Biotechnology - Advanced - 671

Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Three years
OSAP Checkmark OSAP Eligible
Explore biology at the molecular, micro and engineering levels. Participate in world class labs and research to solve real world problems in the food, environmental, pharmaceutical and medical fields.
Join us at our Open House to explore the many opportunities we have to offer.

Program Highlights

  • Elite program at the technologist level provides sought-after lab skills and training in cutting-edge trends in the biotechnology field.
  • Graduates have enhanced opportunities for biotechnology careers and pathways to university.

What you'll learn

  • Fundamentals of applied molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, analytical instrumentation and bioengineering.
  • Investigate the advanced topics of clinical trials, drug discovery, cell culture, environmental biology and laboratory management.

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Program Length

3 academic years (periods of 8 months), plus co-op

.

Admission

  • OSSD or equivalent (Mohawk Academic Upgrading, GED) including:
    • Grade 12 English, C or U or equivalent
    • Grade 12 Mathematics; MAP4C ≥ 80% or MCT4C; or any U or equivalent*
    • Senior Science (Chemistry or Biology) is recommended
  • Options are available for mature applicants

Language Requirements for Applicants with English as a Second Language

Don't have the necessary requirements?

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English.

Tuition and Fees

2024 - 2025 Domestic Tuition and Fees

DescriptionSemester 1Semester 2
Compulsory Ancillary Fees$881.96$785.16
Co-op Fees$333.59$297.33
Compulsory Program Fees$0.00$0.00
Domestic Tuition$1,948.31$1,948.31
Total Domestic Charges Per Semester$3,163.86$3,030.80
Total 1st Year Fees$6,194.66

Above fees based on full-time September program start date. Contact Student Services to confirm fees for other start dates or semesters.


2024 - 2025 International Tuition and Fees

DescriptionSemester 1Semester 2
Total Tuition & Ancillary Fee$9,055.00$9,055.00
Co-op Fees$333.59$297.33
Program Compulsory Fees$0.00$0.00
International Tax Recovery$450.00$375.00
Total International Per Semester$9,838.59$9,727.33
Total 1st Year Fees$19,565.92

If you pay by wire transfer, please note your bank might charge you a fee to transfer money. Make sure your transfer includes the Mohawk payment and the wire transfer fee. This applies to each wire transfer payment you make.

Financial Assistance

When it comes to paying for your education, investing in your future can be more affordable than you think. A Mohawk education is one of the most cost-effective means of acquiring the skills and knowledge you need to have a prosperous and rewarding career. 

As you start on your chosen career path, it's important to have a realistic set of expectations regarding the expenses associated with attending college. In addition to your tuition fees, you will also need to budget for books, supplies, housing, and other related living expenses. You may be able to supplement your income and savings with scholarships, bursaries, or loans. It pays to do some research into what types of financial assistance you may qualify for.

Available Financial Assistance Resources:

Apply for Awards:

By submitting a Scholarships and Bursaries Application every semester, students have access to over $3 million in Mohawk College scholarships, bursaries and Ministry-partnered funding to help meet their financial needs.

Financial Literacy and Money Coaching:

Whether saving for school, sticking to a budget, or planning for a major purchase, financial literacy affects us all. That's why Mo' Money is committed to helping our students improve their money skills and become more confident with their money.

Course Overview & Descriptions

Click on the course title for a course description.

Experiential Learning

How you’ll gain skills

  • Receive classroom instruction combined with hands-on laboratory experience to perform and coordinate tasks in the following areas:
    • DNA analysis including electrophoresis, cloning and PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
    • Protein analysis including electrophoresis and chromatography
    • DNA and protein absorption spectrophotometry
    • Basic and Advanced techniques in microbiology
    • Cell Biology and Cell Culture
    • Food safety
    • Immunology and Virology
    • Bioengineering
    • Instrumentation
  • Gain valuable experience during co-op work terms.

To learn more, please visit the Centre for Experiential Learning.

