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  • Biotechnology – Advanced (fast-track)

Biotechnology – Advanced (fast-track)


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Credential
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Location
Oshawa
OCAS Code
BTYF
Next Intake
September 2023
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Faculty
Faculty of Science, Engineering & Information Technology (SEIT)
Length
Two semesters
Delivery
More than 75% of this program is delivered in-person. Learn more.
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  • Overview
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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 two 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.

Intakes and Availability

Date Domestic Availability International Availability
September 2023OpenWaitlistedApply now
ProgramHighlights
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Critical Thinking
Lab Experiments
Practical Hands On Experience

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or 
  •  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.

Tuition

  • Year one domestic: $3,063 (CAD)
  • Year one international: $14,527 (CAD)

View full costs

Semester 1 Courses

  • Introductory Microbiology (BIOL 2100)
  • Protein Techniques (BIOT 4133)
  • Cell Biology (BIOT 5131)
  • Fundamentals Of Analytical and Organic Chemistry (CHEM 1133)
  • Spectroscopy 1 (CHEM 3105)
  • Chromatography 1 (CHEM 3106)

View all courses

Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
Lab Experiments
Lab Experiments
Practical Hands On Experience
Practical Hands On Experience

Technology recommendations

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.

View all recommendations

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

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

View all career options

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.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Perform laboratory duties independently and in compliance with pertinent legislation and regulations, as well as biotechnology standards and guidelines.
  2. Collaborate in implementing and evaluating quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
  3. Select and implement best practices for sustainability.
  4. Complete complex biotechnological applications using advanced principles of chemistry, biology and biostatistics as well as basic principles of physics.
  5. Co-ordinate, implement and validate laboratory procedures to carry out quantitative and qualitative tests and analyses.
  6. Co-ordinate, implement and validate standard cell culture procedures under aseptic conditions.
  7. Co-ordinate, implement and validate molecular biology procedures.
  8. Manage biological data to support biological scientists and researchers in capturing, organizing/summarizing and storing their data.
  9. Prepare, analyze, interpret, maintain and communicate scientific data effectively.
  10. Develop and present a strategic plan for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
  11. Apply basic business principles to biotechnology practices.

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or 
  •  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

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.

SEMESTER 1

  • Introductory Microbiology (BIOL 2100)
  • Protein Techniques (BIOT 4133)
  • Cell Biology (BIOT 5131)
  • Fundamentals Of Analytical and Organic Chemistry (CHEM 1133)
  • Spectroscopy 1 (CHEM 3105)
  • Chromatography 1 (CHEM 3106)

SEMESTER 2

  • DNA Techniques (BIOT 3131)
  • Bio-Regulations (BIOT 4131)
  • Bio-Processing (BIOT 6131)
  • Spectroscopy 2 (CHEM 3201)
  • Chromatography 2 (CHEM 3202)
  • Pharmaceutical Microbiology (MICR 2134)
  • Pharmaceutics (PHRM 3131)
  • Field Placement (PLAC 1100)

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.

Course delivery

More than 75% of this program is delivered in-person.

The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats. Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.

In-person:
Course is delivered in person, on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
Flexible:
Course is taught in one of DC’s technology-enabled learning classrooms and online at the same time. Students can choose to attend in-person or online.
Hybrid:
Part of the course is delivered online, remotely, and part is in-person on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
Online:
Fully remote course delivery.

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 that will enable you to utilize your skills and gain valuable industry experience through a supervised work placement.

Technology Recommendations

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 faculty office.

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Land Acknowledgement

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.

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