Driven by private sector support, Cambrian College has introduced a biotechnology applied degree program aimed at environmental development.
Although still in the formative stages the bachelor of applied technology in biotechnology will have a combination of hands- on and theory applications giving graduates and the private sector a more extensive reach in the biotechnology corner, Sylvia Barnard, president of Cambrian College says.
College members are finalizing the four-year curriculum with experts in the field. After which, an internal evaluation will be done before delivering the program to the Post Secondary Education Quality Assessment Board, an agency that exists at arm’s length of the Ministry of Training College and Universities. They ensure program standards are upheld for Ontario. The focus areas will be bio-mining, biodiesel and environment rehabilitation, Barnard says.
Neureka is taking an active role in bringing this program to fruition. With biotechnology operations expanding across the North, William Procunier, director of biotechnology division at Neureka, is looking for graduates to fill the expected jobs in the next five to 10 years.
Learning is exponentially increasing, he says, due to information technology and the appetite for biotechnology in large pharmaceutical companies.
Graduates with an applied degree will have an advantage with some institutions, he explains. The United States Food and Drug Administration prefer people working in laboratories and manufacturing practices to have a degree. Usually Health Canada falls in line.
“It makes sense, since (Canada) would like to adopt a global strategy for the biotechnology sector,” Procunier says.
“It’s not to say that diplomas won’t suffice, it’s just the way things are going.”
The program is unique because of its two-pronged approach to the sector. Students will be able to train on equipment at facilities like Neureka thereby giving them a lead into the field, while at the same time continuing studies at the college.
Procunier determines that more educators will be required as developments progress. Already Barnard has hired full-time and part-time instructors and adjunct professors who will be coming from other institutions.
She sees a number of opportunities to work with Laurentian University. They have an undergraduate degree in biochemistry.
“We will be looking for opportunities to partner in delivery or how our two programs can complement each other,” Barnard adds.
If the program is ministry approved, it will be offered September 2005 at the earliest.
