Biotechnology Technologist - Forensics

 

Get in on the upswing of a new industry that is experiencing steady growth. With a career in forensic biotechnology, you have diverse employment opportunities, from working in medical or health-related fields, to tracking down criminals or identifying victims of crime.

 

Program Highlights

This advanced diploma program will prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills to be key players in the analysis of data associated with forensic work, DNA work and other medical applications in today's automated lab environments. Laboratory related occupations are among the fastest growing occupations in the economy. With specialization in Forensics/DNA, this program is unique and graduates are expected to be in demand in this emerging field. This advanced diploma program would traditionally take six semesters to complete. However, the program has been designed in an accelerated, compressed format, to provide six semesters of course work over five semesters. In their final, fifth semester, students can complete their full-time internship from April to August - giving graduates the advantage of getting out into the workforce faster. (Should they so choose, students may defer the summer internship until the fall.) Courses in the program will integrate theory and practice opportunities in labs and practice settings. During their second year, students will take some of their courses for this program at Trent University. Graduates will be critical thinkers with problem-solving abilities, strong interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills and a solid foundation in forensic/DNA/medical applications.

 

Why Choose Fleming?

This cross-disciplinary advanced diploma combines elements from the life sciences, applied computing, forensic science, automation, policing and lab methods, and business skills. This gives graduates the benefit of having the multiple, job-ready skills that employers are seeking. The program has been developed in response to identified industry needs and a skills shortage in this field. Today's lab environment requires technicians with skills in information technology, data management and data analysis. The college has programs, courses and faculty who specialize in these areas, as well as state-of-the-art technology to support the use of applied technology in laboratory environments. The college's School of Law and Justice is a partner in the development and delivery of the new Trent University Honours Bachelor of Forensic Science degree. Students will benefit from Fleming's growing faculty expertise in this field. As well, Fleming College is a founding partner in the Peterborough DNA Cluster. This strategic alliance between local private and public sector partners was created to advance local research of DNA and forensic science and develop economic growth opportunities, new technology businesses and jobs for the Peterborough region. The Cluster will be a major centre for DNA profiling, automation, molecular diagnostics, geomatics and forensics.

 

Work Experience

A 15-week internship will immerse students in the work culture of a lab environment, give them the opportunity to seek experience in an area of specialization, and promote networking and awareness of the industry and job potential.

 

What it Takes to Succeed

To succeed in this occupation, you need the following characteristics:

• curiosity and imagination
• persistence and willingness to work long hours
• willingness to do the reading required to keep up to date with new developments and discoveries.

In addition, you should enjoy synthesizing information, finding innovative solutions to problems and working with equipment and instruments at tasks which require precision. You'll likely work in a team environment, so good interpersonal and communications skills are an asset.

 

Career Opportunities

Program graduates will be qualified to work in a variety of roles, such as DNA analyst, DNA technician/technologist, evidence technician, laboratory technologist, forensic technologist, serologist, and biotechnician/technologies. Employment settings include:

• private sector laboratories
• law enforcement forensic labs
• hospitals and clinical settings
• pharmaceutical, bio-pharmaceutical and biotechnology research and development companies
• government agencies such as the Canadian Centre for Forensic Science, the RCMP and OPP forensic labs
• university laboratories
• environmental protection agencies, waste water management, detection and tracing of pollutants
• animal science, aquaculture, wildlife management and restoration
• agricultural biotechnology research, breeding and selection.

Emerging career fields include microbial forensics and its applications to bio-terrorism and microbial disease. Program graduates can pursue further specialization and seek accreditation with regulating bodies such as the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) or the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO). Program graduates would have to contact the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) for a prior learning assessment to determine equivalency to a Clinical Genetics Technologist.

 

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
• 2 College (C) Math courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
• 2 College (C) Science courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12) 

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted. 

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. All applicants will be required to achieve course credit in the mandatory sciences, through Secondary School, Academic Upgrading or College preparatory programs.

 

Selection Process

 

Related Programs

If you don't possess the required science courses for admission to this program, or if you want to enhance your likelihood for entry, consider the one-year General Arts and Science- College Health Science Option . Fleming College has reserved space in the Biotechnology Technologist - Forensics program for students who successfully complete one year of study in this program.

