Biotechnology (Health)
370-670
Explore pharmaceutical, biologic, genetic, clinical and other aspects of the biotechnology field as related to health.

Program Highlights

  • Strong foundational program in biotechnology with exposure to options in the health field.

  • Graduates are ready for careers in many areas of biotechnology.

What you'll learn

  • Fundamentals of biotechnology, microbiology, pharmacology, genetics, bioinformatics and clinical testing associated with the health sector.
  • Explore scientific methods and experimental techniques in accordance with accepted principles of quality assurance and manufacturing in the biotech industry.
  • Prepare for a future career working in one of the most rapidly expanding fields in Canada.
  • How to perform tasks in the following areas:
    • DNA analysis using electrophoresis, and PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
    • Protein analysis using electrophoresis, blotting and chromatography
    • Micropipetting, extractions, titrations, centrifugation and pH measurements using GLP (good laboratory practices)
    • Instrumentation including spectrometry
    • Basic techniques in microbiology

Program Length

2 academic years (periods of 8 months), plus optional co-op

International Tuition and Fees

 Semester 1Semester 2
Total Tuition & Ancillary Fee$8,095.00$8,095.00
Co-op FeesN/A$460.04
Program Compulsory Fees$0.00$0.00
International Tax Recovery$450.00$375.00
Total International Per Semester
without Co-op
$8,545.00$8,470.00
Total International Per Semester
with Co-op
$8,545.00$8,930.04
Total 1st Year Fees (Non Co-op)$17,015.00
Total 1st Year Fees (Co-op)$17,475.04

Admission

Domestic and International student admission requirements

  • OSSD or equivalent (Mohawk Academic Upgrading, GED) including:
    • Grade 12 English, C or U or equivalent
    • Grade 12 Mathematics, MAP4C ≥ 60%; or MCT4C; or any U or equivalent
    • Senior Science (Chemistry or Biology) is recommended

Language Requirements for International Students:

  • See below for accepted equivalents for Grade 12 English:

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English. Options are available for mature applicants.

Experiential Learning

How you’ll gain skills

To learn more, please visit the Centre for Experiential Learning. 

Co-op Content

Co-op Format (Fall Intake)

September to DecemberJanuary to AprilMay to August
Semester 1Semester 2Vacation
Semester 3Work Term 1 (Co-op)Work Term 2 (Co-op)
Work Term 3 (Co-op)Semester 4 

Co-op Format (Winter Intake)

January to AprilMay to AugustSeptember to December
Semester 1Semester 2Semester 3
Work Term 1 (Co-op)Work Term 2 (Co-op)Work Term 3 (Co-op)
September 4  

Learn more about Biotechnology (Health)

Work Term Capabilities

(Which do not reflect individual work experiences & exposures)

Classroom instruction, combined with hands-on laboratory experience, have provided the student with sufficient knowledge to perform tasks in the following areas:

  • Agarose gel DNA electrophoresis
  • PCR
  • DNA and protein absorption spectrophotometry
  • SDS PAGE and Western blotting
  • Chromatography
  • Quality control
  • Basic laboratory techniques in microbiology
  • Micropipetting, extractions, titrations, centrifugation and pH measurements using Good Lab Practices (GLP)
  • Pharmaceutical Quality Guidelines (GLPs, GMPs, ICH, USP)
  • HPLC and UV/Vis

Program Objectives

Health Biotechnology encompasses a wide field of studies including molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics (including genetic engineering), cell biology, microbiology (including forensics and food processing), analytical instrumentation, and biopharmaceuticals.

The program is designed to prepare students as health biotechnology technicians through the familiarization with scientific methods and experimental techniques, in accordance with accepted principles of quality assurance and manufacturing.

The first two academic semesters are common with the Biotechnology Technician program of studies, followed by two semesters focusing on specialized courses relating to clinical testing and research, manufacturing including current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) as well as Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) in the field of Biotechnology.

Opportunities

Graduates may seek entry level positions in public or private laboratories as laboratory assistants or as technicians in manufacturing facilities. These laboratories may be found in pharmaceutical  or biologic companies, food processing industries, and testing and research facilities.

Program Recognition

The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) conditionally recognizes this program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Certified Technician (CTech) category. Graduates and final year students are immediately eligible to be registered as Associate members of OACETT upon submission of the Graduate Application form available through OACETT. Additional requirements to become fully certified (work experience, the OACETT Professional Practice Examination, peer references, etc.) will be requested once the application has been received. Requirements for certification are the jurisdiction of OACETT.

