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Bioscience Joint Degree


Start Date: September


Location: Prince of Wales Campus


Length: 1 year plus 2 intersessions


Credential: Diploma, Bioscience Technologist from Holland College, Bachelor of Science, Biotechnology from UPEI upon completion of final year


Program Availability: Fall 2024 Term

Canadian Applicants: Open

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: Open

Other International Applicants: Open


Recipient of the 2020 Gold Program Excellence Award from Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).

Bioscience student at work in the lab

The Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology program is offered jointly by Holland College and the University of Prince Edward Island. The program combines practical and applied courses from the Bioscience Technology program at Holland College with strong theoretical science courses from the University of Prince Edward Island. It is designed for students interested in obtaining rigorous and broad training in biotechnology and increasing their access to post-graduate opportunities such as Master's degree programs.

UPEI Students may qualify for the joint degree program if they have completed the pre-requisite courses identified in the Admission Requirements above. If accepted, students will complete 2 intersessions at Holland College in the Spring, before beginning their third year of study at Holland College in the Fall. After completing their year at Holland College, students receive a diploma in Bioscience Technology. Students return to UPEI for their fourth year of the BSc program to complete their Bachelor of Science, Biotechnology Degree. 

Gain Extensive Lab-Based Training

While at Holland College, students receive a combination of lab-based instruction and on-the-job training and complete an independent research project on a topic of their choice. Students learn practical skills, including natural product extraction, fermentation, and bacterial and animal cell culture techniques. The Bioscience Technology program at Holland College is closely associated with the bioscience industry on PEI and in the other Maritime Provinces. This relationship provides students access to amazing on-the-job training and research opportunities.

Study at the Prince of Wales Campus in Charlottetown

This program is located at the Prince of Wales Campus. Take a Virtual tour of our Centre for Applied Science & Technology and the Charlottetown Centre.

Industry Certifications and Recognition 

The Bioscience Technology program is a CTAB (Canadian Technology Accreditation Board) nationally accredited program at the technologist level. National program accreditation involves an independent team of certified professionals performing an extensive audit, which provides graduates and employers confidence the program meets the educational standards of Canada’s engineering technology and applied science profession. Graduating from a nationally accredited program creates an expedited path to becoming a certified professional with provincial certifying bodies in Canada.

 

  • Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
  • A UPEI transcript showing successful completion of the following courses:*
    • BIO-1310 Genes, Cells, and Macromolecules
    • BIO-1320 Introduction to Organisms
    • BIO-2210 Cell Biology
    • BIO-2230 Genetics I
    • BIOL-2060 Microbiology
    • CHEM-1110 General Chemistry I
    • CHEM-1120 General Chemistry II
    • CHEM-3530 Biochemistry
    • CHEM-2310 Physical Chemistry I
    • CHEM-2430 Organic Chemistry Life Science
    • PHYS-1210 Physics for Life Sciences I
    • PHYS-1220 Physics for Life Sciences II
    • 2 electives and up to 3 general science electives
    • English/Humanities
    • MATH-1120 Calculus Social, Life Sciences
    • STAT-1210 Introductory Statistics
  • Résumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program.

Notes:

  • Courses from other institutions will be considered on an individual basis. Submit your transcript for consideration.
  • If your first language is not English, please review our English Language Requirements page.

2023/2024 Academic Year

Tuition, fees, and other costs are listed in Canadian dollars. International tuition includes the International Student Fee.

1 Year

Canadian

International

Tuition $4,080 $9,080
Fees $2,117 $2,967
Other Costs $250 $250
Total $6,447 $12,297
/

Canadian Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

 
Tuition $4,080
Lab Fee $1,300
Student Union $172
Health Insurance Fee $445
Fitness Centre Fee $80
Graduation Fee $100
    Total payable to Holland College $6,197
   
Intersession due May 1 $890
1st installment due first day of first semester $3,000
2nd installment due first day of second semester $3,197
   

Other Costs
Please note: the cost of books, materials, and supplies are included here for your information only, this amount is not payable to the college. Do not include this amount in your tuition payment.

