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Biotechnology

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Program Code: BT211
Credential: Diploma
Start Dates: January, September
Program Length: 4 semesters
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

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.

Students will benefit from:

  • a unique integrated approach
  • acquiring a recognized skillset applicable to a wide variety of employment opportunities
  • extensive applied/hands-on laboratory experience
  • integrative project work that links applied and academic fields (simulating real work experiences)
  • laboratory skills development linked to industry demands
  • learning to adapt to the changing field and staying current
  • learning to operate laboratory equipment stable in the field of science and biotechnology
  • simulated learning environments

START-COMPLETION TIMELINE

September - students beginning their studies in September complete the program in two academic years with one summer break between the second and third semester

January - students beginning their studies in January are enrolled in a fast-track option. This option allows for completion of the full diploma in four consecutive semesters, including the summer term.

DNA molecule spiral

The Humber Advantage

State-of-the-art Facility

Step into our laboratory, where learning transcends the theoretical realm. Immerse yourself in an environment filled with cutting edge instrumentation and spectroscopic tools, providing learners with hands-on training and technical skills that exceed industry expectations.

Dedicated to nurturing your growth, our laboratory space serves not just as a space for experimentation and scientific inquiry, but as a dynamic environment where classroom lessons seamlessly merge with practical applications. As a student in the Biotechnology program, you will spend over 300+ hours in our laboratory learning cutting-edge molecular biology, biochemical, and chemistry techniques from research and industry-trained experts dedicated to preparing you for an exciting career in biotechnology!


A Program Designed For YOU

The Biotechnology Program at Humber College has been carefully designed to ignite your passion and unleash your potential. Our four-semester, two-year program has you engaging with wet-laboratory work on day one to support, reinforce, and provide essential context to your theoretical teachings.

Our expert Faculty are focused on transforming you into a confident, career-ready graduate through lecture-based and experiential learning, supporting and guiding you every step of the way.

The Humber Experience

The Right Fit

Are you a naturally curious individual, with an interest in how and why the natural world behaves in the way that it does? Do you have a keen eye for detail, a knack for problem-solving, a passion for innovation, and an insatiable interest for scientific inquiry? Are you ready to push the boundaries of scientific discovery? If so, let us help you get ready for an exciting and fulfilling career in Biotechnology!

Testimonials

Interested in Biotechnology at Humber College yet want to know more before enrolling?

Your Career

Biotechnology has applications in many industrial fields. The broad extent of biotechnological application in modifying biological systems for specific and beneficial uses in society has created an overwhelming demand for skilled talents. While Canada has the opportunity to capitalize on biotechnology, it has a critical shortage of highly skilled talents. Our program prepares students to move into entry-level laboratory science positions in diverse bio-based sectors such as:

  • agriculture
  • bioinformatics
  • development and manufacturing
  • environmental assessment
  • food and beverage bioprocesses
  • health
  • medical diagnostic testing
  • pharmaceutical preparation
  • protection and remediation
  • related research and development
  • testing industrial product analysis

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based North Open
Jan 2025 Course-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based North Open
Jan 2025 Course-Based North Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based North Open
Jan 2025 Course-Based North Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Upcoming Recruitment Events

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Can't make it to campus? Visit Experience Humber Virtually  

Ask questions in live virtual Q&A chats with Ask Humber  

Come to Humber and experience interdisciplinary learning across five Centres of Innovation (COIs)

About the Humber COIs  

News Feed

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IPE Blackboard Site

Wed, December 20, 2023

The Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness is launching a new tutorial Blackboard site entirely dedicated to IPE!

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Navigating Health Care

Thu, September 28, 2023

Humber’s North Campus was proud to host The Central West Navigation Conference on Tues Sep 26.

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Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Matthew DaCosta, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 4495
matthew.dacosta@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
      • Grade 12 Mathematics (MAP4C, MCT4C, MDM4U, MCB4U, MGA4U, MCV4U or MHF4U or equivalent)
      • Grade 11 or 12 Biology (SBI3C, SBI3U or SBI4U or equivalent)
      • Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (SCH3U, SCH4C or SCH4U or equivalent)

    or

    or 

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

N/A

Equipment & Device Requirements

Semester 1

Details and Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Processor Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac) (PC)
Intel i5-8300H (PC)
4-core or higher 64bit (Mac)
OS Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Windows 10 (PC)
OS 10.15 (Mac)
Memory 8GB of RAM 8GB of RAM
Storage 256GB 256GB
Monitor Laptop Laptop
Other Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite Built-in microphone and webcam, Software: Adobe creative and Microsoft office Suite

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Matthew DaCosta, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 4495
matthew.dacosta@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $4,064.34
  • international: $17,143.90

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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