Biotechnology - Advanced Fast Track

Biotechnologists are the behind-the-scenes scientists who develop and improve products, technologies and processes across many industries, using biology, chemistry and genetics

The Biotechnology - Advanced program focuses on:

• Extensive lab-based skills: Close to 250 hours of hands-on training in your first four semesters.
• Unique combination of courses: Recognized by employers as one of the broadest-based lab skills programs, which puts our graduates in demand across a variety of fields.
• More than just technical skills: Our students are trained to become critical thinkers with problem-solving abilities, strong interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills - attributes that serve them well throughout their career.
• Comprehensive placement: With up to 600 hours of work experience during your final semester placement you will be fully prepared for your career.

This program stands out for its unique blend of accelerated learning, interdisciplinary training, and industry-focused expertise.

• Accentuate your degree: in just three semesters, add hands-on, lab-based skills to your repertoire and gain invaluable experience during a semester long placement.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Build expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, quality control, forensic DNA applications, environmental analysis, data management, automation, and essential professional skills.
• Job-Ready Skills: Graduate with multiple, in-demand technical competencies that employers actively seek.
• Industry-Responsive Curriculum: Designed to meet evolving industry needs and address critical skill shortages.
• Specialized Programs & Faculty: Technicians need expertise in information technology, data management, and data analysis. The college offers courses and faculty dedicated to these critical areas.
• Cutting-Edge Resources: Learn with state-of-the-art tools in our dedicated lab environment.

A 600-hour placement will immerse students in the work culture of a lab environment, give them the opportunity to seek experience in an area of specialization, and promote networking and awareness of the industry and job potential. Students will work with their faculty in selecting a placement that will be right for them.

To succeed in this occupation, students need the following characteristics:

• Problem-solving, troubleshooting, creativity.
• Perseverance, time management, and organization.
• Life-long learner to maintain currency in an ever-changing field.

In addition, students should enjoy synthesizing information, finding innovative solutions to problems, and working with equipment and instruments at tasks which require precision. Students will likely work in a team environment, so good interpersonal and communication skills are essential.

Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to pursue diverse roles across the biotechnology industry, whether in private companies, public institutions, research facilities, or specialized labs. Their skills will open doors to a wide range of career paths in this dynamic and evolving field, including:

• Research technician/technologist (in areas such as cancer, disease, environmental, etc.)
• Microbiology testing (food, water, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics)
• Quality assurance/quality control (food, pharmaceutical, manufacturing)
• Forensic labs
• Hospital and clinical settings
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Government agencies such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canadian, Centre for Forensic Science, and Public Health
• Municipal wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities
• Pathogen and toxicology testing (plant and animals)
• Wildlife management and restoration (environmental DNA)
• Cannabis labs
• COVID19 testing and medical related fields (may require additional qualifications)
• Chemical analysis and instrumentation
• Nuclear power generation
• Environmental lab analysis (water, geological and biological material)

Graduates with a degree may be eligible to apply for entry into Semester 3 through the Biotechnology - Advanced Fast Track (BTFP) program:

• Graduates from Trent University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Forensic Biology or Forensic Science with a minimum degree average of 75%*.
• Graduates from Ontario Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science or Forensic Science with a minimum degree average of 75%*.
• All other graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

* Applicants with a degree average of 70-74% will be considered on a case-by-case basis.