Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Biotechnology Technicians Trained in Industrial Microbiology Ensure Quality

In the manufacturing of food, pharmaceuticals or cosmetics, assuring quality control is a top-notch priority. Bench technicians who have studied Biotechnology Technician – Industrial Microbiology are the professionals responsible for this important task. In their job, these biotechnology technicians isolate, enumerate and identify microorganisms from many types of samples (water, soil, air, your body, and food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products). This is a key component of the job, as is preparing specimens for staining and using a light-microscope. In addition, biotechnology technicians handle materials and instruments such as pH and BOD meters, Gas Chromatographs, spectrophotometers (regular/IR/UV), HPLC’s etc. Lastly, they prepare microbiological media and reagents; culture pathogenic microbes; and design and perform their own microbiology experiments.

Those with an interest in this field can apply to Centennial College’s Biotechnology Technician program, which involves two years of study and provides thorough practical training in industrial microbiology as well as chemistry (analytical and organic) and biochemistry. This Biotechnology Technician – Industrial Microbiology program has been nationally accredited by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists, which has deemed it as having met the national technology accreditation requirements. In addition, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT ) recognizes the Biotechnology Technician - Industrial Microbiology program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Technician category.

There are many advantages to taking a biotechnology college-level program. First and foremost, the hands-on experience you gain at Centennial College is essential in being employable upon graduation. Aside acquiring knowledge in techniques as well as appropriate safety procedures, there is a special project approach to the program. Through many types of Industrial Microbiology projects, you take on independently designed microbiology tasks that enhance your problem-solving and research skills. To assist you with all of the equipment you need, Centennial College houses eight modern labs with wireless technology. As an added feature, training is provided in Occupational Health and Safety, WHMIS, GMP and HACCP. Lastly, throughout your two years, you will cover biotechnology college-level topics such as: chemistry and organic chemistry, microcomputer applications for technology, microbiology and its techniques, food microbiology, mathematics and statistics and many more. Bioinformatics course prepares students with prerequisite training.

To apply for the two-year program, you must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required is completion of the following: Compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. Please note that students will be placed in the appropriate English level based on skills assessment results. Lastly, students who test at an advanced level may be accelerated directly into MATH-176 in semester 1 and MATH-186 in semester 2. Those taking MATH-140 will have the opportunity to complete MATH-186 between semesters 2 and 3.

No comments:

Post a Comment