Diploma [Biotechnology - Health] From Georgian College

Upon graduating from the Biotechnology – Health program, you are prepared for a career in biotechnology, a high-tech trade that spans many employment sectors. You develop technical and knowledge-based skills through comprehensive experiential learning, as you are exposed to a variety of experimental techniques using cutting-edge scientific equipment across disciplines including microbiology, molecular biology, tissue culture, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and pharmaceutical biotechnology. Throughout the program, you explore current topics in the field and research potential biotechnology applications to address them. In accordance with accepted industry standards, you learn to collect, document, analyze, and present your lab and experimental data. Completion of a micro-credential in Changemaking and Social Entrepreneurism helps you to recognize opportunities in biotechnology and become serial problem solvers. Throughout the program, you are supported in the development of a living resumé as you expand your skillsets and create professional networks.  

In this program designed specifically for applicants with existing academic credentials, students with a degree in science can expand their knowledge of the biotechnology industry and complete their Biotechnology advanced diploma in two semesters. Biotechnology touches a broad range of industries including health, pharmaceuticals, food production and agriculture. The discipline has created knowledge and products essential to our continued livelihood such as vaccines to prevent disease, pest-resistant plants, environmentally friendly biofuels and improved detection of diseases.

In this three-year advanced diploma program, you will prepare for work as a research technologist in the life sciences field. You will study a range of topics, including molecular genetics, immunology, tissue culture, virology, biochemical techniques, histology, cell biology, biochemistry, computers, statistics and a common first year of basic biology, chemistry and mathematics. This program offers you theoretical knowledge of scientific methods and practical experience in performing precise experiments for research and development.

Humber’s Biotechnology diploma program prepares students with the transferable skills needed to build successful careers in a variety of biotechnology and research sectors. The program balances theoretical understanding with experiential practices in specific laboratory skills needed by employers. These practical components are the focus of the program and are developed and reinforced through an integration of practical laboratory experiences. Integrative laboratory projects are designed to simulate a real-life experience through translation of theory to practice. The program provides a valuable specialization to students interested in life sciences programs without having to go elsewhere for practical laboratory skills training.

Study in the newly equipped Bay of Quinte Skills Centre:

• Hands-on learning combines classroom theory and practical, lab-based instruction.
• Work in state-of-the-art Instrumentation and Molecular Biology labs equipped with PCR and DNA sequencing technology.
• Get experience with a wide variety of instrumentation used in genetics, microbiology, fermentation and forensics.
• Get on-the-job, practical experience with field placements in the second and third year.

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)
• Grade 12 Chemistry (C or U)

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or 
•  Grade 12 English (C or U)
•  Grade 12 Mathematics (C, M or U)
•  Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C, M or U)

• Minimum grades of 40% in all Grade 12 subjects. Must have program-required subjects in final year of high school

• OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND
• Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent