Shape the Future of Biotechnology
Biotechnology is transforming industries worldwide, from healthcare to agriculture, with innovative approaches to tackle the world’s most urgent problems, from cancer to climate change. Building upon life sciences research, biotechnology has the potential to heal, feed, and fuel our planet. BCIT’s Biotechnology programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel in this rapidly evolving field.
Why Choose Biotechnology at BCIT?
BCIT’s Biotechnology programs offer hands-on training, work experience, and industry knowledge to prepare you for careers in biotechnology or life sciences research. Gain the skills and confidence to contribute to the development of innovative, world-changing technologies based on biology.
Foundational Expertise
Acquire a solid grounding in the foundational life sciences behind biotechnology—from biochemistry and genetics to immunology and cell biology.
Hands-on Training
Turn theory into practice with extensive life sciences laboratory work. Engage in lab-based projects that build experience with the tools and techniques of biotechnology.
Small Cohort Advantage
Learn in cohorts of about 20 students, benefiting from close faculty mentorship and strong peer collaboration. Build a lasting professional network.
Strong Career Pathways
Graduate with proven technical skills, industry knowledge, and the versatility to step into positions in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, or life sciences research.
Find Your Path in Biotechnology at BCIT?
From a one-week skills boost to a Bachelor of Science degree, BCIT offers multiple entry points into biotechnology and life sciences research. Explore the pathway that matches your goals—upgrade specific lab techniques, gain early exposure as a high school student, or pursue the full degree journey that blends hands-on lab training with academic depth.
Program Path
Honours in Biotechnology
UBC + BCIT Joint degree
Begin with one year of science fundamentals at UBC, then specialize in Biotechnology and immerse yourself in BCIT’s biotechnology labs for 2 years before returning to UBC to complete your degree. Integrate an impressive 16 months of co-operative education work experience. The Honours Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology provides a mix of hands‑on expertise, theoretical depth and professional development that biotech industry employers and graduate programs prize.
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Animal Cell Culture
Two-week lab course
Fast-track your animal cell culture skills in just two weeks through an intensive boot camp in BCIT’s Biotechnology labs. Gain hands-on experience maintaining and manipulating multiple animal cell lines and develop the good aseptic technique necessary to do this correctly and safely. Upon completion, earn a digital badge recognized by local biotechnology employers and a valuable credential to enhance your résumé and prepare for careers in biotechnology and life sciences research.
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Exploring Biotechnology Workshop
5-day high-school biotechnology experience
Motivated grade 10-12 students spend five dynamic days in BCIT’s biotechnology teaching labs, with a visit to a local biotechnology company included during the week. Gain hands-on laboratory experience in important life science areas like molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics and learn about real-world applications of biotechnology. Meet biotechnology industry scientists and discover potential education and career paths in both life sciences research and biotechnology.
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Find the right Biotechnology Program for You
BCIT’s Biotechnology programs equip both newcomers and working professionals with the hands-on lab skills, industry insight, and academic rigour demanded by today’s biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and life science research sectors. Choose from immersive degrees, focused microcredentials, or exploratory high school workshops—all designed to move you confidently toward your career goals.
The Joint UBC-BCIT Honors B.Sc. in Biotechnology. Hands-On. Industry Ready.
Combine UBC’s world-class science curriculum with BCIT’s unmatched small-cohort, hands-on learning. After a foundational year at UBC, you’ll spend two focused years in BCIT’s biotechnology labs before finishing back at UBC with advanced theory and research courses. 16 months of co-op work placements provide invaluable professional experience. Graduate with an Honours Bachelor of Science that gives you the confidence and skills to launch into biotechnology, life sciences research, or whatever path you wish to pursue.
Testimonial
“The UBC-BCIT Biotechnology degree, with its small classes, applicable labs and strong instructors gave me the tools and experience to break into the biotech industry. My protein production team at Zymeworks is made up of Biotech Program alumni – we produce antibody constructs using the very same principles that we learned in the labs at BCIT. The Biotech experience was instrumental in my ability to obtain my job – I learned how to prioritize, theorize and troubleshoot problems, while also facilitating my curiosity and love for science.”
Daniela Garcia, Biotechnology grad 2022, Research Associate I, Zymeworks