 

University Transfer Agreements

• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• University of Western Sydney

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Biology I	45.00
Chemistry I	30.00
Forensic DNA Applications I	60.00
Introduction to Canadian Justice System	45.00
Introductory Computing	45.00
Laboratory Automation I	60.00
Math for Health Sciences	45.00
Semester 2
Biology II	45.00
Chemistry II	60.00
Database Management and Analysis	45.00
Forensic DNA Applications II (Integration)	60.00
Laboratory Physics	60.00
Program Electives: Choose One of:   Technical Communications 60.00
General Education Elective
Semester 3
Business for Biotechnology	60.00
Forensic DNA Applications III (Integration)	60.00
Interviewing and Investigation	45.00
Microbiology	60.00
Molecular Biology	60.00
General Education Elective
Semester 4
Biochemistry	45.00
Forensic DNA Applications IV (Integration)	90.00
Laboratory Automation II	60.00
Laboratory Ethics	45.00
Laboratory Operating Standards and Quality Assurance II	45.00
Pharmacology and Toxicology	45.00
General Education Elective
Semester 5
Internship (BTF)	600.00

Semester 1

Biology I

Course Number: SCIE009

This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes associated with biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct applied investigation in the areas of cellular structure and function, human body organization and homeostasis, as well as control and coordination of body functions by the nervous system.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Chemistry I

Course Number: SCIE013

Chemistry I is an introductory general chemistry course to prepare the student for study and work in the health sciences field. The course provides knowledge and understanding of the principles of chemistry. Topics covered will include matter and energy, measurement, chemical bonding, nomenclature, and chemical reactions.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Forensic DNA Applications I

Course Number: SCIE089

This course is designed to develop a basic understanding of genetics and molecular biology, introduce the specific genetic marker systems developed for forensic use, and explore specific cases in which forensic DNA typing has been used. Laboratories will provide the student with an introduction and history to the DNA molecule and how it is utilized within a range of lab/professional setting.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Introduction to Canadian Justice System

Course Number: LAWS044

This course provides an introductory overview of the Canadian Justice System, with special emphasis on the criminal justice system and the responsibilities of enforcement personnel. Contemporary issues affecting the system will be analyzed and discussed.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introductory Computing

Course Number: COMP345

Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, Internet, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Laboratory Automation I

Course Number: AUTM066

This is an introductory course for laboratory automation and instrumentation components. It will introduce laboratory workflow, instrumentation components, programming concepts, analog and digital electronics, sensors, encoders, actuators, controllers, data interfaces, liquid handlers, and robotics. The course also introduces the student to National Instruments LabVIEW.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Math for Health Sciences

Course Number: MATH069

Math for Health Sciences is a one semester course of study designed specifically for students in the College Health Science option of the General Arts and Science Program. The course is designed to help the student master the skills of basic math, use measurements systems, and develop problem solving strategies required in health-science courses. The topics covered in this course will have relevant applications and an emphasis on interpretations and problem solving. The topics will be: arithmetic and algebra review, equations and formulae manipulation, ratio and proportions, percents, metric system and measurements, linear and non-linear graphing and basic statistical measurements.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 2

Biology II

Course Number: SCIE010

This course provides students with the opportunity for continued study of the concepts and processes associated with the human body. Students will study theory and conduct applied investigation to the many organ systems of the body, including cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Human development, genetics, and applications of biotechnology will also be discussed.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Chemistry II

Course Number: SCIE014

Chemistry II is a General Chemistry course with a laboratory component that follows Chemistry I and has been designed to prepare the student for study and work in the health sciences fields. This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of energy changes and rates of reaction, chemical systems and equilibrium, electrochemistry, and a brief study of organic chemistry.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Database Management and Analysis

Course Number: COMP222

This course will enable learners to determine basic concepts and principles of data design and management. The focus of the course will be using Excel spreadsheets and to use database management systems such as Microsoft Access for typical biotechnology applications. The learner will be able to design customized Excel applications involving high-level functions and to create a database to compose selected queries and generate forms using data applicable to the field of Biotechnology. The course also includes an introduction to Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and introductory bioinformatics.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Forensic DNA Applications II (Integration)

Course Number: SCIE090

This course surveys current and potentially useful laboratory methods in forensic DNA analysis and provides students with the opportunity to develop technical competency in data interpretation using casework results. Laboratories will provide the students with the basics of DNA profiling methodologies that can be used as the primary laboratory application for validation and quality assurance.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Laboratory Physics

Course Number: SCIE093

This is an introductory course to fundamental physics with emphasis being placed on concepts related to real-world activities. The mathematical structure of physics will be used in equations as recipes for computional problem solving and more importantly as a guide for thinking.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Technical Communications

Course Number: COMM032

This course, designed specifically for School of Technology and Skilled Trades students, stresses the development of technical communication as it applies to workplace and program needs. Students will prepare a variety of technical documents, some with links to their other program courses, and in the process learn to apply standard rules of usage. Key applications include lab reports, proposals, research reports, documenting sources, editing and proofreading strategies, and spoken presentations.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Semester 3

Business for Biotechnology

Course Number: BUSN056

The biotechnology industry is young, regionally diverse, internationally competitive, volatile and growing. Whereas there are a small number of large companies, the majority of companies are start-ups with fewer than fifty employees and all the associated challenges of product development and commercialisation. This course is designed to provide an introduction to the complexities of the biotechnology workplace and business practices and prepare students for careers in which they must be flexible, adept and constantly engaged in professional development activity.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Forensic DNA Applications III (Integration)

