Course Overview
The 1st week of the Animal Cell Culture microcredential introduces you to the animal cell culture lab and operation of equipment, including biological safety cabinets and the biosafety regulations for working with different types of cells. You will immediately begin sub-culturing both adherent and suspension cells with an emphasis on good aseptic technique. You will also learn how to count cells to determine cell density and viability, thaw and cryo-preserve cell stocks and perform a gene transfer (transfection) experiment. Classroom time (~5 hours in-person or online) will be scheduled in between lab activities (~25 hours) to review procedures and build your knowledge base. Topics will include: the various types of animal cells, growth media and supplements used in research, biopharmaceutical and biomanufacturing applications; how to prevent and detect microbial contamination (e.g. mycoplasma testing); gene transfer and analysis techniques.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
2.5
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Domestic fees
$920.12
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the trainee will be able to:
- Explain the different types of cells that are used in animal cell culture, the different types of media and supplements that are necessary for cell growth, and the biosafety regulations for working with animal cells.
- Understand the functions of the different types of equipment found in a cell culture lab.
- Understand the importance of aseptic technique for working with animal cells and the methods used to monitor for microbial contamination.
- Understand the different gene transfer techniques that are typically used for animal cells.
- Culture animal cell lines in a biosafety cabinet/laminar flow hood using good aseptic technique and following all biosafety regulations.
- Perform cell counts to determine the cell density and viability of animal cell cultures.
- Perform cryopreservation (freezing) and thawing of animal cells.
- Perform transfection (gene transfer) of animal cells and assess transfection efficiency using several different methods, including fluorescence-based measurements.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2022
Related Programs
Animal Cell Culture 1 (XBIO 4010) is offered as a part of the following programs:
School of Health Sciences
- Animal Cell Culture
Microcredential Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below is one offering of XBIO 4010 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 68365
Dates
Jun 01 - Jun 05 Loading
- CRN 68365
- $920.12 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 01 - Jun 05 | Mon - Fri | 09:00 - 16:00 | Burnaby SW09 Rm. 206 |
Duration
5 days
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- If you are interested in completing this Microcredential (XBIO 4010 and XBIO 4020) please contact Sarah McLeod, the Biotechnology Program Head, by email at sarah_mcleod@bcit.ca. Please attach the following to your email: 1) An unofficial copy (pdf or scanned image) of your Bachelors degree transcripts that clearly shows your name, the post-secondary institution, program, level of study and successful completion of the required Cell Biology course (see Entrance Requirements) 2) A written statement (500 words or less), describing the level of lab experience you have including lab courses, employment, co-ops, internships or volunteer lab work and the lab techniques you are already familiar with. Also, describe your career goals and explain why you are interested in taking this animal cell culture microcredential. You may be asked to provide hard copies of your official transcripts and/or an identity document.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.