Honours Bachelor of Applied Technology - Biotechnology
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Program Overview
Honours Bachelor of Applied Technology is a four-year degree program with a mandatory co-op component. Students will develop skills in experimental design, statistical data analysis, bioinformatics and handling microbial, plant, and animal material for genetic analysis. Graduates of this program will feel confident entering the workforce after completing a four-month co-op program to develop the necessary interpersonal and communication skills.
international only
No
PGWP
Yes
CIP Code
26.1201
Program Details
Program Code
BIO2
Credential:
Degree
Duration
120 weeks
Canadian Students
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
International Students
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
Your Learning Experience
Stem cells, natural and synthesized pharmaceuticals, molecular biology and chemical instrumentation are among the most in-demand fields of scientific study today. Coupled with Fanshawe's honours bachelor degree in Biotechnology, you'll have eight semesters of academic study and at least four months of related co-op experience to prepare you for work in these exciting areas.
As a biotech degree student, you'll develop skills in experimental design, statistical data analysis, bioinformatics, chemical analysis and handling microbial, plant, and animal material for genetic analysis. Throughout the biotechnology degree program, there will be a strong focus on how biotechnology relates to regulatory affairs, quality assurance, bioethics, and biohazard management.
In this biotechnology program, you will learn:
- Plant and animal tissue culture, applied biotechnology methods including PCR and qPCR, microbiology, virology, DNA and RNA and protein and lipid purification and analysis, instrumental chemistry, and economic, ethical and environmental issues. During your four-month required co-op, you'll hone your research skills and develop the interpersonal and communication expertise necessary for life beyond the degree.
This program is a four-year, eight level honours program with four months of mandatory co-op experience. This program will prepare graduates for jobs in growth areas of Applied Biotechnology such as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, agriculture, bioremediation, the fermentation industry, chemical purification, research and development to name a few. Following program completion graduate school is also an option. Students will study molecular biology, physical, organic and instrumental chemistry, applied biotechnology, microbiology, virology, toxicology; and related societal, economic, ethical, legal, and environmental issues.
Graduates will be skilled in the handling of microbial, plant, and animal genetic material and macromolecule analysis, small animal handling, experimental design, statistical data analysis, and bioinformatics. Throughout the program, students will apply this knowledge to regulatory affairs, quality assurance, bioethics, and biohazard management while developing interpersonal and communication expertise, and the skills necessary for life long learning.
Co-op Opportunities & Career Information
Co-op Opportunities
The Honours Bachelor of Applied Technology – Biotechnology program requires completion of a cooperative education component, which provides students the opportunity to gain invaluable first-hand workplace experience in the Biotechnology sector. Here are some co-op jobs that have kick-started the careers of Honours Bachelor of Applied Technology - Biotechnology students before graduating!
- Sample Preparation Technician
Follow established procedures in the preparation of agriculture, chemical or food samples for analysis. - Lab/Research Assistant
Laboratory-based tasks such as sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analyzing results. - Quality Control or Assurance Technician
Monitor and improve the quality and safety of food and beverages while ensuring required procedures are met.
For more information regarding co-op, please check out our co-op site or contact the Co-op Office at coop@fanshawec.ca to connect with a consultant.
Career Information
Graduates of this Honours four-year degree program have the opportunity to pursue a wide variety of careers within the Biotechnology sector, including:
- Medical, agricultural and basic research
- New product development
- Laboratory management
- Molecular and chemical analysis in the agricultural industry
- Quality control / quality assurance
- Fermentation chemistry in the beer and wine industry
- Pharmaceutical production and sales
- Forensic analysis
- Risk assessment and management
- Technical writing
Graduates also have the option of pursuing additional degrees and/or certifications that can open the door to the following careers:
- Environmental remediation
- Public health and hospital lab and training opportunities
- Alternate energy development
- Downstream processing of waste products
- Project management
- Intellectual property manager
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Honours Bachelor of Applied Technology - Biotechnology program:
- Microbiology Laboratory Analyst
Prepare and maintain equipment and gather specimen samples for analysis. Help microbiologists identify microorganisms found in samples of water or other substances. - Quality Assurance Technician
Perform quality control checks on products during the production cycle to ensure safety regulations are met. - Biotechnologist and Fermentation Specialist
Design, set-up and perform experiments to improve product quality and yield.
I chose the Biotechnology degree because it provides me with sufficient knowledge in the field of science and technology while allowing me to acquire excellent laboratory skills. I’m confident this program will enable me to acquire a challenging position in the field of science and research.
Rahaf Alfares
4th year student
Program progression
Fall | Winter | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Start Level 1 | Class Level 2 | Off |
| Year 2 | Class Level 3 | Class Level 4 | Co-op/Off |
| Year 3 | Class Level 5 | Class Level 6 | Co-op/Off |
| Year 4 | Class Level 7 | Class Level 8/End | N/A |
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
1. Perform all laboratory tasks according to accepted laboratory practices.
2. Demonstrate theoretical and practical skills in molecular biology.
3. Assist in the design of good experimental and laboratory management practices and procedures.
4. Obtain a sound practical background in the interdisciplinary subjects that are the basis of Biotechnology.
5. Perform all duties in a manner that adheres to the principles of good data management.
6. Conduct all functions with a full understanding of and in adherence to relevant regulatory and ethical issues and requirements.
7. Apply procedures of bio-processing in both laboratory and industrial settings.
8. Apply strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills to course teamwork, assignments, and case situations.
