- MSc candidate in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto
- Research technologist, STEMCELL Technologies
- PhD candidate in Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia
- Research assistant, BC Cancer Agency
- Medical student, Ģą˝´«Ă˝School of Medicine
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time Ģą˝´«Ă˝international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all .
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Science website to learn more about Biotechnology.
Program information
Enjoy hands-on laboratory training and high-calibre foundational courses as you learn about scientific manipulation of living organisms. This program equips you with current scientific and technical expertise and the business and communication skills to start your biotechnology career as soon as you graduate.
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- Program length
- 1 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- Yes
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- Yes
- Faculty
- Faculty of Science
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science
What you'll learn
Biotechnology harnesses our scientific understanding of biology and chemistry to create products, processes, or services relevant to areas such as health, energy, agriculture, and the environment. Biotechnology applications include the design and production of vaccines, the discovery of new antibiotics, genetic engineering of tissues, the design of disease and drought resistant crops, and clean-up of environmental pollutants. The discipline uses computers to model biological structures and processes as well as analyze and compare DNA and RNA sequences. Some of the cutting-edge technologies employed in biotechnology include CRISPR Cas9 gene editing systems, mass spectrometry, and Next Generation DNA sequencing.
The Honours Bachelors of Biotechnology program is offered in cooperation with the BC Institute of Technology (BCIT). You must complete a 30-credit first-year program at Ģą˝´«Ă˝before transferring to BCIT for two years. Then you return to Ģą˝´«Ă˝for two years of academic and co-op work terms. The program spans a range of scientific disciplines including microbiology, immunology, virology, cell biology, plant biology, bioinformatics, chemistry, and statistics. The program also provides a solid foundation in business communications, accounting, and marketing.
Experiential learning and research
The Honours Biotechnology degree provides the best of two educational worlds: UBC’s leading-edge biotechnology research and teaching, and BCIT’s hands-on laboratory training and foundational courses. Laboratory and lecture components of the program are uniquely integrated through the use of an experiential approach to learning.
Program advantages
Study in a rigorous, highly specialized honours program. Complete laboratory training at BCIT. Enhance your learning and professional development with practical experience in co-operative work placements.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Biotechnology. Here are a few you might like.
Small-group experience where students study science in society, scientific process, and how to communicate scientific concepts.
Block registration for the biotechnology, microbiology, physiology, communication for biotechnology, organic chemistry, information technology, plant anatomy, plant physiology and cell biology courses taken in the Joint BCIT/Ģą˝´«Ă˝Degree in Biotechnology.
Block registration for the microbiology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, management and regulatory affairs, process systems, analytical chemistry and communication courses taken in the BCIT/Ģą˝´«Ă˝Joint Degree in Biotechnology.
Modern bioreactor technology, upstream and downstream processing of biotechnology products.
Outcomes
The Honours Biotechnology program helps you develop a strong foundation in skills relevant to the rapidly changing world of biotechnology and provides practical training in the skills and techniques of biotechnology. Co-op education is a mandatory part of the program, ensuring that you graduate with relevant work experience.
Many Honours in Biotechnology graduates go on to earn an MSc, PhD, MD, or MBA.
Program graduates
Take action & plan
Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the Ģą˝´«Ă˝Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Science
- IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL, or IB Math Applications and Interpretations HL (IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, are not acceptable)
- One of IB Biology, IB Chemistry, or IB Physics
- Grade 11 or equivalent Chemistry, and
- Grade 11 or equivalent Physics (may be waived with grades of 5 in IB Chemistry and in your IB Mathematics course)
Note: Grade 11 Chemistry and Physics requirements listed are only relevant to students who are not completing the equivalent IB Diploma Chemistry and/or Physics courses.
For students studying outside of Canada, some examples of courses that may be accepted as Grade 11 equivalents are junior-level courses for American students, and IGCSE and O Level for those following British-patterned curricula.
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Sciences
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit Ģą˝´«Ă˝in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current Ģą˝´«Ă˝students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Science website to learn more about Biotechnology.
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time Ģą˝´«Ă˝international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all .
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Science website to learn more about Biotechnology.