A GROUP of colleges has turned to the Internet to produce a new generation of biotechnologists.

The Scottish Colleges Biotechnology Consortium was set up last year in response to Scottish Enterprise’s Framework for Action document, which made a commitment to double the number of biotech companies and jobs in Scotland within four years but recognised a major shortage of qualified staff.

Comprised of Falkirk, Fife, James Watt and Bell colleges, the consortium is trying to design learning methods that will bridge the gap, and this month launched an expanded website which enables schools, colleges, industry and students to pursue an interest in biotechnology interactively.

“Until now we have had a traditional website providing general information about the consortium and its activities,” Falkirk-based John Porter, the consortium’s manager, said. “What we have created instead is a managed learning system of a type which we believe does not exist anywhere else. Our intention is that it will develop its own identity and help shape the future of the consortium’s activities.”

The pound;12,000 site goes beyond a conventional training database listing every biotech course available in Scotland, from one-day courses to three-year degrees, to enable people to apply online for entry.

They can also study on the site. At present only one course is available - a 100-hour introduction to microbiology which is supported by practical workshops and thanks to European Social Fund subsidy costs the student only pound;49. An application is currently with the ESF for funding which would allow the consortium to provide a total of 15 courses online, including HNC and HND units.

Once accepted on the introductory course, students are also registered with a second e-learning facility, Ementor, where a tutor is assigned to them.

In targeting the biotechnologists of the future, the consortium plans to work closely with schools by providing support for practical areas of the curriculum and building the enthusiasm and knowledge base that will benefit the industry community as a whole.

Teachers will be able to access material to help deliver Higher biology and biotechnology, and tap into the expertise of FE staff and their biotechnology facilities and equipment. Pupils and their parents will be able to find information about careers in biotech and discuss prospects with college staff who have direct contacts with industry.

Anyone can apply for online courses, but in addition to attracting new recruits the consortium is providing customised training. “Because our courses are not linked with the Scottish Qualifications Authority or any other organisation we can modify them for flexibility, which companies seem to like,” Dr Porter said.

“People receive a consortium qualification, and we are working with the qualifications bodies on the basis that industry wants maximum flexibility for work-based and short courses but with all the quality standards associated with HNCs and HNDs built in.

“The idea is that because we are tailoring these courses for companies, the Scottish Colleges Biotechnology Consortium will have a recognised reputation in that industry for producing quality courses.”

Crucial to the interactivity of the consortium’s site is its system of message boards. The most important are those serving schools, college students and industry.

“The schools message board is intended to be a networking area where pupils and teachers can ask questions about biotechnology or seek advice, as well as share information,” Dr Porter said.

“The boards are monitored regularly so that answers will come either from the colleges or from members of our advisory group, which is drawn from industry, the education sector and enterprise companies.”

The formula is repeated for the industry board, while those for the colleges will become small learning environments where lecturers can post timetables and assignments, with the intention that eventually every component of courses can go online.

Dr Porter said: “People will also be able to let us know through the message boards if their particular needs aren’t being met by our present courses and site content.”

In June, the consortium will take the first steps towards developing an international presence by attending the Bio 2002 event in Toronto.

“We are keen to promote the benefits of online learning to the biotechnology industry and develop partnerships with US, Canadian and European institutions to facilitate delivery of online courses worldwide,” Dr Porter said.

The Scottish Colleges Biotechnology Consortium’s website is at www.scottishbiotech.org.