Biotechnology
Our Biotechnology program prepares you to work as a laboratory technician (in quality control and quality assurance) in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Biotechnology courses provide practical application in industrial microbiology as well as chemistry (analytical), organic chemistry and biochemistry. Laboratory techniques, including appropriate safety procedures, are extensively highlighted.
A special feature of this applied science program is its project-based approach, with independently-designed microbiology projects that enhance your problem-solving and research skills.
Quick Facts |
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Full-time Duration: | 2 years |
Starting in: | September |
Tuition Fee: | $16,377 |
Location: | Toronto, Canada / Blended / Online |
You learn to:
- Isolate, enumerate and identify microorganisms from many types of samples (water, soil, air, your body, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products).
- Prepare specimens for staining and become an expert light-microscopist.
- Become proficient in aseptic handling of materials.
- Accurately calibrate and use a range of instruments such as pH and BOD meters, gas chromatographs, spectrophotometers (regular/IR/UV) and HPLCs.
- Prepare microbiological media and reagents and culture pathogenic microbes.
- Design and perform your own microbiology experiments.
- Use microorganisms to assay pharmaceutical products.
You may graduate in two years as a biotechnician or continue into a third year to study specialized topics such as advanced biotechnology and microbial genetics or systematic microbiology, graduating from the Biotechnology – Advanced offering.
Program Highlights
- Eight up-to-date laboratories and modern wireless lecture facilities housed at the college’s Morningside Campus enhance your learning.
- Thorough laboratory training, from the basics to professional skills, is provided, encouraging and developing teamwork skills.
- Qualified and caring faculty and staff provide individual attention in laboratory sessions.
- Training in Occupational Health and Safety, WHMIS, GMP, HACCP is to industry standards.
- There is a high program graduation rate and high rates of student satisfaction.
Qualified graduates may apply to enter the third year of the Biotechnology –
Advanced program. - The Biotechnology, Environmental Technology and Food Science Technology programs share a common first year, which provides the flexibility to transfer between these programs before entering the second year.
“A good opportunity to be a member of the research team to conduct research for reputed institutions like University of Toronto and Centennial College. Gained a lot a new knowledge and hands-on experience in conducting research. Learned sampling techniques and different data analysis methods.”
Sushil Anu // Performance of Existing Oil-Grit Separators (Stormceptor) and Development a New Generation of Urban Sediment-Contaminant Separators
Career Prospects
Career Outlook
- Quality assurance technician
- Microbiology lab technician
- Chemist – calibration
- Sterile specialist
- Analytical chemist/microbiologist
- Microbiology laboratory analyst
- QC raw material analyst
Areas of Employment
Graduates typically start their careers as quality control technicians in a broad range of industries (food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals) and also in related government agencies.