| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Biotechnology – Advanced
Overview
Biotechnology touches a broad range of industries including health, environmental, textiles, mining, chemical and materials manufacturing, energy, cannabis, food processing, and agriculture. In the Biotechnology program, students will:
- Learn how living organisms and parts of living organisms can provide new methods of production and facilitate the development of new products.
- Work in state-of-the-art labs using industry-grade equipment on real-world applications gaining in-person, hands-on experience.
- Learn the regulations which govern the use of biotechnology.
- Graduate with a strong base of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to draw from in their future careers.
Intakes and Availability
| Date | Domestic Availability | International Availability |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | Open | Open |
Program Highlights
- Testimonials
- Success Stories
- Resources
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 12 Mathematics (C, M or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C, M or U)
Recommended
- Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C, M or U)
Tuition
- Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
- Year one international: $15,309 (CAD)
Semester 1 Courses
- Biology (BIOL 1131)
- Chemistry 1 (CHEM 1131)
- Analytical Techniques (CHEM 1200)
- Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
- Indigenous Elective (INDG 0000)
- Mathematics (MATH 1132)
Career Options
Graduates of the Biotechnology program can pursue a variety of career paths in this innovative field. Equipped with a strong foundation in biochemistry, chemistry, and microbiology courses, they are ready to excel in many different roles within the biotech sector and beyond.
What You Could Be:
- Biotechnology technologist
- Quality assurance technologist
- Immunology technologist
- Microbiology technologist
- Quality control technologist
- Clinical study technologist
- Food technologist
- Instrumentation technologist
- Research technologist
Program Details
Our Biotechnology program is designed to equip students with both the theoretical foundations and practical skills needed to excel in this multifaceted field. The well-equipped biotechnology, microbiology, and chemical analysis facilities provide our students with in-person, hands-on experience using industry-standard methods and analytical instrumentation.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Perform laboratory duties independently and in compliance with pertinent legislation and regulations, as well as biotechnology standards and guidelines.
- Collaborate in implementing and evaluating quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
- Select and implement best practices for sustainability.
- Complete complex biotechnological applications using advanced principles of chemistry, biology, and biostatistics as well as basic principles of physics.
- Co-ordinate, implement, and validate laboratory procedures to carry out quantitative and qualitative tests and analyses.
- Co-ordinate, implement, and validate standard cell culture procedures under aseptic conditions.
- Co-ordinate, implement, and validate molecular biology procedures.
- Manage biological data to support biological scientists and researchers in capturing, organizing/summarizing, and storing their data.
- Prepare, analyze, interpret, maintain, and communicate scientific data effectively.
- Develop and present a strategic plan for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
- Apply basic business principles to biotechnology practices.
Biotechnology Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 12 Mathematics (C, M or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C, M or U)
Recommended
- Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C, M or U)
Biotechnology Courses
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program.
Semester 1
- Biology (BIOL 1131)
- Chemistry 1 (CHEM 1131)
- Analytical Techniques (CHEM 1200)
- Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
- Indigenous Elective (INDG 0000)
- Mathematics (MATH 1132)
Semester 2
- Introduction to Biotechnology (BIOT 1131)
- Organic Chemistry 1 (CHEM 1202)
- Chemistry 2 (CHEM 2131)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
- Mathematics 2 (MATH 2132)
Semester 3
- Biochemistry I (BIOC 3131)
- Introductory Microbiology (BIOL 2100)
- Career Planning & Development (CARR 2130)
- Analytical Chemistry 1 (CHEM 3131)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
Semester 4
- Biochemistry II (BIOC 4131)
- Food Microbiology (BIOL 2205)
- DNA Techniques (BIOT 3131)
- Analytical Instrumentation (CHEM 2206)
- Analytical Chemistry 2 (CHEM 4131)
Semester 5
- Diagnostic Microbiology (BIOL 3105)
- Protein Techniques (BIOT 4133)
- Cell Biology (BIOT 5131)
- Spectroscopy 1 (CHEM 3105)
- Chromatography 1 (CHEM 3106)
- Field Placement (PLAC 1100)
Semester 6
- Industrial Microbiology (BIOL 3201)
- Bio-Regulations (BIOT 4131)
- Quality Control & Quality Assurance for Biotechnologists (BIOT 5132)
- Bio-Processing (BIOT 6131)
- Spectroscopy 2 (CHEM 3201)
- Chromatography 2 (CHEM 3202)
Course Delivery
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration.
