FAQ
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the current and historical study and manipulation of living things or their components, for the benefit of human affairs. Applications can include the production of drugs, synthetic hormones, food production and processing, as well as the bioconversion of organic waste and the use of genetically altered bacteria in the cleanup of oil spills.
What type of work would a Biotechnologist do?
Biotechnologists are trained as ‘Bench’ Scientists, yet their experience can be applied from the laboratory to the field. Students develop technical and analytical skills which may include tissue culture for growing tissues or cells, similar to those used in plant propagation and in the production of drugs such as penicillin and monoclonal antibodies, and DNA manipulation, an analysis utilized in all molecular, cellular and developmental areas.
What type of experiments would I complete in the Biotechnology program?
Examples of some laboratory experiments include microscopy, various chromatographic procedures, organic transformations, microbial detection, enzyme kinetics, bacterial transformations, plant regeneration and transformations, protein expression isolation and purification, and molecular genetic analysis.
What are some future job titles for graduates of the Biotechnology program?
Examples of some job titles include Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Technologist, Quality Control Operator, Lab Analyst, Water Resources Technician, Equipment Verification Lab Assistant, Quality Assurance Technician, Wastewater Analyst, Microbiology Technician
What is the difference between the co-op program and the standard program?
The Co-op program allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience through a paid work term. Students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op course, readiness activities and workshops. For more information on co-op, please visit the Co-op & Career Centre page.
Do I need a computer?
As a mobile learning environment engaging our students in collaborative e-learning, students become skilled with technology used in the workplace. Students will need a computing device that meets the specifications outlined in our program. Please visit the BYOD page for computer specifications for our program.
Who can I contact if I have further questions about the program that are not answered on the website?
If you have any further questions about the program, please feel free to contact our program coordinator at gilmetj@algonquincollege.com
Once I have completed my studies, are there additional programs I may take to continue my education?
Yes, there are available pathways from our program to other programs. To learn more, please use the Pathway Finder Tool on our website.
What should I research if I want to learn more?
If you’d like to learn more about Biotechnology associations and innovations, please see the following links.