 
Books $150
Materials/Supplies $100
     Total $250
   
Grand Total $6,477

International Cost Breakdown

Tuition and Other Fees

 

Tuition* $ 9,080
Lab Fee $ 1,300
Student Union $ 172
Health Insurance Fee $ 1,195
Fitness Centre Fee $ 80
Grad Fee $ 100
     Total payable to Holland College $ 12,047
   
Intersession due May 1 $ 890
1stinstallment due first day of first semester $ 8,850
2ndinstallment due first day of second semester $ 3,197
   

Other Costs
Please note: the cost of books, materials, and supplies are included here for your information only, this amount is not payable to the college. Do not include this amount in your tuition payment.

 
Books $ 150
Materials/Supplies $ 100
     Total $250
   
Grand Total $12,297

*Includes the International Student Fee.

  • Biological laboratory technologist
  • Microbiology quality control technologist
  • Microbiology technologist
  • Food bacteriological technician
  • Plant breeding technician
  • Agricultural technologist
  • Aquaculture technician

Course Code

Course Name & Description

Credit Values


Course Code:SAFE-1005

PEI Occupational Health and Safety

An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:BIOL-1300

Microbiology

A study of the organization, classification and structure of bacteria and other microorganisms. Students perform the basic techniques involved in observation, cultivation and identification of selected microorganisms.

Credit Value:6


Course Code:BIOL-1315

Theoretical and Applied Immunology

An examination of the principal components of the immune system and how they function to produce an immune response. Students isolate and purify an enzyme from a bacterial source. Students also perform immune-based techniques for the detection and quantification of organic compounds, including those from bacterial origins. This course provides instruction on basic laboratory techniques including casting and running acrylamide gels as well as gel imaging using visible light. Additional focus on basic microbiological techniques such as media preparation, autoclaving and sterilization, quantification of bacterial growth, and isolation and purification of bacterial enzymes.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:BIOL-1320

Genetics

Examination of the chemical composition and structural organization of DNA, and the process (and regulation) of gene expression are addressed. Students isolate DNA from various sources and perform PCR based techniques to amplify and identify DNA samples.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:BIOL-2300

Cell Culturing

Establish and maintain eukaryotic cell lines, following special requirements. Students become competent in all aspects of cell culturing.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:BIOL-2310

Molecular Biology

Perfect techniques to introduce foreign genes, regulate their expression, and identify and purify the resulting protein product using both prokaryotic and eukaryotic host systems. Students identify the appropriate host and vector combinations, as well as the advantages and limitations of various host systems.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:BIOS-1000

Lab Skills:Bioscience Technology

Follow good laboratory practices (GLP) while working with potentially harmful equipment and reagents. Learn basic scientific principles, and how to apply them in a laboratory setting.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:BIOS-1100

Plant Biotechnology

Overview of the principal means of identification and classification of members of the plant kingdom. Plant structure and the biochemistry of photosynthesis are covered. Plant tissue and cell types are studied and students culture, maintain and propagate plants in vitro.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:BIOS-1200

Laboratory Techniques for the Isolation and Quantification of Molecules From Nat

This course focuses on the laboratory methods of extraction, purification, and identification of molecules from natural sources. Emphasis will be on DNA, plant pigments, and proteins. Techniques explored will include chemical and chromatography purification of DNA, chemical extraction of pigments, both thin layer and liquid chromatography and SDS-PAGE analysis. In addition this course will provide instruction on basic laboratory techniques such as; measurement, pipette use, pH measurement and adjustment, solution preparation, casting and running agarose and acrylamide gels, gel imaging using visible and fluorescent stains, and, quantification by absorbance.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:BIOS-2000

Analytical Techniques in Bioscience

Conventional analytical methods such as gas chromatography and liquid chromatography will be compared to immunologically based methods and biosensors for qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological molecules. The sample preparation necessary for each type of analysis as well as the sensors used will be explored.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:BIOS-2010

Ethics and Professional Practice

Students explore the ethical issues surrounding bioscience technology and learn to develop and articulate ethical debates. Students become familiar with various laboratory and manufacturing certification programs and how to comply with them.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:BIOS-2110

Industrial Processes

Examination of industrially significant biotechnologies. Batch, continuous flow and fixed media reactor designs, downstream processing and refining of biological compounds are explored. Students participate in the entire production process, assessing how the critical steps of capture, purification and final polishing of biomolecules are achieved in production scale operations. Study of the equipment, materials and practices involved in commercial scale operations that use or produce biological elements. Material transport, scaling of unit operations, clean room practices and material properties will be explored. This course includes site visits to industrial production facilities.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:BIOS-2300

Research Preparation:Bioscience Technology

Preparation for conducting research projects. Students conduct a literature review and develop a project proposal in preparation for a research project.

