Biotechnology – Advanced (fast-track)

Program Overview

In this program designed specifically for applicants with existing academic credentials, students with a degree in science can expand their knowledge of the biotechnology industry and complete their Biotechnology advanced diploma in fewer semesters. Biotechnology touches a broad range of industries including health, pharmaceuticals, food production and agriculture. The discipline has created knowledge and products essential to our continued livelihood such as vaccines to prevent disease, pest-resistant plants, environmentally friendly biofuels and improved detection of diseases.

Graduates of the Biotechnology – Advanced program are competitively qualified 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.

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)

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Tuition

Year one domestic: $3,063 (CAD)
Year one international: $13,663 (CAD)

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Semester 1 Courses

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Critical Thinking

Lab Experiments

Practical Hands On Experience

Technology recommendations

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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Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
January 2021	Open
September 2021	Open	Open
January 2022	Open

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Microbiology analyst
Quality assurance analyst
Quality control technologist
Research technologist
Tissue processing specialist
Associate scientist

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Program Details

In our Biotechnology laboratory, you will conduct extensive experiments in cell and molecular biology in order to develop essential laboratory skills including learning how to isolate and manipulate DNA; purify and characterize proteins; and grow and maintain cells in tissue culture.

You will also learn a wide variety of microbiological techniques in our Microbiology laboratory including the cultivation, manipulation, isolation, and identification of microorganisms. In your final semester, you will use biological organisms to actively manufacture a chemical product used in an industrial process.

Our Analytical Instrumentation lab will provide you with practical, hands on training on a variety of instruments used in the quality control and safety testing of pharmaceuticals, the analysis of clinical samples related to human health, and research and regulatory programs for the protection of our environment.

In addition, you will develop a clear understanding of regulatory affairs and the ethical implications of the biotechnology industry and its influence on society.

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)

To be considered for the fast-track (credit transfer) pathway a specific educational background is required as follows:

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

International applicants should contact the International Admissions office for information about the application requirements.

Courses

Semester 1

Semester 2

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2020-21 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes. Students should refer to their timetable for the most up-to-date course information.

Costs

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Microbiology analyst
Quality assurance analyst
Quality control technologist
Research technologist
Tissue processing specialist
Associate scientist

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

Pharmaceutical, biotechnological, agricultural, food, cannabis or environmental companies
Natural health products companies
Quality control laboratories
Research laboratories
Government agencies and ministry laboratories
Fermentation facilities
Regulatory affairs departments

Field Placement

Your learning experience will be complemented with a field placement, which will enable you to utilize your skills and gain valuable industry experience through a supervised work placement. If you are an applicant with an Honours BSc, you may apply for credit for this component against your supervised research.

Technology Recommendations

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.

COVID-19 Information

Biotechnology – Advanced (fast-track)

Program Overview

Admission Requirements

Tuition

Semester 1 Courses

Technology recommendations

Intakes and Availability

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Program Details

Admission Requirements

Courses

Semester 1

Semester 2

Costs

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

Field Placement

Technology Recommendations

Helpful Resources

College guide September 2020 [PDF]

College guide September 2020 [Interactive]

Graduate Employment Report [PDF]