BSc offered by the Faculty of Science
Have you always been intrigued by how humans use technology in unison with natural biological processes in the production of goods and services and to improve the environment around them? 91ÑÇɫ’s program provides an exciting opportunity to delve into a field with a huge demand for skilled workers projected over the next five years. You’ll gain hands-on experience through unique projects, such as the Sanofi-Pasteur Healthcare & Biotechnology Venture Challenge, where you can create business plans to bring lab innovations to market. Our comprehensive curriculum integrates molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry with courses in computer science, economics, and ethics, ensuring you understand both the scientific rigor and socio-economic aspects of biotechnology. This program prepares you for diverse career paths in medicine, pharmaceuticals, international development, and agricultural science. Join us to transform your passion into a rewarding career at the forefront of innovation!
Career Options in Biotechnology
Here are just some of the career options related to this major. As all degrees offer transferable skills, some jobs are more closely linked to this field, than others. Check for regional requirements.
- Author
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Designer/Developer
- Bioethicist
- bioinformatician
- Biostatistician
- Biotechnician
- Community Health Educator
- Cytologist
- Dietician
- Drug Developer
- Ecologist
- Endocrinologist
- Entrepreneur
- Food Scientist
- Forensic Specialist
- Fundraiser
- Geneticist
- Health Policy Advisor
- Hospital Coordinator
- Immunologist
- Journalist
- Laboratory Technician
- Media Correspondent
- Medical Technology Developer
- Medical Writer
- Microbiologist
- Molecular Biologist
- Neurologist
- Non-profit Administrator
- Optometrist
- Parasitologist
- Pharmacologist
- Physician
- Professor/Teacher
- Researcher
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Science Consultant
- Synthetic Biologist
- Technical Writer
- Toxicologist
Some career choices may require further education, such as graduate studies or professional courses and exams. For detailed career descriptions and specific requirements, please check .
Entry-Level Positions in Biotechnology
An undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For region-specific information, please check .
- Biotech Lab Technician
- Biotechnology Research Assistant
- Clinical Research Assistant
- Drug Development Assistant
- Environmental Health Technician
- Field Research Assistant
- Genomics Technician
- Lab Assistant
- Laboratory Technician
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Microbiology Technician
- Molecular Biology Technician
- Pharmaceutical Research Assistant
- Process Development Assistant
- Quality Control Technician
- Regulatory Affairs Assistant
- Research Technician
- Sales Support Specialist (Biotech)
- Supply Chain Technician
- Toxicology Technician
For career descriptions, visit . Some occupations may also be found on ; for login information, navigate to the Career Centre’s homepage in .
Skills Developed through a Degree in Biotechnology
Core Skills
- Sound understanding of fundamental concepts of physics, biological processes and mathematical principles and applied theory
- Exposure to the ethical and legal questions raised by biotechnological advancements and the modification of biological organisms or processes in the quest of better living standards
- The ability to solve problems and carry out experiments using the scientific method
- Extensive laboratory exposure and familiarity with techniques and procedures in laboratory settings
Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills
- The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements and written opinion pieces
- Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
- The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
- The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
- The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work
Management and Teamwork Skills
- The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project's intended end result
- Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
- The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
- The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects
Professional Associations and Organizations
Professional associations offer valuable insights into qualifications, industry trends, and career opportunities. They provide networking events, workshops, mentorship programs, and internships, as well as job boards and career development resources. Additionally, some associations offer professional licensing and regulatory oversight.
- The national industry association for Canada’s biotechnology sector, representing over 230 member companies (from start-ups to global pharmas), advocating on policy, regulatory, and investment issues
- : A national industry-led organization that supports the growth of the Canadian biotechnology sector by providing workforce solutions and talent development.
- (CBAN): A civil-society coalition of environmental, farmer, and justice groups that researches and campaigns on the risks of genetic engineering in food and farming.
- (SIMB): The Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology is a global professional association that promotes the development and application of microbiology and biotechnology to address industrial challenges.
- (BIO): The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) is the world’s largest trade association for biotechnology companies, advocating for policy, regulatory, and industry issues to advance biotechnology innovation.