Cannabis Applied Science

Courses

• First Year - Semester One
• CANN1001 Analytical Testing of Cannabis
• This course will introduce methods of sample preparation and analytical testing methods utilized in the cannabis industry. This course will focus on instrumentation and methods required for cannabinoid and terpene analysis, however, it will also include discussion on analysis of contaminants (residual solvents, pesticides and heavy metals). Students will build on knowledge of standard operating procedures, method validation and good lab practices.
• BIOL1006 Cannabis Biology
• This course investigates historical factors which have influenced the morphology, distribution and ecology of the cannabis plant. Topics including, but not limited to, taxonomic classification, cultivars, chemovars, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology and genetics of Cannabis will be examined.
• CHEM1012 Cannabis Chemistry
• This course will investigate secondary metabolites of the cannabis plant including, but not limited to, cannabinoids and terpenes.The influence of the organic structure on the physical and chemical properties will also be examined.
• CANN1002 Extraction Science for Cannabis
• Students will apply conventional and advanced extraction methods that are used in the cannabis industry including supercritical CO2 extraction and solvent extractions using ethanol. Pre-treatment (milling, decarboxylation) and post-extraction process and handling (winterization, rotary evaporation, short-path distillation) will also be examined in detail.
• LAWS1015 Navigating Cannabis Regulations
• In this course, students will examine relevant municipal, provincial, federal and international legislation, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to various areas of the cannabis industry. Good Agricultural, Manufacturing and Laboratory practices (GAP/GMP/GLP) will be studied. Students will also examine how factors such as funding streams, ethics and economics can affect the credibility of industry research.

• First Year - Semester Two
• CANN1000 Cannabis Cultivation Science
• This course will investigate cultivation science and evaluation of the factors influencing plant production, cultivation techniques, organic growing and tissue culture.
• CANN1004 Cannabis Formulation and Product Development
• Cannabis biochemistry and pharmacology will be introduced in this course. The endocannabinoid system will be investigated. Topics specific to formulation of cannabis including, but not limited to, types of formulation (dry powder, liquid, etc.), equipment requirements, characterization techniques and manufacturing considerations. Dose-control, consistent dosing and absorption will be covered, and common modes of administration (oral, topicals, trans-dermals, sub-liquals, vaping, etc.) will be compared and contrasted.
• CANN1003 Cannabis Production and Process Optimization
• This course will examine factors that influence variable cannabis production scenarios, design of experiments (DoE) for extraction optimization and processing parameters and statistical process control (SPC) to monitor production processes. Students will use industry drivers to determine scale-up and economic feasibility.
• WKPL1023 Work Integrated Learning
• Leading up to this final module in the program, students will have the opportunity to reflect on topics/courses within the program most interesting to them. Through experiential learning, students will reinforce program outcomes and apply their knowledge and highly relevant skill set in an industry setting and/or in the Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis on an industry project. This experience could be focused on the sciences – extraction, analytical testing, quality control, cultivation, formulation, etc. – or an area which is peripheral to the sciences but would be strengthened by a background in science (marketing, communication, project management, regulations, government, etc.).

*Courses subject to change.