Biotechnology - 370 - 670

Ontario College Diploma
Two years
OSAP Checkmark OSAP Eligible
From innovations in agriculture, environmental sustainability, public health, medicine, and biomanufacturing, biotechnology is transforming the way we treat our planet and each other for the better.

Optional co-op for this program is only available for students starting in January 2024.  

Co-op will not be available for this program for students starting in September 2024 and beyond. 

For those interested in co-op for September 2024 and beyond, please see Biotechnology Advanced (671)

Program Highlights

  • Strong foundational program in biotechnology with exposure to agricultural biotechnology, medical
    biotechnology, and biomanufacturing.
  • Graduates are ready for careers in many areas of biotechnology.

What you'll learn

  • Fundamentals of biotechnology, microbiology, pharmacology, genetics, bioinformatics.
  • 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

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Program Length

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

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Applied and have questions?
The admissions team is available to help, you can contact them via Admissions or by phone at 1-844-767-6871.

 

Haven’t applied and need help?
Contact us or phone 905-575-2460.


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Program delivery

Learn about program delivery terms.

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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 Applicants with English as a Second Language

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English.

Options are available for mature applicants.

Don't have the necessary requirements?

Tuition and Fees

2023 - 2024 Domestic Tuition and Fees

DescriptionSemester 1Semester 2
Compulsory Ancillary Fees$864.60$758.46
Co-op FeesN/A$471.26
Compulsory Program Fees$0.00$0.00
Domestic Tuition$1,354.04$1,354.04
Total Domestic Charges Per Semester
without Co-op
$2,218.64$2,112.50
Total Domestic Charges Per Semester
with Co-op
$2,218.64$2,583.76
Total 1st Year Fees (Non Co-op)$4,331.14
Total 1st Year Fees (Co-op)$4,802.40

Above fees based on full-time September program start date. Contact Student Services to confirm fees for other start dates or semesters.


2023 - 2024 International Tuition and Fees

DescriptionSemester 1Semester 2
Total Tuition & Ancillary Fee$8,355.00$8,355.00
Co-op FeesN/A$471.26
Program Compulsory Fees$0.00$0.00
International Tax Recovery$450.00$375.00
Total International Per Semester
without Co-op
$8,805.00$8,730.00
Total International Per Semester
with Co-op
$8,805.00$9,201.26
Total 1st Year Fees (Non Co-op)$17,535.00
Total 1st Year Fees (Co-op)$18,006.26

If you pay by wire transfer, please note your bank might charge you a fee to transfer money. Make sure your transfer includes the Mohawk payment and the wire transfer fee. This applies to each wire transfer payment you make.

Additional Information

Financial Assistance

When it comes to paying for your education, investing in your future can be more affordable than you think. A Mohawk education is one of the most cost-effective means of acquiring the skills and knowledge you need to have a prosperous and rewarding career. 

As you start on your chosen career path, it's important to have a realistic set of expectations regarding the expenses associated with attending college. In addition to your tuition fees, you will also need to budget for books, supplies, housing, and other related living expenses. You may be able to supplement your income and savings with scholarships, bursaries, or loans. It pays to do some research into what types of financial assistance you may qualify for.

Available Financial Assistance Resources:

Apply for Awards:

By submitting a Scholarships and Bursaries Application every semester, students have access to over $3 million in Mohawk College scholarships, bursaries and Ministry-partnered funding to help meet their financial needs.

Financial Literacy and Money Coaching:

Whether saving for school, sticking to a budget, or planning for a major purchase, financial literacy affects us all. That's why Mo' Money is committed to helping our students improve their money skills and become more confident with their money.

Course Overview & Descriptions

Click on the course title for a course description.

Optional co-op for this program is only available for students starting in January 2024.  

Co-op will not be available for this program for students starting in September 2024 and beyond. 

For those interested in co-op for September 2024 and beyond, please see Biotechnology Advanced (671)

Optional co-op for this program is only available for students starting in January 2024.  

Co-op will not be available for this program for students starting in September 2024 and beyond. 

