Cannabis, Natural Health Products & Biomaterials – Applied Science

CHM-5716: Natural Health Products

Interest in the use of natural products in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food is growing rapidly. Cannabis legalization in Canada and around the globe has seen substantial growth in the interest of natural health products. In this course, students gain scientific insights in the area of natural health products, and active components of cannabis, ginseng and kombucha. This course focuses on preparing students as skilled employees for cannabis and other natural health product/nutraceutical product manufacturing companies through the integration of scientific concepts well as hands on skills of extraction, downstream processing and refining of active constituents, and product/formulation development of such active ingredients. Students will learn the skills of scientific literature review, laboratory experimentation, sample preparation and analysis, report writing, and presentation.

CHM-5816: Reinforced Plastics

Engineered materials systems with the combined benefits of plastics and reinforcement are explored with an emphasis on natural product reinforcement; things like hemp, rice hulls and crystalline cellulose. The recycling benefits and technology are covered in general and as they pertain to these naturally sourced reinforcement materials.

CHM-5916: Petrochemical and Polymer Chemistry

The petrochemical industry from extraction to processing into energy and materials products is covered in this course. Polymer chemistry and production is explored. Polymers and energy products (for example; bio-diesel and bio-ethanol) from renewable resources is also covered.

CHM-3716: Analytical - Physical and Spectrometry Methods

The student will be introduced to good laboratory practices for analytical labs and appropriate lab record keeping. In each area listed next, both theory and practical understanding is developed. Physical methods of analysis will cover gravimetry, calorimetry and stress-stain evaluations. Electrochemcial methods of conductivity, and pH are covered and electromagnetic methods, focusing on infrared, Atomic Absorption, and Atomic Emission.

CHM-5501: Proposal Writing

A student will work with a mentor to develop a proposal for their applied research project occurring in the next term. Steps in the proposal writing process will be covered.

CHM-6119: Applied Lab Skills I (weeks 1-7)

In this course the leaning objectives are met through the lens of an applied research-based question. Students will work on a research problem through implementation of procedures and techniques explored in the preceding semesters of the program. Students will be involved in selecting the appropriate techniques, calibrating, and maintaining equipment, and producing valid data for analysis.

CHM-6214: Applied Lab Analysis I (weeks 1-7)

In this course the learning objectives are met through the lens of an applied research-based question. Students will work to design and analyse experiments to solve and explore an identified applied research problem. Students will be responsible for evaluating the quality of the data, statistical analysis of the data, and considering if the data meets compliance of any relevant industry or government standards.

CHM-6513: Scientific Communication and Dissemination I (weeks 1-7)

A student will work with a mentor to plan, communicate and manage the solution to an applied research problem. The emphasis will be on presentation skills, project update creation and tailoring scientific background information for specific audiences.

CHM-7109: Applied Lab Skills II (weeks 8-14)

In this course the leaning objectives are met through the lens of an applied research-based question. Students will work on a research problem through implementation of procedures and techniques explored in the preceding semesters of the program. Students will be involved in selecting the appropriate techniques, calibrating, and maintaining equipment, and producing valid data for analysis.

CHM-7204: Applied Lab analysis II (weeks 8-14)

In this course the leaning objectives are met through the lens of an applied research-based question. The course will build on the project of Applied Lab Skills I, with the student expanding the experimental techniques used to address their question. Students will be involved in selecting and the appropriate techniques, calibrating and maintaining equipment, and producing valid data for analysis and managing timelines for completion of the project.

CHM-7503: Scientific Communication and Dissemination II (weeks 8-14)

In this course students will document the completion of a project to demonstrate the culmination of their applied knowledge. Students will approach the project completion with a real-world focus on applied research to deliver tangible value to clients. Students will be expected to prepare professional level project documentation and communication through the lenses of budget, sustainability reporting, media/press release, and final project summary.