Credit Value:1


Course Code:BIOS-2310

Research Project Bioscience Technology

Students conduct an individual research project, based on research proposal developed in Research Preparation Bioscience Technology. The project entails designing and conducting the necessary research, compiling and reporting findings.

Credit Value:6


Course Code:CHEM-1000

General Chemistry

A survey of general chemistry, starting with the properties of the basic elements and their chemical reactions and progressing to the behaviour of organic compounds. Students study acid/base chemistry, chemical equilibrium and reductive/oxidative reactions.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:CHEM-1300

Biochemistry

An examination of the structure and role of lipids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, amino acids, and proteins. Mechanisms by which organic molecules react will be studied. An emphasis on the role of functional groups in organic reactions and enzyme kinetics is made. The laboratory portion focuses on enzyme isolation and related enzyme kinetics.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:CHEM-2300

Advanced Biochemistry

Recognizing the sources and methods of isolation and purification of molecules of pharmacological and industrial interest, students will isolate and test the biological activity of compounds from various sources. The production, purification and characterization of proteins will be emphasized, as will be the use of bioinformatic tools and databases to further understand genetic and protein sequences.

Credit Value:5


Course Code:COMM-1110

Communications in the Applied Sciences

The vital role that communication plays in the science field will be emphasized in this course. The importance of accurate recording of laboratory and field activities as well as the ability to communicate findings to both the scientific and general communities will be stressed.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:COMP-1000

Computer Essentials

Students learn productivity software and explore digital environments with practical applications for various workplaces and educational institutions. The main areas of focus include word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, email and other electronic communication tools, various digital environments, and industry-specific applications.

Credit Value:3


Course Code:MATH-1200

Natural Science Math

This course in mathematics for applied science programs begins with an intensive overview of measurement, emphasizing both metric and imperial units, conversion of simple and derived units, proper treatment of significant digits, and techniques for handling measurement error. Following a review of algebra and Euclidean geometry (including many scientific calculator functions), the course will continue to apply mathematical skills to solve systems of two and three linear equations by means of graphic, algebraic, and determinant methods; derive and graph functions; and utilize factoring techniques to solve fractional and quadratic equations. The course will utilize trigonometric and vector analysis to solve practical problems involving angles in any quadrant, as well as right and oblique triangles. Finally, the relationship between exponents and radicals, and the relationship between exponential and logarithmic functions will be applied to biotic systems.

Credit Value:4


Course Code:MATH-1300

Statistics

Exploration of the essentials of statistical collection, analysis, and interpretation. Topics covered include the principles of statistical design, frequency distributions, descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency and dispersion, basic probability, standard normal distributions, linear regression and correlation, and a variety of statistical tests for goodness of fit, differences between means, and identification of outliers. Emphasis will be placed on the use of statistical software for data analysis.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:MATH-2000

Calculus

An introduction to the theory and methods of differential and integral calculus. Topics covered include the concepts of continuity, limits, and the derivative as an instantaneous rate of change. Methods of determining derivatives will cover both algebraic and transcendental functions. Practical applications will emphasize maximum/minimum problems. Topics in integration will include both definite and indefinite integrals.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:NCPR-1002

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems

Students complete Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training and certification.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:NCPR-1020

Canadian Council on Animal Care Certification

Students complete Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) certification training through UPEI.

Credit Value:0


Course Code:PRAC-2400

On-The-Job Training:bioscience Technology

Students apply and improve skills acquired in the Bioscience Technology program in a work setting. They integrate themselves into a laboratory or industrial production environment that utilizes bioscience technologies. Students are exposed to the professional standards, routines and demands of an organization and are expected to add value through the application of their skills and abilities.

Credit Value:6


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Bioscience Technology Post Graduate Certificate

If you already have a science degree, this one-year program will give you the hands-on and on-the-job experience to prepare you for the industry or to pursue a master's degree.

Environmental Applied Science Technology

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Resources