For those interested in co-op for September 2024 and beyond, please see Biotechnology Advanced (671)

Experiential Learning

How you’ll gain skills

This co-op program has been accredited by CEWIL Canada. This represents the highest standard of achievement for co-op programs in Canada.

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

 

NOTE: The last offering of the optional co-op for this program will be January 2024.  Co-op will not be available for this program for students starting in September 2024 and beyond. For students interested in co-op for September 2024 and beyond, please see program 671 – Biotechnology Advanced.

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)

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes, often referred to as ‘Program Standards', set out the essential learning that a student must achieve before being deemed ready to graduate.

In many cases these program learning outcomes were developed by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) in consultation with employers and educators who are experts in the program field. To ensure the outcomes remain current and in line with industry needs, we invite our employers, graduates working in the field and current students to re-examine and update them during regular, ongoing program review focus groups.

Career Opportunities

Your future career options

  • Biotech Laboratory Technician
  • Biotech Production
  • Technical Sales Representative
  • Environmental/food safety monitoring technician

Where you could work includes:

  • Bioscience Laboratories (Public and Private)
  • Biologic Production and Testing
  • Agriculture and Food Production Companies
  • Pharmaceutical or Biologic Production
  • Environmental Monitoring

Opportunities for grads

  • Graduates may be eligible to be registered as associate members of The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).

Program Recognition

Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) recognizes this program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Certified Technician (CTech) category.

Educational Pathways

 

Pathways to Mohawk 

If you've successfully taken a course at another post-secondary institution, you may be able to earn course exemptions toward your credential here at Mohawk.
 

Pathways within Mohawk

If you have successfully completed one of the following programs at Mohawk, you may be eligible to receive transfer credit in this program. *

We offer a diverse range of programs to further your studies within Mohawk following completion of this program. * 

This Pathways map shows how the identified program can lead to future program choices within Mohawk.

Pathways beyond Mohawk

Earn a degree:

  • Davenport University - Bachelor of Science, Health Services Administration

See ontransfer.ca for additional opportunities at other colleges or universities in Ontario.

Search the Mohawk Transfer Database for opportunities outside of Ontario.

 

Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Pathway Information for Biotechnology and Biotechnology (Health) Graduates

Graduates of the Biotechnology and Biotechnology (Health) programs are eligible to enter the Medical Laboratory Technician program at Mohawk College, and receive exemptions for up to 4 of the 13 courses in this program. The Medical Laboratory Technician program (047), is a one year Certificate program offered on a part time basis through Mohawk College Continuing Education, and is a joint Mohawk/Michener Institute Certificate. Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Technician program are eligible to write both the National Certification Examination (CSMLS) and Provincial Certification Examination (OSMT).

Additional Information

Technical Requirements

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

Contact Ayaaz Pirani for student enquires.

Program Coordinator

Faculty

Contact us

Domestic Canadian Students

Contact Student Recruitment
Haven’t applied yet and have questions?
Contact our Student Recruitment team for information on programs, how to apply, and more.

Contact Admissions
Contact our Admissions advisors for help with your application.
Contact Admissions
Phone: 1-844-767-6871

International Students

Contact International Student Recruitment
Contact our International Student Recruitment team for information on programs, how to apply, and student life.
Contact International
Email: intl.representatives@mohawkcollege.ca
Phone: 1-905-575-2254
Toll free phone numbers:
For general questions: 1-888-Mohawk9 (1-888-664-2959)
North China: 10-800-714-2521
South China: 10-800-140-2541
Brazil: 0800-022-7408
Philippines: 180011102544

Contact International Admissions
Contact our Admissions advisors for help with your application.
Contact International Admissions
Phone: 1-905-575-2254

*Not all programs are international eligible. Please see our programs available for international students.

Accessible Learning Services

Are you a student with a confirmed or suspected disability? Visit our Accessible Learning Services website to discover how we can help you.

Program Coordinator

Contact Ayaaz Pirani for student enquires.

Canadian Domestic Students

Fennell Campus (FF)
Sep 2024
Open
Jan 2025
Open

International Students

Co-op information
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