9. Understand, value and respect the diverse social, political, cultural, and ethical context in which he or she will live and work.
10. Develop plans for lifelong learning that include strategies for ensuring professional and technological currency.
Related Programs
Academic School
Biotechnology Degree Program Coordinator:
Pieter Anborgh
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature applicant with the following courses
- Grade 12 Advanced Functions (U) or Grade 12 Calculus and Vectors (U)
- Grade 12 Biology (U)
- Grade 12 Chemistry (U)
- Three additional Grade 12 University (U or M) courses
- Final minimum average of 70.0% based on the highest six Grade 12 (U or M) courses
Applicants with Post-secondary Education
- Applicants who have successfully completed a two-year diploma at an accredited college with an overall GPA of 2.5 will be considered as having met the admission requirements if they also have grade 12 (or equivalent) U level Math, Biology and Chemistry courses.
- Applicants applying from a university with a minimum average of 65% in the last ten full credit or full credit equivalent courses will be considered as having met the admission requirements if they also have grade 12 (or equivalent) U level Math, Biology and Chemistry courses.
Applicants missing the required courses may want to consider our General Arts and Science - One Year program where they can earn Grade 12, U level credits.
Note: Qualifying graduates of the Chemical Laboratory Technology - Science Laboratory advanced diploma have the option to receive advanced standing into this degree program.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by one of the following methods:
- A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School, or equivalent, depending on the program's Admission Requirements
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 88 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test with an overall score of 7.0 with no score less than 6.5 in reading and listening and a score of 7.0 in writing and speaking, with test results within the last two years
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test with an overall score of 70, with test results within the last two years
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a minimum score of 65, with test results within the last two years
- A Cambridge English Test (FCE/CAE/CPE) with an overall score on the Cambridge English Scale of 185 with no score less than 176 in reading and listening and 185 in writing and speaking, with test results within the last two years
- Fanshawe College ESL4/GAP5 students: Minimum grade of 80% in
ESL4/GAP5 Level 9 or 75% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10
Recommended Academic Preparation
Recommended Academic Preparation
- Grade 12 Physics (U)
- Grade 12 English (U)
Advanced Standing
Advanced Standing
- Applicants applying for individual course credits from Canadian universities must provide a detailed course content of theory and laboratory exercises (if appropriate).
- International applicants may apply for course credit achieved at the post-secondary level. Detailed course content of theory and laboratory exercises from the international institution must be included with a transcript as part of the request (official documents provided to the Office of the Registrar in a sealed envelope). If translation of the documents into English is necessary this must be performed by a recognized service.
- Based on the guidelines established by the Postsecondary Quality Assessment Board for Honours Degree Programs, credits for advanced standing cannot exceed 50% of the program's total.
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
- Achievement in Post-Secondary Studies* (if applicable)
Post-Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
Ministry Consent and Accreditation
President: P.
Devlin, CMM, MSC, CD, HBA, MSS
Senior Vice-President Academic Services: G. Lima,
MA
Vice-President Student Services: M. Beaudoin,
BA, MLS
Dean, Faculty of Technology: S.
Patterson, MEd, HBA
Associate Dean, School of Applied Science
and Technology: L. Engel, MA
Faculty:
P. S. Argall, PhD
K. Bucholz, MSc
M. Jennings, PhD
C. Ketola, PhD
D. Quesnel, PEng, PhD
S. Thyssen, PhD
J. Zhang, PhD
Within the program, breadth courses are taught by a variety of
faculty with graduate credentials in Social Sciences, Humanities
and Sciences.
Fanshawe College has been granted a consent by the Minister of
Colleges and Universities to offer this degree program for a
seven-year term starting September 2020. The College shall ensure
that all students admitted to the above-named program during the
period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program
within a reasonable time frame.
Courses
| Core Courses | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory (Core) Courses: The Minimum Cumulative GPA for Core Courses is 2.5 | ||||
Group 1 | ||||
| LEVEL 1 In addition to the following mandatory courses, please refer to the Non-Core Level 1 requirement below | ||||
| CHEM-7002 | Chemistry 1 | 4 | ||
| This course covers the basic concepts of matter, quantitative interpretation of chemical reactions, behaviour of gases, composition of atoms and their electron configurations, and chemical bonding. Laboratories provide opportunities to develop techniques while working on experiments related to theory. | ||||
| BIOL-7002 | Molecular Biology | 3 | ||
| This course is an introduction to the basic biological processes at the cellular and molecular level in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The cellular structure/function relationship at the macromolecular and genetic levels, DNA structure, chemistry, replication, gene expression and genetic changes are discussed. The laboratories and tutorials compliment the lectures by introducing basic laboratory techniques. Students develop skills in preparation, extraction and separation of cellular components, gel electrophoresis and serial dilutions. | ||||
| MATH-7002 | Mathematics 1 | 3 | ||
| This course provides a review of basic algebra and trigonometry concepts followed by an introduction to calculus of one variable. This course includes the concepts of limits and continuity, rules for finding the derivatives and integrals of polynomial functions, and applications of these concepts taken largely from the life sciences. | ||||
| COMP-7002 | Computers & Applications | 2 | ||
| This course uses MS Excel software to introduce spread sheets for data analysis and to solve statistical problems. Presenting data in a logical format for analysis will be emphasized. Various arithmetic functions, conditional statements and graphic analysis will be applied in addition to matrix manipulations and financial functions. An introduction to databases as well as an initiation to GenBank (National Center for Biotechnology Information) are also included. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London
*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.