Co-op Rate 
Range: $14.00 - $26.00Average: $18.00

Opportunities

Students that graduate from any of the following Ontario College Diploma and Ontario College Advanced Diploma programs are eligible to enroll into semester 3 of the Biotechnology (Health) program: 

Graduates from the Biotechnology (Health) program are eligible to enroll into the following Ontario College Advanced Diploma programs:

 

  • Earn a degree:
    • Davenport University - Bachelor of Science, Health Services Administration
  • Visit Pathways and Credit Transfer for degree completion opportunities outside of Ontario.
  • See ONTransfer for additional opportunities at other colleges or universities in Ontario.
Semester 1
Course #Course TitleHrs/WeekTotal Hours
BIOL10015Biotechnology 1 (Lecture)3.0042.00
CHEMCH116Chemistry7.50105.00
CREDCE106An Introduction To Career Education.507.00
MATH10012Mathematics I3.0042.00
PHYS10007Physical Measurements and Data Analysis Lab2.0028.00
SAFE10037Health & Safety In Our Environment3.0042.00
Options Group(1): Select 1
COMM11040Communication D4.0056.00
COMMLL041Communication3.0042.00
Semester 2
Course #Course TitleHrs/WeekTotal Hours
BIOL10001Cell Biology4.0056.00
BIOL10016Biotechnology 1 (Lab)2.0028.00
CHEM10042Organic Chemistry2.5035.00
CHEMPH108Analytical Chemistry 16.0084.00
MATH10020Mathematics II3.0042.00
PHYS10008Fundamentals of Physics3.0042.00
Semester 3
Course #Course TitleHrs/WeekTotal Hours
BIOL10042Introduction to Forensic Science3.5049.00
CHEM10054Chemical Instrumentation & Analysis5.5077.00
HSCI10021Microbiology5.0070.00
OPELXXXXXGeneral Education Elective 13.0042.00
QUAL10000Quality Assurance Systems3.0042.00
Semester 4
Course #Course TitleHrs/WeekTotal Hours
BIOL10003Biotechnology 25.0070.00
BIOL10009Biomedical4.0056.00
BIOL10027Bioinformatics2.5035.00
CHEM10000Biochemistry3.0042.00
HSCI10022Genetics2.5035.00
HSCI10023Pharmacology3.0042.00
OPELXXXXZGeneral Education Elective 23.0042.00
Semester XX
Options (For co-op program):
WORK10002Internship 1 (Biotechy)35.00
WORK10003Internship 2 (Biotechy)35.00
WORK10004Internship 3 (Biotechy)35.00

Additional Information

Technical Requirements

Computer capable of running Microsoft Office 365, good internet access.

Program Highlights

  • Strong foundational program in biotechnology with exposure to options in the health field.

  • Graduates are ready for careers in many areas of biotechnology.

What you'll learn

  • Fundamentals of biotechnology, microbiology, pharmacology, genetics, bioinformatics and clinical testing associated with the health sector.
  • Explore scientific methods and experimental techniques in accordance with accepted principles of quality assurance and manufacturing in the biotech industry.
  • Prepare for a future career working in one of the most rapidly expanding fields in Canada.
  • How to perform tasks in the following areas:
    • DNA analysis using electrophoresis, and PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
    • Protein analysis using electrophoresis, blotting and chromatography
    • Micropipetting, extractions, titrations, centrifugation and pH measurements using GLP (good laboratory practices)
    • Instrumentation including spectrometry
    • Basic techniques in microbiology

Program Length

2 academic years (periods of 8 months), plus optional co-op

International Tuition and Fees

 Semester 1Semester 2
Total Tuition & Ancillary Fee$8,095.00$8,095.00
Co-op FeesN/A$460.04
Program Compulsory Fees$0.00$0.00
International Tax Recovery$450.00$375.00
Total International Per Semester
without Co-op
$8,545.00$8,470.00
Total International Per Semester
with Co-op
$8,545.00$8,930.04
Total 1st Year Fees (Non Co-op)$17,015.00
Total 1st Year Fees (Co-op)$17,475.04

Admission

Domestic and International student admission requirements

  • OSSD or equivalent (Mohawk Academic Upgrading, GED) including:
    • Grade 12 English, C or U or equivalent
    • Grade 12 Mathematics, MAP4C ≥ 60%; or MCT4C; or any U or equivalent
    • Senior Science (Chemistry or Biology) is recommended

Language Requirements for International Students:

  • See below for accepted equivalents for Grade 12 English:

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English. Options are available for mature applicants.

Experiential Learning

How you’ll gain skills

To learn more, please visit the Centre for Experiential Learning. 

