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Biotechnology touches a broad range of industries including health, environmental, textiles, mining, chemical and materials manufacturing, energy, cannabis, food processing, and agriculture. Biotechnological applications improve an organization’s sustainability by helping it become more efficient and environmentally friendly. 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. Working in state-of-the-art labs using industry-grade equipment, students learn how living organisms and parts of living organisms can provide new methods of production and facilitate the development of new products, as well as learn 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.
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If you are a domestic or internationally educated student with a degree or diploma in a directly related field of study, 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 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 learning experience.
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Our well-equipped biotechnology, microbiology, and chemical analysis facilities provide our students with hands-on experience with industry standard methods and analytical instrumentation. 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. Additionally, students gain experience and knowledge in key chemistry techniques including extensive analytical instrumentation experience. 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 and practice their skills in professional settings.
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 pathway agreements with a variety of universities: www.durhamcollege.ca/pathways.
If you are a domestic or internationally educated student with a degree or diploma in a directly related field of study, you may be eligible for the fast-track delivery. Please see the fast-track program for more details: www.durhamcollege.ca/btyf.
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 2023-2024 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 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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