Biotechnology Co-op Overview

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)
Semester 4  

Learn more about Biotechnology

Co-op Delivery and Fees

This program has an optional co-op, as part of the program of study. The annual co-op fee structure can be found on the Tuition and Fees page.

For questions, please contact the Co-op Specialist listed at the bottom of the webpage.

Eligibility

This optional co-op program offers 20 co-operative education spots per intake. The last co-op intake will be offered to the January 2024 cohort. Academic eligibility requirements will be shared prior to students applying to the co-op stream.

Driver’s License and Vehicle

Please note that the majority of co-op positions for this program require that students have a valid driver’s license ('G' class preferred) and access to a vehicle, as biotechnology employers are located outside of Hamilton and/or not on public transportation routes.

Co-op Designation

This program offers three co-op work term opportunities but requires two completed co-op work terms for the co-op designation. 

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

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 Advanced 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 Pay RangeCo-op Pay Average
Range: $16.55 - $22.00Average: $19.00

For further information, please contact:

Rebecca Larson, Co-op Specialist
Phone: 905-575-2163
Email: rebecca.larson [at] mohawkcollege.ca (Rebecca Larson)