Biotechnology - Advanced (fast-track)

Program Overview

Biotechnology – Advanced (fast-track)

Overview

This two-semester program provides students with existing academic credentials, hands-on experience, and theoretical knowledge to prepare them for the biotechnology field. Biotechnology touches a broad range of industries including health, environmental, textiles, mining, chemical and materials manufacturing, energy, cannabis, food processing, and agriculture.

Program Details

• Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma
• Location: Oshawa
• OCAS Code: BTYF
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering Technology (SET)
• Length: Two semesters
• Delivery: In person

Admission Requirements

• Degree or diploma in a directly related field of study or comparable credential completed within the last five years.
• Two post-secondary chemistry courses with a minimum grade of C/60 per cent (one must have a lab component).
• One post-secondary biochemistry course with a minimum grade of C/60 per cent.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency.
• Additional information may be requested to demonstrate practical lab experience.

Tuition

• Year one domestic: $3,063 (CAD)
• Year one international: $15,649 (CAD)

Semester 1 Courses

• Introductory Microbiology (BIOL 2100)
• Protein Techniques (BIOT 4133)
• Cell Biology (BIOT 5131)
• Fundamentals Of Analytical and Organic Chemistry (CHEM 1133)
• Spectroscopy 1 (CHEM 3105)
• Chromatography 1 (CHEM 3106)

Career Options

• Microbiology analyst
• Quality assurance analyst
• Quality control technologist
• Research technologist
• Tissue processing specialist
• Associate scientist
• Instrumentation technologist
• Clinical study technician
• Food technologist
• Research technologist

Experiential Learning

• 80-hour field placement

Meet Your Faculty Experts

• Laura Benninger
• Christine Hand
• Dimitri Stathopoulos
• Bruce Trieselmann

See Your Space

• Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory
• Biotechnology Laboratory
• Microbiology lab

Land Acknowledgement

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview:
This fast-track Biotechnology - Advanced program is designed for applicants with existing academic credentials in science, providing them with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the biotechnology industry and complete their Biotechnology advanced diploma in two semesters. Biotechnology encompasses various industries, including health, pharmaceuticals, food production, and agriculture, and has played a crucial role in advancements such as disease prevention vaccines, pest-resistant plants, environmentally friendly biofuels, and improved disease detection methods.
• Objectives:
Graduates of the Biotechnology - Advanced program are equipped to work in a range of industries, including those focused on food, the environment, pharmaceuticals, natural health products, and cannabis. The program emphasizes the application of living organisms or parts of living organisms to develop new production methods and products across various industries, while also highlighting the regulations governing these techniques.
• Description:
Students in this program engage with state-of-the-art labs equipped with industry-grade equipment, gaining practical hands-on training. Led by expert faculty with experience in both industry and research, the courses are grounded in real-world applications, and the extensive analytical instrumentation lab provides practical, hands-on training. Graduates develop a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for successful careers in the field.

Outline:

• Content:
The program covers a comprehensive range of topics, including:
• Introductory Microbiology
• Protein Techniques
• Cell Biology
• Fundamentals of Analytical and Organic Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Chromatography
• Industrial Microbiology
• Quality Control and Quality Assurance for Biotechnologists
• Bio-Regulations
• Bio-Processing
• Structure:
The program is structured into two semesters, with each semester comprising a combination of core and elective courses.
• Course Schedule:
• Semester 1:
• Introductory Microbiology (BIOL 2100)
• Protein Techniques (BIOT 4133)
• Cell Biology (BIOT 5131)
• Fundamentals Of Analytical and Organic Chemistry (CHEM 1133)
• Spectroscopy 1 (CHEM 3105)
• Chromatography 1 (CHEM 3106)
• Semester 2:
• Industrial Microbiology (BIOL 3201)
• Quality Control and Quality Assurance for Biotechnologists (BIOT 5132)
• Bio-Regulations (BIOT 4131)
• Bio-Processing (BIOT 6131)
• Spectroscopy 2 (CHEM 3201)
• Chromatography 2 (CHEM 3202)
• Field Placement (PLAC 1100)

Assessment:

• Methods:
The program utilizes various assessment methods, including:
• Exams (midterms and finals)
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Projects
• Presentations
• Lab reports
• Field placement evaluations
• Criteria:
Assessment criteria may vary depending on the course and assignment type, but generally include factors such as:
• Knowledge and understanding of concepts
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Technical proficiency
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Ethical considerations

Teaching:

• Methods:
The program employs a diverse range of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles, including:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Lab sessions
• Group work
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Field trips
• Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in biotechnology, chemistry, biology, and related fields. Faculty members are actively engaged in research and industry collaborations, ensuring that the program remains current with industry trends and advancements.
• Unique Approaches:
The program incorporates several unique approaches to enhance student learning, including:
• Hands-on lab experiences using industry-standard equipment
• Real-world case studies and projects
• Industry guest speakers
• Field placements that provide practical work experience
• A focus on ethical considerations and the responsible use of biotechnology

Careers:

• Career Paths:
Graduates of the Biotechnology - Advanced program are qualified for a range of careers in the biotechnology industry, including:
• Microbiology analyst
• Quality assurance analyst
• Quality control technologist
• Research technologist
• Tissue processing specialist
• Associate scientist
• Instrumentation technologist
• Clinical study technician
• Food technologist
• Research technologist
• Opportunities:
Graduates may find employment in various settings, such as:
• Biotechnological laboratories
• Agricultural laboratories
• Environmental laboratories
• Food laboratories
• Energy sector
• Mining or chemical manufacturing organizations
• Cannabis and cannabis-related industries
• Government institutes
• Quality control laboratories
• Research laboratories
• Natural health product laboratories
• Fermentation laboratories
• Third-party laboratories
• Outcomes:
The program prepares graduates to succeed in the biotechnology industry by equipping them with:
• In-depth knowledge of biotechnology principles and techniques
• Practical laboratory skills
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• An understanding of ethical considerations in biotechnology
• Preparation for industry certifications and professional development