Co-op Content

Co-op Format (Fall Intake)

September to DecemberJanuary to AprilMay to August
Semester 1Semester 2Vacation
Semester 3Work Term 1 (Co-op)Work Term 2 (Co-op)
Work Term 3 (Co-op)Semester 4 

Co-op Format (Winter Intake)

January to AprilMay to AugustSeptember to December
Semester 1Semester 2Semester 3
Work Term 1 (Co-op)Work Term 2 (Co-op)Work Term 3 (Co-op)
September 4  

Learn more about Biotechnology (Health)

Work Term Capabilities

(Which do not reflect individual work experiences & exposures)

Classroom instruction, combined with hands-on laboratory experience, have provided the student with sufficient knowledge to perform tasks in the following areas:

  • Agarose gel DNA electrophoresis
  • PCR
  • DNA and protein absorption spectrophotometry
  • SDS PAGE and Western blotting
  • Chromatography
  • Quality control
  • Basic laboratory techniques in microbiology
  • Micropipetting, extractions, titrations, centrifugation and pH measurements using Good Lab Practices (GLP)
  • Pharmaceutical Quality Guidelines (GLPs, GMPs, ICH, USP)
  • HPLC and UV/Vis

Program Objectives

Health Biotechnology encompasses a wide field of studies including molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics (including genetic engineering), cell biology, microbiology (including forensics and food processing), analytical instrumentation, and biopharmaceuticals.

The program is designed to prepare students as health biotechnology technicians through the familiarization with scientific methods and experimental techniques, in accordance with accepted principles of quality assurance and manufacturing.

The first two academic semesters are common with the Biotechnology Technician program of studies, followed by two semesters focusing on specialized courses relating to clinical testing and research, manufacturing including current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) as well as Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) in the field of Biotechnology.

Opportunities

Graduates may seek entry level positions in public or private laboratories as laboratory assistants or as technicians in manufacturing facilities. These laboratories may be found in pharmaceutical  or biologic companies, food processing industries, and testing and research facilities.

Program Recognition

The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) conditionally recognizes this program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Certified Technician (CTech) category. Graduates and final year students are immediately eligible to be registered as Associate members of OACETT upon submission of the Graduate Application form available through OACETT. Additional requirements to become fully certified (work experience, the OACETT Professional Practice Examination, peer references, etc.) will be requested once the application has been received. Requirements for certification are the jurisdiction of OACETT.

Co-op Rate 
Range: $14.00 - $26.00Average: $18.00

Opportunities

Students that graduate from any of the following Ontario College Diploma and Ontario College Advanced Diploma programs are eligible to enroll into semester 3 of the Biotechnology (Health) program: 

Graduates from the Biotechnology (Health) program are eligible to enroll into the following Ontario College Advanced Diploma programs:

 

  • Earn a degree:
    • Davenport University - Bachelor of Science, Health Services Administration
  • Visit Pathways and Credit Transfer for degree completion opportunities outside of Ontario.
  • See ONTransfer for additional opportunities at other colleges or universities in Ontario.
Semester 1
Course #Course TitleHrs/WeekTotal Hours
BIOL10015Biotechnology 1 (Lecture)3.0042.00
CHEMCH116Chemistry7.50105.00
CREDCE106An Introduction To Career Education.507.00
MATH10012Mathematics I3.0042.00
PHYS10007Physical Measurements and Data Analysis Lab2.0028.00
SAFE10037Health & Safety In Our Environment3.0042.00
Options Group(1): Select 1
COMM11040Communication D4.0056.00
COMMLL041Communication3.0042.00
Semester 2
Course #Course TitleHrs/WeekTotal Hours
BIOL10001Cell Biology4.0056.00
BIOL10016Biotechnology 1 (Lab)2.0028.00
CHEM10042Organic Chemistry2.5035.00
CHEMPH108Analytical Chemistry 16.0084.00
MATH10020Mathematics II3.0042.00
PHYS10008Fundamentals of Physics3.0042.00
Semester 3
Course #Course TitleHrs/WeekTotal Hours
BIOL10042Introduction to Forensic Science3.5049.00
CHEM10054Chemical Instrumentation & Analysis5.5077.00
HSCI10021Microbiology5.0070.00
OPELXXXXXGeneral Education Elective 13.0042.00
QUAL10000Quality Assurance Systems3.0042.00
Semester 4
Course #Course TitleHrs/WeekTotal Hours
BIOL10003Biotechnology 25.0070.00
BIOL10009Biomedical4.0056.00
BIOL10027Bioinformatics2.5035.00
CHEM10000Biochemistry3.0042.00
HSCI10022Genetics2.5035.00
HSCI10023Pharmacology3.0042.00
OPELXXXXZGeneral Education Elective 23.0042.00
Semester XX
Options (For co-op program):
WORK10002Internship 1 (Biotechy)35.00
WORK10003Internship 2 (Biotechy)35.00
WORK10004Internship 3 (Biotechy)35.00

Additional Information

Technical Requirements

Computer capable of running Microsoft Office 365, good internet access.