Program Overview

Biotechnology (Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology)

The Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology degree program combines practical and applied courses provided by the Bioscience Technology diploma program at Holland College with strong theoretical science courses at the University of Prince Edward Island. It is designed for students interested in obtaining a rigorous and broad training in biotechnology, such as gaining experience in research, laboratory procedures and safety, scientific ethics, and regulatory affairs, while increasing access to post-graduate opportunities.

Overview

The program is designed to bring out the best in students, lead them to realize new talents, and be great at what they do. There are two paths into this program, so students can either start at Holland College or UPEI, and end up with the same articulated degree.

Course Structure

The technical lab-based content is covered at Holland College in the Bioscience Technology diploma program, either during the first two years of the degree (for students who start at Holland College; Path 1) or in year 3 (for students who start at UPEI; Path 2).

Path 1 - Starting At Holland College ('2+2')

If students have received a Bioscience Technology diploma and achieved a minimum 70% average at Holland College (or another recognized CTAB accredited technologist program that has an OJT or co-op component), they are eligible to apply to UPEI for formal entry into the BBT degree program. Once accepted to UPEI, students will undertake a rigorous program of 20 courses, 13 of which will be required, 3 will be upper level science electives, and 4 will be general electives.

• Year 1, Semester 1 at UPEI:
  • Chemistry 2430 - Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences
  • Chemistry 2210 - Analytical Chemistry
  • Mathematics 1120 - Calculus for the Managerial, Social, and Life Sciences
  • Physics 1210 - Physics for the Life Sciences I
  • One Humanities or General Elective
• Year 1, Semester 2 at UPEI:
  • English 1010
  • Biology 2210 - Cell Biology
  • Chemistry 3530 - Biochemistry
  • Physics 1220 - Physics for the Life Sciences II
  • One Humanities or General Elective
• Year 2, Semester 1 at UPEI:
  • Biology 3260 - Introduction to Physiology of Cells and Organisms
  • Statistics 1210 (formerly STAT 2210) - Introductory Statistics
  • One Science Elective at the 3000 level
  • One Science Elective at the 4000 level
  • One Humanities or General Elective
• Year 2, Semester 2 at UPEI:
  • Biology 3220 - Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • Biology 4710 - Molecular Biotechnology
  • Chemistry 3220 - Analytical instrumentation
  • One Science Elective at the 3000 or 4000 level
  • One Humanities or General Elective

Path 2 - Starting At UPEI ('2+1+1')

Students apply to start at UPEI in the Faculty of Science, following standard application procedures at UPEI. Once accepted, students undertake one year of science courses similar to a first year biology or chemistry student (9 required courses, 1 elective) and a second year of science at UPEI (9 required courses, 1 elective). During this second year students apply to Holland College for the Bioscience Technology diploma program by the deadline of May 1. Once accepted, they complete their second year by attending an intersession program at Holland College in May and June. Then students attend one full year at Holland College in the Bioscience Technology diploma program (including an additional on-the-job training intercession course in May). Students then finish back at UPEI in their final year (4 required courses, 3 upper level science electives, 3 general electives).

Admissions Criteria

What's Required for Biotechnology Admission?

• Pathway 1, starting at Holland College ('2+2'): If students have received a Bioscience Technology diploma and achieved a minimum 70% average at Holland College (or another recognized CTAB accredited technologist program that has an OJT or co-op component), they are eligible to apply to UPEI for formal entry into the BBT degree program.
• Pathway 2, starting at UPEI ('2+1+1'): Students apply to start at UPEI in the Faculty of Science, following standard application procedures at UPEI.

Fees and Funding

UPEI's undergraduate tuition is the second-lowest in the Atlantic region, and we offer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards.

• Tuition: $7,630 per year, based on 30 credit hours ($763 per 3 credit course).
• International students pay $9,040 per year in addition to full-time student tuition.
• Scholarships and Awards: UPEI supports you and your educational goals. We administer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards to our undergraduate and graduate students every year.

Faculty Members

Meet your professors and instructors. UPEI's interesting and unique programs are enhanced by our caring and supporting faculty, instructors, and staff.