This article summarizes the Biotechnology program at Centennial College by looking at how it is structured. The writing includes information on all of the hands-on application students enjoy during the two years they spend in the offering.

1. Biotechnology Offering Takes Laboratory Practice
Approach
According to the Biotechnology Industry Organization, “at its simplest,
biotechnology is technology based on biology. [It] harnesses cellular and
biomolecular processes to develop technologies and products that help
improve our lives and the health of our planet. We have used the biological
processes of microorganisms for more than 6,000 years to make useful food
products, such as bread and cheese, and to preserve dairy products.
Modern biotechnology provides breakthrough products and technologies to
combat debilitating and rare diseases, reduce our environmental footprint,
feed the hungry, use less and cleaner energy, and have safer, cleaner and
more efficient industrial manufacturing processes.”
Centennial College offers a biotechnology college program that trains
you for this exciting field in the position of quality control technician in a
broad range of industries, including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and
also in related government agencies. This undertaking is a repeat recipient
of the Centennial College President’s Academic Program Recognition Award
for outstanding student satisfaction. It takes two years to complete and
results in an Ontario College Diploma. Should students be interested in
further training, that option is made available to them through a third year
during which they study specialized topics such as advanced biotechnology
and microbial genetics or systematic microbiology. With this additional year,
students graduate with an advanced diploma.
The program is facilitated from Centennial College’s Morningside Campus.
Why is this important? As the college’s most high-tech location, it is
outfitted with a range of facilities that enhance students’ education and
experience. Among these facilities are eight up-to-date laboratories and
modern wireless lecture halls where students first study the basics and then
work their way up to learning professional skills. The skills taught in the labs
include:
• Isolate, detail and recognize microorganisms samples such as water,
soil, air, the human body, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products
• Set up specimens for staining
• Handle materials in an aseptic manner
• Accurately calibrate and use a range of instruments such as pH and
BOD meters, Gas Chromatographs, spectrophotometers
(regular/IR/UV), HPLC’s etc.
• Prepare microbiological media and reagents and culture pathogenic

2. microbes
• Design and perform microbiology experiments
• Use microorganisms to assay pharmaceutical product
Of course, practical application wouldn’t be effective without a solid
theoretical base. As such, qualified and caring faculty and staff, who provide
individual attention in laboratories and during lectures, guide students.
Additionally, students benefit from teamwork, which is used on a regular
basis to help them get an idea of what to expect once they graduate.
It is worth noting that additional training is provided in Occupational Health
and Safety, WHMIS, GMP, HACCP. This training is to industry standards.
Each Biotechnology technician graduate of this program may apply for
certification through the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering
Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) to use the following professional
designation: CTech (Certified Technician).