 

Co-op Format (Fall Intake)

September to DecemberJanuary to AprilMay to August
Semester 1Semester 2Vacation
Semester 3Semester 4Work Term 1 (Co-op)
Semester 5Work Term 2 (Co-op)Work Term 3 (Co-op)
Work Term 4 (Co-op)Semester 6 

Co-op Format (Winter Intake)

January to AprilMay to AugustSeptember to December
Semester 1Semester 2Semester 3
Semester 4Work Term 1 (Co-op)Semester 5
Work Term 2 (Co-opWork Term 3 (Co-op)Work Term 4 (Co-op)
Semester 6  

 

Co-op Delivery and Fees

This program has a mandatory co-op, as part of the program of study. The annual co-op fee structure can be found on the Tuition and Fees page.

For questions, please contact the Co-op Specialist listed at the bottom of the webpage.

Driver's License and Vehicle

Please note that the majority of co-op positions for this program require that students have a valid driver's license ('G' class preferred) and access to a vehicle.

Co-op Designation

This program offers four co-op work term opportunities but requires two completed co-op work terms for the co-op designation. 

Work Term Capabilities

(which do not reflect individual's personal work experience)

Classroom instruction, combined with hands-on laboratory experience, have provided the student with sufficient knowledge to perform tasks in the following areas:

  • Micropipetting, extractions, titrations, centrifugation and pH measurements using Good Lab Practices (GLP)
  • DNA analysis (DNA quantification, agarose gel electrophoresis, use of gel documentation equipment/software, transformations, cloning, PCR, qPCR) 
  • Protein Analysis (protein quantification, SDS PAGE, Western blotting, chromatography)
  • Techniques in general, food, and pharmaceutical microbiology
  • Techniques in plant and animal cell culture (biosafety cabinet use)
  • Bioreactor/Fermentation Technology​
  • Pharmaceutical Quality Guidelines (GLPs, GMPs, ICH, USP)
  • SOPs, Good Documentation Practices
  • HPLC, GC-MS
  • Quality control
  • Aseptic Techniques

 

Co-op Pay RangeCo-op Pay Average
Range: $17.20 - $23.00Average: $19.00

 

For further information, please contact:

Rebecca Larson, Co-op Specialist
Phone: 905-575-2163
Email: rebecca.larson [at] mohawkcollege.ca (Rebecca Larson)

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes, often referred to as ‘Program Standards', set out the essential learning that a student must achieve before being deemed ready to graduate.

In many cases these program learning outcomes were developed by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) in consultation with employers and educators who are experts in the program field. To ensure the outcomes remain current and in line with industry needs, we invite our employers, graduates working in the field and current students to re-examine and update them during regular, ongoing program review focus groups.

Career Opportunities

Your future career options

  • Biotech Laboratory Technologist
  • Biotech Production and Technical Sales Representative
  • Production Management
  • Quality Control
  • Water Treatment
  • Bioremediation
  • Biotech Research

Where you could work includes:

  • Food and Agriculture
  • Biotechnology Research
  • Pharmaceutical and Biologic Production
  • Bioscience Laboratories (Public & Private)
  • Water/Waste Water Facilities
  • Bioremediation Companies
  • Biofuel Companies

Opportunities for grads

  • Graduates may be eligible to be registered as associate members of The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).

Educational Pathways

 

Pathways to Mohawk 

If you've successfully taken a course at another post-secondary institution, you may be able to earn course exemptions toward your credential here at Mohawk.


 

If you have successfully completed one of the following programs at Mohawk, you may be eligible to receive transfer credit in this program.

Transfer from

You can transfer to the Biotechnology - Advanced - 671 from the following programs:

Biotechnology

Campus
Fennell Campus (FF)
Credential
Ontario College Diploma

Receiving Program

Transfer to

You can transfer from the Biotechnology - Advanced - 671 to the following programs:

Digital Health

Campus
Fennell Campus (FF)
Credential
Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Credit transfer agreements have been arranged to make it easier for students to move from Mohawk to another institution.

