Biotechnology Programs (BSc)

Director
Travis Dudding

Participating Faculty
Jeffrey K. Atkinson (Chemistry), Michael J. Bidochka (Biological Sciences), Charles Després (Biological Sciences), Travis Dudding (Chemistry), Fiona Hunter (Biological Sciences), Deborah Inglis (Biological Sciences), Yifeng Li (Computer Science), Fei Yang (Biological Sciences), Divya Matta (Chemistry), Costa Metallinos (Chemistry), Aleksander Necakov (Biological Sciences), Ian Patterson (Biological Sciences), Hongbin (Tony) Yan (Chemistry), Alonso Zavafer (Biological Sciences and Engineering), Paul Zelisko (Chemistry)

Co-operative Program Co-ordinator
J. K. Atkinson

General Information

Administrative Assistant
Abigail (Abby) MacCormack
amaccormack@brocku.ca
905-688-5550, extension 3406
CRN 411
brocku.ca/biotechnology

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms to produce goods and services for practical and industrial purposes. Biotechnology has been used for centuries in fermentation and the making of bread and cheese, but today involves new scientific tools like genetic and protein engineering, cell fusion and production of monoclonal antibodies. Biotechnology is a strategic technology and an important economic component of industrialized nations. Biotechnology at Brock is a joint effort of the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, with courses drawn from both departments plus courses designed specifically for the program.

The Biotechnology Co-op program combines academic and work terms over a period of five academic years. Students spend two years in an academic setting studying the fundamentals of Biotechnology prior to their first work placement. Successful completion of courses in the core areas of Biotechnology provides the necessary academic background for the work experience. In addition to the current fees for courses in academic study terms, Biotechnology Co-op students are assessed an administrative fee for each work term (see the Schedule of Fees ).

Eligibility to continue in the Biotechnology Co-op program is based on the student’s major and non-major averages. A student with a minimum 70 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent non-major average may continue. A student with a major average lower than 70 percent will not be permitted to continue in the Biotechnology Co-op program, but may continue in the non-co-op Biotechnology stream. If a student subsequently raises his/her major average to 70 percent, the student may be readmitted only if approved by the Co-op Admissions Committee. For further information, see the Co-op Programs section of the Calendar, and contact the Centre for Biotechnology.

All students in the Co-operative Education program are required to read, sign and adhere to the terms of the Student Regulations Waiver and Co-op Student Manuals (brocku.ca/co-op/current-students/co-op-student-manuals) as articulated by the Co-op Programs Office. In addition, eligibility to continue in the co-op option is based on the student’s major average and non-major average, and the ability to demonstrate the motivation and potential to pursue a professional career.

Each four-month co-operative education work term must be registered. Once students are registered in a co-op work term, they are expected to fulfill their commitment. If the placement accepted is for more than one four-month work term, students are committed to complete all terms. Students may not withdraw from or terminate a work term without permission from the Director, Co-op Program Office.

The Biotechnology Co-op program designation will be awarded to those students who have honours standing and who have successfully completed a minimum of twelve months of Co-op work experience.

Program Notes

1. CHEM 3P40  or CHEM 3P41  are strongly recommended as year 3 electives for students who intend to take BTEC 4F90  and BTEC 4F91  in the Department of Chemistry in year 4.
2. Students who anticipate doing graduate studies in Chemistry should have credit in CHEM 2P12 , CHEM 2P32 , CHEM 2P42 , CHEM 3P21  and CHEM 3P40  or CHEM 3P41  in addition to the other required courses in CHEM.
3. In 20 credit degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; at least three credits must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.
   
   In 15 credit degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.
   
   In some circumstances, in order to meet university degree and program requirements, more than 15 or 20 credits may be taken.