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Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Core Skills for Biomanufacturing (CSB) micro-credential for BISY students

Master of Engineering in Biomedical Systems (BISY) students have the opportunity to complete the Core Skills for Biomanufacturing (CSB) micro-credential, offered in partnership with CASTL (the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences).

The CSB micro-credential may be completed either:

  • as an extra-to-load (not-for-credit micro-credential, not covered by the regular BISY tuition); or
  • as a BISY elective through BME 580-A01 Core Skills in Biomanufacturing (1.5 units), subject to approval and available space (fully or partially covered by the regular BISY tuition).

This opportunity is particularly relevant for students pursuing the Stream 1 concentration, although students from all concentrations may apply. 

Registration deadlines

  • CSB micro-credential (extra-to load, non-credit option): The registration portal is open until October 15, 2026.
  • CSB as a BISY elective (BME 580-A01, 1.5 units): Students seeking BISY elective credit must first obtain approval from the BISY Program Director.
  • As elective spaces are limited, students are encouraged to request approval as early as possible. 
  • Once approval has been granted, students must register for the CSB micro-credential and enroll in BME 580-A01 by the University's course add deadline of September 25, 2026.
  • Registration for the stand-alone CSB micro-credential remains open until October 15, 2026; however, registrations completed after September 25 will not be eligible for BISY elective credit.

Program schedule

The program runs from October 19 to December 3, 2026:

  • Six weeks of online learning (October 19 to November 27, 2026) and
  • One full-day, in-person laboratory intensive at CASTL's training facilities in Richmond, BC (December 3, 2026). 

If enrollment exceeds capacity, an additional full-day session may be offered on December 1, 2026.

Please note that travel and accommodation costs associated with the lab intensive are the responsibility of the student.

BISY elective option

Students wishing to receive BISY elective credit through BME 580-A01 (1.5 units) must request approval from the BISY Program.

  • Enrollment is subject to approval by the BISY Program Director.
  • The number of available elective spaces is limited. 
  • Approved BISY students will be provided with a unique BISY registration code and registration instructions by the BISY Program. The code is not publicly available through the registration portal. Students must use the code to register for the micro-credential and must also register in BME 580-A01 to receive BISY elective credit.
  • Approved BISY students will be eligible for reduced tuition rates. 

Credential recognition

Upon successful completion of the Core Skills for Biomanufacturing (CSB) micro-credential, participants receive a University of Victoria Micro-Certificate in Core Skills for Biomanufacturing, endorsed by CASTL.

Students taking the CSB micro-credential through BME 580-A01 should note that completion of the micro-certificate alone does not automatically result in BISY elective credit. Additional academic requirements associated with BME 580-A01 must also be successfully completed.

Registration options

Students who are not approved for BME 580-A01, or who choose not to pursue this as a BISY elective credit, may still register for the CSB micro-credential as a stand-alone professional development credential.  

Stand-alone professional development registration

    • Registration using a BISY registration code provided directly to approved BISY students seeking BME 580-A01 (1.5 units) elective credit.
    • Approved students will receive the code and registration instructions from the BISY Program.
    • Approved students must register for both the CSB micro-credential and BME 580-A01 course.

Although the CSB micro-credential is offered through Continuing Studies as a non-credit program, approved BISY students who successfully complete the program will receive 1.5 units of graduate elective credit through BME 580-A01.

Learn more and register