Bachelor of Applied Biotechnology (Honours)
Program details
Credential: 4-Year Bachelor of Applied Biotechnology (Honours)This four-year honours Bachelor degree program prepares students with the knowledge and skills for today's modern laboratory.
The integrated curriculum and applied learning environment focus on knowledge and skills relevant to current innovations in biotechnology - including biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, atomic and molecular instrumental analysis, regulatory affairs, and bioinformatics. One-third of the instruction time is hands-on in the laboratory.
Students learn to think, solve problems, and communicate effectively while working in teams in the laboratory. They develop strong technical and soft skills, to become effective employees and leaders in the laboratory.
Graduates are well-prepared for progressive careers in the biotechnology and life sciences industries in both the public and private sectors.
Student availability & wage data
Conestoga College facilitates recruitment on an ongoing basis - there are no hard deadlines. Typical time frames for work terms are listed below.
Postings are accepted beginning four months before the start of a term until all students have secured employment provided the minimum 12 consecutive weeks of full-time work is met.
Work/Study Sequence
| Year | Fall (Sept - Dec) | Winter (Jan - Apr) | Spring (May - Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Classes | Classes | |
| Year 2 | Classes | Classes | |
| Year 3 | Classes | Classes | Work Term 1: $N/A |
| Year 4 | Work Term 2: $N/A | Classes | Classes |
Conestoga College collects data on hourly wages of co-operative education students and offers suggested ranges as a service to employers for the purpose of establishing fair and competitive compensation.
Our experience has been that employers increase wages as skills increase, particularly when employing students for more advanced work terms. The Co-operative Education Office can provide assistance to employers in establishing appropriate wage rates.
Work term capabilities
Specific skills and abilities that students are typically capable of performing during a given work term are listed below.
- Perform a range of laboratory procedures relevant to the field of Biotechnology and Life Sciences through the application of scientific concepts in the fields of biology and chemistry:
- microscopy, spectrophotometry, chromatography, centrifugation techniques, aseptic technique, gel electrophoresis, sample preparation, Western blot, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, data analysis, lab safety, problem solving, organizational skills, analytical skills, math skills, critical-thinking skills
- Conduct molecular biology procedures for use in industrial applications, product development, or research and diagnostics:
- plasmid DNA extraction, restriction enzyme digest, PCR, Real-time PCR, reverse transcriptase PCR, PCR clean up, agarose gel electrophoresis, quantify DNA using nanodrop, ligation, transformation, culturing bacteria, replica plating, Gibson Assembly experiment design, primer design, DNA sequence analysis, RNA isolation, cloning, computer skills
- Perform instrumental analysis using UV-Vis, FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy, gas and liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
- Conduct microbiological procedures for use in industrial applications, microbial product development, environmental monitoring, or research and diagnostics:
- isolation and culturing of microorganisms, microbial strain engineering, microbial transformation, replica plating, Gibson Assembly, experimental design for microbial systems, microbial cloning
Sample job titles
- Biological/Chemical Technologist or Technician
- Chemist, Biologist, or Microbiologist
- Quality Control Analyst/Chemist
- Quality Control Technician/Technologist
Program courses
To see a typical course list for this program, see the current program course information.
Post a co-op job now
Setup an account or login to Conestoga's MyCareer to post a job.
Contact information
Do you need help developing a recruitment plan or job posting, accessing wage information, or connecting with a talented co-op student? Contact:
Jeff Hoekman
Employer Relations Consultant
Jhoekman@conestogac.on.ca
519-841-1552