction endonuclease mapping, gene cloning, and southern blotting.Pre-requisites: BIC 573, MBG 473 and TME 473 TIC673: This subject provides an introduction to both the theoretical and practical aspects of culturing animal cells. Students prepare growth media, maintain cell lines by subculturing using aseptic technique, study various parameters governing cell growth, enumerate cells, explant cells from living tissue, clone cells and preserve cells by cryopreservation.
VIR673	Virology	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	This course will introduce you to the topic of virology, which is the study of infectius agents with simple, acellular organization that rely on a host cell for replication.
plus: Professional Options (1)

Professional Options

Semester 5

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
ANH573	Anatomy and Histology	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	This course offers both lecture and laboratory components. The lectures focus on the basic principles of human anatomy and physiology, and the related microscopic structures. The laboratory component focuses on the preparation of invertebrate and mammalian tissue samples for histological analysis.
BIT573	Advanced Techniques in Biotechnology	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	The purpose of this course is to allow students to demonstrate specialized knowledge of a selected topic. The course will promote the development of basic research skills in a specified sub-topic of biochemistry, biotechnology or biology. This course therefore varies in specific sub-topics discussed based on the students individual requirements semester by semester. This course also supports the research necessary to develop, expand and keep current with industry-utilized biotechnological methodologies.
CPY573	Cell Physiology	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	This third year course examines several aspects of cell organization and function at the cellular and molecular levels. The molecular interactions occurring between the plasma membrane, the cell interior, and adjacent cells will be emphasized. The cytoskeleton also will be studied, with special focus on its involvement with cell motility. Approaches and techniques used to study cells will be examined and assessed. The laboratory work will include the study of advanced microscopy techniques and their application to the study of living and fixed cells. In addition to lectures and laboratory exercises, each student will present a selected topic relevant to current research in the field of cell biology.
OCC433	Occupational Health and Chemistry I	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	A general coverage of general aspects of industrial hygiene. Specific topics include Canadian legislation with respect to Occupational Safety, modes of evaluation of chemical exposure, occupational toxicology, and instrumentation associated with the evaluation of the occupational environment.
PHA333	Pharmaceutical Analysis	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	This is a one semester laboratory oriented subject intended to introduce the student to the general aspects of pharmaceutical analysis. Certain select physical and chemical techniques used in the control of raw materials and finished dosage forms are emphasized, especially USP or BP methods.
PHM633	Pharmaceutical Microbiology	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	TThis course examines various aspects of microbiology which are relevant to the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The role of microbes in the production of pharmaceuticals is examined as well as methods used to monitor and control microbial contamination in an industrial environment. Laboratory exercises include the evaluation of disinfectant effectiveness and antibiotic potency as well as methods used to identify and quantitate microbes associated with water, air, surfaces, raw materials and finished products. Testing procedures and their interpretation follow regulatory specifications outlined in the USP, NF, BP, and the Canadian Food and Drugs Act.

Semester 6

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
ANH573	Anatomy and Histology	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	This course offers both lecture and laboratory components. The lectures focus on the basic principles of human anatomy and physiology, and the related microscopic structures. The laboratory component focuses on the preparation of invertebrate and mammalian tissue samples for histological analysis.
BIT573	Advanced Techniques in Biotechnology	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	The purpose of this course is to allow students to demonstrate specialized knowledge of a selected topic. The course will promote the development of basic research skills in a specified sub-topic of biochemistry, biotechnology or biology. This course therefore varies in specific sub-topics discussed based on the students individual requirements semester by semester. This course also supports the research necessary to develop, expand and keep current with industry-utilized biotechnological methodologies.
CPY573	Cell Physiology	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	This third year course examines several aspects of cell organization and function at the cellular and molecular levels. The molecular interactions occurring between the plasma membrane, the cell interior, and adjacent cells will be emphasized. The cytoskeleton also will be studied, with special focus on its involvement with cell motility. Approaches and techniques used to study cells will be examined and assessed. The laboratory work will include the study of advanced microscopy techniques and their application to the study of living and fixed cells. In addition to lectures and laboratory exercises, each student will present a selected topic relevant to current research in the field of cell biology.
OCC433	Occupational Health and Chemistry I	Hybrid	Not offered	Not offered
	A general coverage of general aspects of industrial hygiene. Specific topics include Canadian legislation with respect to Occupational Safety, modes of evaluation of chemical exposure, occupational toxicology, and instrumentation associated with the evaluation of the occupational environment.
PHA333	Pharmaceutical Analysis	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	This is a one semester laboratory oriented subject intended to introduce the student to the general aspects of pharmaceutical analysis. Certain select physical and chemical techniques used in the control of raw materials and finished dosage forms are emphasized, especially USP or BP methods.
PHM633	Pharmaceutical Microbiology	Not offered	Not offered	Hybrid
	TThis course examines various aspects of microbiology which are relevant to the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The role of microbes in the production of pharmaceuticals is examined as well as methods used to monitor and control microbial contamination in an industrial environment. Laboratory exercises include the evaluation of disinfectant effectiveness and antibiotic potency as well as methods used to identify and quantitate microbes associated with water, air, surfaces, raw materials and finished products. Testing procedures and their interpretation follow regulatory specifications outlined in the USP, NF, BP, and the Canadian Food and Drugs Act.