Course Number: SCIE091

Forensic DNA Applications III continues to build on the previous two courses, this time with a focus on modern biotechnological techniques. Key topics in this advanced laboratory-based course include DNA isolation, purification, polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing combined with automated DNA platforms. The course will simulate a research laboratory setting and industrial setting with bi-weekly lab meetings. The lectures will primarily focus on theory behind the uses of biotechnology in a research laboratory and industrial settings.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Interviewing and Investigation

Course Number: LAWS042

This course focuses on interviewing and investigation skills. Students will develop interviewing skills and investigation skills. Students will develop interviewing skills necessary to retrieve information from incident participants including victims, witnesses and suspects. Students will also learn basic investigation skills including observation, analysis, evidence identification, collection and preservation, as well as note taking skills.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Microbiology

Course Number: SCIE094

Through lab work and activity, this course enables students to develop hand-on skills in the use of microbiological techniques routinely used in research and clinical laboratories. The curriculum is designed to help students make connections between theoretical knowledge and practical applications of microbiology in medicine, the environment and other related fields.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Molecular Biology

Course Number: SCIE095

This course examines the fundamental concepts in molecular biology with emphasis on the structure, function, and replication of DNA. Techniques in recombinant DNA technology as well as their applications in the biomedical, forensic, and pharmaceutical fields will form the core of the course. The laboratory component will introduce students to recombinant DNA methodologies. Emphasis will be placed on understanding basic concepts and on the integration of these concepts as a tool for problem solving in the lab.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Semester 4

Biochemistry

Course Number: SCIE096

Biochemical knowledge has served as the primary basis for major developments in health related research, and more recently in the creation of the biotechnology industry. This course introduces the biochemical processes needed for metabolic functions within the cell and the opportunity to investigate the chemical and physical properties of biological molecules. Key topics include the ways in which cellular machinery is supplied with energy: how genetic material is converted to functional information: the basic properties of water: the behaviour of macromolecules in water, and enzymatic properties and regulation within the cell.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Forensic DNA Applications IV (Integration)

Course Number: SCIE092

The field of molecular biology is rapidly changing with new information becoming available almost daily. This course, the fourth in the series, exploring contemporary applications of DNA, will provide a critical review and evaluation of scientific and laboratory trends and issues in a series of seminars, involving guest speakers and student participation. The seminar format will promote open discussion between peers and experts, as well as the opportunity to develop skills in the presentation of scientific reports. Laboratory work provides the opportunity to experience the science and assess the ethical implications of this rapidly evolving industry.

Units: 90.00
Hours: 90.00

Laboratory Automation II

Course Number: AUTM067

This course introduces the learner to the application of automation technology in the biotechnology industry. The learner will use robotics, PLCs or other types of computer control, and related sensors and actuators (integrated in a work cell) and apply them to the automation of common laboratory procedures. Among the main themes are - equipment preparation and set-up task sequence design control programming; system simulation and testing; and, research into automation technology.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Laboratory Ethics

Course Number: SOCI153

This course is designed to allow students to identify personal values and understand the relationship between these values and ethical choices in the field of biotechnology. Students will discuss and recognize various issues that have arisen within the fields of forensic and research technologies, and possible methods of resolution of these issues.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Laboratory Operating Standards and Quality Assurance II

Course Number: SCIE101

This course furthers the learning of the previous course by exploring focused, sample specific management and quality assurance case studies within a laboratory setting and simulating adherence to these standards in all lab activity. Through examination of specific cases and work on experimental design, students will learn the importance of quality control, so as to ensure that integrity is being maintained within a system.Pre-requisite:Laboratory Operating Standards and Quality Assurance I (SCIE100)

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Pharmacology and Toxicology

Course Number: SCIE102

This course will introduce the basic principles of pharmacology and toxicology with emphasis on current techniques in drug discovery, large-scale manufacturing, and data analysis. The chemistry and composition of major drug classes and their biological/physiological effects will be covered in addition to a general overview of toxicology as it relates to the pharmaceutical industry.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 5

Internship (BTF)

Course Number: FLPL097

The internship provides the opportunity for students to observe and experience at first hand the operations, processes and protocols of a DNA lab. It is designed to immerse students in the real, versus simulated, culture of the working laboratory: promote the successful integration of curriculum elements in an applied setting: facilitate access to equipment or processes that may not have been accessible in the program: promote opportunities for specialisation, and provide opportunities for student networking in, and increased awareness of the industry and job potential. The fifteen-week full-time (560 hour) placement is a primary opportunity to integrate theory and practice. It can be developed as a specialised and focused learning opportunity or provide a more general overview of lab operations. Students may also wish to focus on a particular application such as wildlife management or medical applications. Internship activity can be implemented at approved local, regional, out of province or international sites, private or public.Pre-requisite: Successful completion of all course work in the program.

Units: 600.00
Hours: 600.00