Student Experience

What to Expect

Students in the Biotechnology – Advanced program at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Canada develop the scientific knowledge and practical laboratory skills needed to contribute to the rapidly evolving biotechnology sector. Through a combination of classroom learning and extensive hands-on laboratory experience, students explore how biotechnology is advancing healthcare and diagnostics, agriculture, food production, industrial processes, and environmental sustainability.

Beginning in Fall 2025, students train in newly renovated, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities designed to support modern biotechnology education and applied research. Our laboratory courses mirror real-world biotechnology environments, emphasizing competency development, problem-solving, and hands-on learning through authentic laboratory workflows.

Students gain experience with a wide range of modern biotechnology techniques and instrumentation, including microbial and cell culture, plant tissue culture, molecular biology, genetic analysis, protein characterization, chromatography (HPLC, GC, GC/MS), spectroscopy (FT-IR), PCR and qPCR, aseptic technique, bioprocessing, and quality assurance practices commonly used in research and industry laboratories.

Partner with Local Industry on Applied Research Projects

A defining feature of the program is the opportunity to collaborate with industry and faculty on authentic research challenges. Through the third-year Innovations in Research and Development and Project Incubation courses, students work in small teams to design, execute, and present applied research projects generated by industry partners, faculty researchers, or student-led initiatives.

These experiences help students develop not only technical laboratory competencies, but also the project management, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills that are highly valued across the biotechnology sector