Setting up any new training program can be a complicated process, but for Dr. Michael Gibson, Learning Manager for Holland College's new Bioscience Technology program, the challenges include outfitting an entire state-of-the-art laboratory for his students to train in next September.
The Bioscience Technology program is designed to provide the skills and experience needed to work in rapidly expanding biotechnological areas related to pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, as well as to laboratory work in the environmental, food and agricultural sectors.
Holland College President Brian McMillan says the program is a perfect example of how the college works with industry to respond to emerging labour force requirements.
"The Bioscience Technology program has been developed to meet the demands of industry," Dr. McMillan explained in a recent interview. "This program will provide students with all of the skills and laboratory experiences that they need to become a certified biotechnologist."
The two-year science-based diploma program, which is scheduled to start in September of this year, will be based in the new Centre for Labour Innovation and Learning currently under construction beside the college's Charlottetown Centre.
Dr. Michael Gibson, learning manager for the Bioscience Technology program, says the course work will provide students with extensive training before they enter the workforce.
"Many of the people I've been talking to are interested in taking the program to upgrade their skills, to gain a nationally recognized qualification, to enter an emerging field while there are still plenty of opportunities, or to augment their university degrees to enhance their employability."
Many students graduating with Bachelor of Science degrees lack the applied experience and training to acquire certification as a biotechnologist, Dr. Gibson explained, and certification is mandatory for many laboratory jobs. He said that there has also been a considerable amount of interest from students graduating from Business Administration programs.
"They want to work in the biotech field, and think that the combination of their business training with training for lab work will give them an edge," he said.
In the program, students will learn basic laboratory skills, analytical and organic chemical procedures and microbiological techniques. Specialized techniques in molecular biology, genetics, tissue culturing, protein purification and immunology will be emphasized. Industrial processes in food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical production will also be covered, as will health and safety issues related to the work environment. Students will also become proficient in all aspects of laboratory based research, including research design and execution and the validation and compilation of their findings.
"We will be covering a tremendous amount of material during the program, combining crucial theory with invaluable hands-on experience. This will give our graduates the appropriate blend of skills and knowledge to enter any bioscience laboratory or biotechnology based manufacturing facility confidently."
For more information about this release, please contact: Sara Underwood, Media and Communications Officer Tel: 902-566-9695
Date: Monday, February 06, 2006
