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Ministry-approved title: Biotechnology Technologist
This two-semester program provides students with existing academic credentials, hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge to prepare them for the biotechnology field. Biotechnology touches a broad range of industries including health, environmental, textiles, mining, chemical and materials manufacturing, energy, cannabis, food processing, and agriculture. In this program, students will:
To be considered for the fast-track pathway a specific educational background is required as follows:
International applicants should contact the International Admissions office for information about the application requirements.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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Please contact the international office.
The Biotechnology – Advanced Fast-Track program is designed to equip students with both the theoretical foundations and practical skills needed to excel in this multifaceted field. The well-equipped biotechnology, microbiology, and chemical analysis facilities provide our students with in-person, hands-on experience using industry standard methods and analytical instrumentation, experience that is often missing from our prior education.
The interdisciplinary nature of biotechnology means that students are exposed to a range of topics in their biotechnology courses, from molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology and biochemistry courses to genetic engineering and bioinformatics. 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. They are exposed to the latest topics in the industry, from CRISPR gene editing to bioreactor operations.
Hands-on experience forms the crux of our biotechnology courses. In biochemistry, chemistry and microbiology courses, students engage in laboratory work using state-of-the-art equipment to perform experiments and analyze data, mirroring the conditions they will encounter in professional settings. This in-person, practical exposure ensures that they are well-versed in the latest technologies through our well-equipped biotechnology, microbiology, and analytical instrumentation labs.
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 organisms to manufacture products used in industrial processes. Graduates leave with the essential 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.
Graduates are employed in both the public and private sectors, including:
The Biotechnology program has broad career prospects, and a graduate may become a(n):
Graduates may be eligible to continue their studies in a degree program via pathway agreements with a variety of universities: www.durhamcollege.ca/pathways.
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, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
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.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Your learning experience will be complemented by a Capstone project in your third year, where you will use your newly acquired skills to solve biotechnology problems.
Laura Benninger is the coordinator for the Chemical Engineering Technology and Chemical Laboratory Technician programs. She teaches Analytical Techniques, Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, Fundamentals of Analytical and Organic Chemistry and Principles of Analytical Chemistry. Laura holds a Master of Science degree in Applied Bioscience from Ontario Tech. Prior to working at Durham College, Laura was a laboratory manager.
Christine Hand holds degrees in Chemistry from the University of Toronto (BSc) and the University of Waterloo (PhD). Before teaching at Durham College, Christine was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the National Research Council and a Field Chemistry Specialist supporting analytical instrumentation clients in Ontario and Western Canada.
Dimitri Stathopoulos holds a Master of Science in Environmental and Life Sciences from Trent University and is a Durham College alumnus. Before teaching at Durham College, Dimitri worked in quality assurance/quality control in the food industry and as a chemist in aerospace and industrial water treatment.
Bruce Trieselmann holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Guelph, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Toronto. Prior to working at Durham College, Bruce was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the National Institutes of Health, and a Program Manager and Finance Manager at Ontario Genomics Institute.
A240, Gordon Willey Building, Oshawa
Our state-of-the-art Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory houses chromatography and spectroscopy instruments where students gain independent, hands-on experience by preparing samples and standards, operating the equipment themselves, and analyzing the resultant data.
Location: I210, Gordon Wiley Building, Oshawa
In our Biotechnology Laboratory, students process and analyze cell cultures, DNA, and proteins and utilize micro-organisms to make products such as wine and vinegar.
Location: A206, Gordon Wiley Building, Oshawa
Our Containment Level 2 Microbiology Lab provides students with opportunities to learn and practice the skills required to culture, manipulate and identify microorganisms relevant to the food pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and environmental sectors. Our lab adheres to Canadian biosafety regulations and industry best practices, ensuring students develop the technical and safety competencies required for careers in these sectors.
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