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Biotechnology touches a broad range of industries including food processing, health, food production and agriculture. The discipline has created knowledge and products essential to our continued livelihood such as pest-resistant plants, environmentally friendly biofuels, and improved detection of diseases. Graduates of the Biotechnology – Advanced program are suited to work in a range of industries including those focused on food, the environment, pharmaceuticals, natural health products and cannabis. Learning within state-of-the-art labs using industry-grade equipment, students learn how living organisms or parts of living organisms can provide new methods of production and development of new products in a range of industries as well as the regulations which govern the use of these techniques. Our courses are rooted in real-world applications and our extensive analytical instrumentation lab provides practical, hands-on training. Students graduate with a strong base of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to draw from in their future careers.
If you are a domestic or internationally educated student with a Bachelor of Science degree, you may be eligible for the fast- track delivery Biotechnology – Advanced program. For more information, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/btyf.
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To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.
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Our well-equipped biotechnology, microbiology, and chemical analysis facilities provide our students with hands-on experience in the methods and instrumentation used in the biotechnology, cannabis, and food industries. Our students learn the theory of and perform experiments involving the isolation and manipulation of DNA, the purification and characterization of proteins, and the growth, maintenance, and management of tissue cultures and microorganisms. In the final semester students combine their knowledge to use biological organisms to manufacture a chemical product used in an industrial process. Our graduates leave with the scientific theory and skills combined with a clear understanding of regulatory affairs and the ethical implications of the biotechnology industry and its influence on society.
During placement, students have the opportunity to gain experience at partner organizations, including food and beverage companies, university research labs, and analytical testing faculties.
Graduates are employed in both the public and private sectors including:
This program has broad career prospects and a graduate may become a(n)
Graduates may be eligible to continue their students in a degree program via Pathways agreements with a variety of universities: www.durhamcollege.ca/pathways
If you are a domestic or internationally educated student with a Bachelor of Science degree, you may be eligible for the fast-track delivery. Please see the fast-track program for more details: www.durhamcollege.ca/bitf
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. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2022-23 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.
Your learning experience will be complemented by a field placement in your third year, which will enable you to utilize your newly acquired skills and gain valuable industry-related experience.
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i5 RAM: 8GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
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