Costs for the Biotechnology Program
The fees below are estimates only based on information available at the time of publication and do not include the cost of textbooks.
Biotechnology - Advanced Year 1 Costs
| Semester 1 | Tuition: | $1,361.02 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fee: | $80 | ||
| Ancillary Fee: | $493.77 | ||
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $430 | ||
| Total: | $2,364.79 |
Biotechnology - Advanced Year 2 Costs
| Semester 3 | Tuition: | $1,361.02 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fee: | $41 | ||
| Ancillary Fee: | $474.19 | ||
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $430 | ||
| Total: | $2,306.21 |
Biotechnology - Advanced Year 3 Costs
| Semester 5 | Tuition: | $1,360.89 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fee: | $35 | ||
| Ancillary Fee: | $474.19 | ||
| DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $430 | ||
| Total: | $2,300.08 |
Career Options in Biotechnology
Graduates of the Biotechnology program are well-prepared to enter a diverse array of career paths in biotechnology and related industries.
What You Could Be:
- Biotechnology technologist
- Quality assurance technologist
- Immunology technologist
- Microbiology technologist
- Quality control technologist
- Clinical study technologist
- Food technologist
- Instrumentation technologist
- Research technologist
Where You Could Work:
- Biotechnological, agricultural, environmental, or 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
Experiential Learning
Your learning experience will be complemented by an 80-hour field placement in your third year, which will enable you to utilize your newly acquired skills and gain valuable industry-related experience.
Program Transfer, Degree Completion, and Additional Credentials
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions.
Meet Your Faculty Experts
- Laura Benninger
- Christine Hand
- Dimitri Stathopoulos
- Bruce Trieselmann
See Your Space
- Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory
- Biotechnology Laboratory
- Microbiology Lab
Program Outline
Careers:
- Biotechnology technologist
- Quality assurance technologist
- Immunology technologist
- Microbiology technologist
- Quality control technologist
- Clinical study technologist
- Food technologist
- Instrumentation technologist
- Research technologist
Durham College
Overview:
Durham College is a public college located in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. It offers a wide range of full-time and part-time programs, including diplomas, degrees, graduate certificates, and apprenticeships. The college is known for its focus on experiential learning and its commitment to providing students with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Services Offered:
Durham College provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) offers tutoring, workshops, and other resources to help students succeed academically.Career Development:
The Career Development Centre assists students with career planning, job searching, and resume writing.Co-operative Education:
Many programs offer co-op opportunities, allowing students to gain practical work experience in their field.Financial Aid:
Durham College offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and awards to help students finance their education.Health and Wellness:
The Campus Health and Wellness Centre provides a range of services, including counselling, health education, and fitness programs.Housing:
Durham College offers on-campus housing options for students.Library:
The college library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and databases.Student Association:
The Durham College Student Association (DCSA) represents the interests of students and provides a variety of social and recreational activities.Campus Safety:
Durham College has a dedicated Campus Safety department that provides security services and emergency response.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Durham College offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities, including:
Athletics:
Durham College has a competitive varsity sports program, as well as intramural and extramural sports.Esports:
The college has an Esports Gaming Arena where students can compete in various video games.Student Events:
Durham College hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and guest speakers.Social Media Hub:
The college has a dedicated Social Media Hub where students can connect with each other and stay up-to-date on campus news.Key Reasons to Study There:
Experiential Learning:
Durham College emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with real-world experience in their chosen field.Career-Focused Programs:
The college offers a wide range of programs that are designed to prepare students for specific careers.Strong Industry Connections:
Durham College has strong relationships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships and job placements.Supportive Campus Environment:
The college provides a supportive and welcoming environment for students, with a variety of resources and services available to help them succeed.Academic Programs:
Durham College offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Full-time Programs:
Diplomas, degrees, graduate certificates, and apprenticeships in a variety of fields, including business, technology, health care, and the arts.Part-time Programs:
Professional and part-time learning opportunities for individuals looking to upgrade their skills or pursue a new career.Online Learning:
A variety of online programs and courses available for students who prefer to learn remotely.Other:
- Durham College has two campuses: Oshawa and Whitby.
- The college is committed to diversity and inclusion, with a dedicated Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Durham College is a smoke-free campus.
-
The college has a strong commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing its environmental impact.
-
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
The context mentions some advantages of studying at Durham College, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to choose this institution.Entry Requirements:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
- AND
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 12 Mathematics (C, M or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C, M or U)
