Program Overview

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Master of Biotechnology (MBtec)

The Master of Biotechnology is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the Biotechnology industry. This program delivers a comprehensive education in disciplines that are core to Biotechnology, while also emphasizing life-long skills in critical thinking, hypothesis testing, project management, leadership, and communications.

Program Details

• Faculty/School: Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science
• Program Length: 16 months
• Program Components: Coursework and Internship

Why Study Biotechnology at UBC Okanagan?

The Master of Biotechnology is a 16-month, course-based Master’s program that includes 21 credits of hands-on, laboratory-based courses complemented by seminar courses comprised of presentations from expert industry speakers. Students will further develop their skills as they complete two four-month internships.

Fast Track Timeline

The MBtec is designed to be completed within 16 months, with a comprehensive scan of historical job postings from 2013 to 2023 revealing 5,748 Biotech openings in BC, 44% of which required a graduate degree.

Hands-on Experience

The program includes hands-on, laboratory-based courses and seminar courses, providing students with practical experience in the field.

Focus Areas

Students will receive training in:

• Microbial, plant, and animal cell culture
• Production of biological therapeutics
• Advanced techniques including organoid production, CRISPR-mediated gene editing, protein expression, and metabolomics

Curriculum

The curriculum includes the following courses:

• BTEC 500: Professional Seminar
  • Technical writing and oral communication skills for the biotechnology industry
  • Project management, resource management, and leadership
  • Invited speakers highlighting innovation and entrepreneurship strategies
• BTEC 501: Professional Seminar II
  • Current topics in industrial biotechnology practice and innovations
  • Regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and ethics
  • Invited speakers highlighting current trends and experiences in the field
• BTEC 504: Molecular Cloning Laboratory
  • Extraction, purification, and analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein
  • Bacterial culture techniques
  • Production of recombinant DNA and transformation of bacteria
• BTEC 505: Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory
  • Aseptic culture of plant and animal cells and tissues
  • Establishment, manipulation, storage, and analysis of cultures
  • Detection and control of contaminants
  • Applications of cell culture in research and pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • Regeneration of plant organs
• BTEC 506: Advanced Biotechnology Laboratory
  • Student-directed projects integrating techniques at the forefront of biotechnology
  • Organoid production, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, recombinant protein optimization, cryopreservation, and culture of recalcitrant or exotic species
• BTEC 509: Computational Biology
  • Analysis of nucleic acid sequences using command-line computer programs
  • Use of biological databases
  • Structure and evolution of genomes
• BTEC 590: Biotechnology Internship I
  • Approved and supervised paid work experience with a public or private organization for a minimum of 455 hours full-time
  • Internship assignments are required
• BTEC 591: Biotechnology Internship II
  • Approved and supervised paid work experience with a public or private organization for a minimum of 455 hours full-time
  • Internship assignments are required
• BTEC 592: Biotechnology Internship III (Optional)
  • Approved and supervised paid work experience with a public or private organization for a minimum of 455 hours full-time
  • Internship assignments are required

Schedule

The program schedule is as follows:

Year 1

• September – December (on-campus)
  • BTEC 500: Professional Seminar I
  • BTEC 504: Molecular Cloning Laboratory
  • BTEC 505: Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory
• January – April (in community)
  • BTEC 590: Biotechnology Internship I
• Summer (on campus)
  • BTEC 501: Professional Seminar II
  • BTEC 506: Advanced Biotechnology Laboratory
  • BTEC 509: Computational Biology

Year 2

• September – December (in community)
  • BTEC 591: Biotechnology Internship II
• January – April (in community)
  • BTEC 592: Biotechnology Internship III (Optional)

Faculty

The program faculty includes:

• Michael Deyholos, Professor and Program Director
• Erica Scott, Lecturer
  • Research interests: Neuroscience, molecular biology, bioinformatics, single-cell -Omics of glia in acute injury and neurodegenerative models
  • Courses and teaching: Molecular biology, cell biology
• Lan Tran, Lecturer

Careers and Outcomes

The Master of Biotechnology program provides learners with backgrounds in Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry with the expertise needed to access mid-to high-level industry positions, including:

• Biologist and scientists
• Science/lab managers
• Research associate in biochemistry, tissue cell biology, biopharma, agricultural tech
• Associate scientist in biologics discovery, research and development, quality assurance
• Associate lab manager in agricultural tech, biopharma
• Research technologist in biochemistry, tissue cell biology, biopharma, agricultural tech

Upon successful completion of the Master of Biotechnology, students will be able to:

• Separate, identify, and quantify macromolecules
• Produce recombinant molecules and transgenic organisms
• Propagate microbial, plant, and animal cells and tissues in aseptic culture
• Implement and troubleshoot detailed laboratory protocols, reproducibly and independently
• Use command-line programming to analyze biological data
• Explain the chemical, physical, and biological principles underlying laboratory methods
• Demonstrate knowledge of operational, regulatory, and safety standards relevant to the laboratory environment
• Communicate effectively in written and oral presentations
• Apply project management skills to ensure effective use of time and resources
• Explain key considerations, opportunities, and challenges related to entrepreneurship and innovation
• Discuss social, ethical, and environmental considerations relevant to biotechnology
• Demonstrate collaborative and respectful dialogue, ethical research practices, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge into their professional and personal endeavors

Tuition and Funding

• Domestic: $3,750 per term for a total of $15,000
• International: $10,710 per term for a total of $42,840
• Laboratory Fee: $500 per semester

Admission and Applying

Admission Requirements

Applicants will normally have a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field. However, in exceptional cases, applicants who have had significant formal training and relevant professional experience may be granted admission on the recommendation of the Biology Graduate Program Committee and approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

How to Apply

All applications to graduate studies at UBC Okanagan are processed through the College of Graduate Studies (CoGS).

Application Deadline

• Domestic: February 28, 2026
• International: January 31, 2026

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, students gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 3% university while studying in a close-knit learning community.

Discover the Okanagan

The Okanagan is a diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful lakes, vineyards, orchards, and snow-capped mountains, providing an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

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