Transfer From Biotechnology - Advanced To

Athabasca University

Program Name
See below for Biotechnology - Advanced pathways
Opportunity Details

Bachelor of Science - PD

Bachelor of Science  - PD with Majors:

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Computing Information Systems
  • Human Science
Location

1 University Dr
Athabasca AB T9S 3A3
Canada

Davenport University

Program Name
See below for Biotechnology Advanced pathways
Opportunity Details

Bachelor of Science – Health Services Administration

Location

6191 Kraft Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
United States

Fanshawe College

Program Name
See below for Biotechnology - Advanced pathways
Opportunity Details

Honours Bachelor of Applied Technology - Biotechnology (Degree)

Location

1001 Fanshawe College Blvd
London ON N5Y 5R6
Canada

McMaster University

Program Name
See below for Biotechnology - Advanced pathways
Opportunity Details

Bachelor of Technology - Biotechnology Combined Degree/Diploma Program

Location

1280 Main Street West
Hamilton ON L8S 4L8
Canada

Mohawk College makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of each transfer opportunity. Please note that changes may occur in program offerings, admission requirements, and transfer credits granted by the receiving institutions. We advise all students to check with the receiving institution directly for the most up-to-date information.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Search ONTransfer.ca for more pathways with Ontario public colleges and universities.

Mohawk College makes no warranty or endorsement of material contained within links to external websites, nor does the College assume any responsibility for the linked website or its contents.

Tech requirements

Technical Requirements

Computer capable of running Microsoft Office 365, good internet access.

Contact Ayaaz Pirani for student enquires.

Program Coordinator

Faculty

Contact us

Domestic Canadian Students

Contact Student Recruitment
Haven’t applied yet and have questions?
Contact our Student Recruitment team for information on programs, how to apply, and more.

Contact Admissions
Contact our Admissions advisors for help with your application.
Contact Admissions
Phone: 1-844-767-6871

International Students

Contact International Student Recruitment
Contact our International Student Recruitment team for information on programs, how to apply, and student life.
Contact International
Email: intl.representatives@mohawkcollege.ca
Phone: 1-905-575-2254
Toll free phone numbers:
For general questions: 1-888-Mohawk9 (1-888-664-2959)
North China: 10-800-714-2521
South China: 10-800-140-2541
Brazil: 0800-022-7408
Philippines: 180011102544

Contact International Admissions
Contact our Admissions advisors for help with your application.
Contact International Admissions
Phone: 1-905-575-2254

*Not all programs are international eligible. Please see our programs available for international students.

Accessible Learning Services

Are you a student with a confirmed or suspected disability? Visit our Accessible Learning Services website to discover how we can help you.

Academic Program Coordinator

Usha Vivegananthan
Email: usha.vivegananthan@mohawkcollege.ca
Phone: 905-575-1212 ext. 3123
Discipline: Academic Program Co-ordinator | Bio Chemical Envir Tech

Program Coordinator

Contact Ayaaz Pirani for student enquires.

Canadian Domestic Students

Fennell Campus (FF)
Jan 2025
Open
Sep 2025
Open
Jan 2026
Open

International Students

Co-op information
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Additional Information


We're here to help

We’re here for you to support applications and admissions by providing online and virtual service.

 

Applied and have questions?
The admissions team is available to help, you can contact them via Admissions or by phone at 1-844-767-6871.

 

Haven’t applied and need help?
Contact us or phone 1-844-767-6871.


Take a virtual campus tour

Explore Mohawk College from the comfort of home! Our virtual campus tours provide a guided visit of our buildings, labs, services, classrooms and athletic and recreation centre.

 

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Program delivery

Learn about program delivery terms.

 

Please note: in-person, virtual, and hybrid classes vary according to the program and some programs may be in-person only. Refer to the Program Overview for more information.

Shelby Hinschberger

I was able to land a position as a Lead Laboratory Technologist upon graduation because of the experiences, laboratory skills and resources I attained from Mohawk College.

One piece of advice I would offer to new students beginning the Biotechnology – Advanced program is to utilize your professors and fellow classmates. Independent learning is important, but most lessons are learned through trial and error and discussion. Your professors are there to help you succeed.

Shelby Hinschberger, 2018