Biotechnology

Biotechnology is one of Canada’s most unique programs. Student enrolled in this program will gain cross-institutional training through two years of learning study and intensive learning of laboratory skills at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) followed by two years of continued learning scientific theory and laboratory training at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Your co-op work experience will take the form of co-op work placements at a variety of organizations in Canada and potentially internationally. You must complete all four work terms in order to receive a co-op designation on your transcript. Your first work term placement starts after the completion of your first academic year within the program while studying at BCIT. You will also be given a choice of following one of three customized schedules to accommodate the completion of your academic requirements.

Application Deadlines

Students must first be accepted into the 2-year BCIT Biotechnology program. Application to the program and program-specific information is available on the BCIT and UBC websites.

 

Apply to Science Co-op Now

We’ll run you through the application requirements, and then you’ll be prompted to create an account in SCOPE, the UBC Science Co-op Information System.

Application Requirements

 

Work-Term Schedules

The schedules below are highly recommended by the Co-op Program in order for students to complete their program within the shortest time frame. Alternate scheduling is available in consultation with your Co-op Coordinator. 

    BCIT Terms   UBC Terms

Schedule A

 

Year Fall Winter Summer
1 1st Year College / University Transfer
2 Study Term 1 Study Term 2 Work Term 1
3 Study Term 3 Study Term 4 Work Term 2
4 Study Term 5 Work Term 3 Work Term 4
5 Study Term 6 Study Term 7        -

Schedule B

Year Fall Winter Summer
1 1st Year College / University Transfer
2 Study Term 1 Study Term 2 Work Term 1
3 Study Term 3 Study Term 4 Work Term 2
4 Work Term 3 Study Term 5 Work Term 4
5 Study Term 6 Study Term 7        -

Schedule C

Year Fall Winter Summer
1 1st Year College / University Transfer
2 Study Term 1 Study Term 2 Work Term 1
3 Study Term 3 Study Term 4 Work Term 2
4 Study Term 5 Study Term 6 Work Term 3
5 Work Term 4 Study Term 7        -

 

Sample Jobs and Companies

Acuitas Therapeutics
Work with development of lipid nanoparticle delivery of nucleic acid-based therapies. Conduct or support specific preclinical studies including the processing of blood/tissue samples for analysis, carrying out ELISA assays, multiplex cytokine assays, participating in flow cytometry experiments, DNA/RNA extraction and other routine laboratory duties as needed. Analyze and interpret data independently and as part of team. Maintain up to date and accurate laboratory notes and data files as well as regularly prepare internal reports of their work, written or otherwise
STEMCELL™
Development and validation of immunomagnetic cell separation methods to isolate specific cell types (human and/or mouse) from a mixed cell suspension by labeling either the desired cells or the unwanted cells with specific monoclonal antibodies and magnetic nanoparticles, and then selecting the labeled cells (positive selection) or unlabelled cells (negative selection), respectively. Testing the effect of various parameters on the effectiveness of the cell separation, and analysis of the cell samples by flow cytometry and cell culture. Responsible for preparing reports and data for presentation at lab meetings, collaborating with the Production and QC departments in production and testing of products, and maintaining lab equipment, ordering lab supplies, stocking lab shelves etc.

 

Apply to Science Co-op Now

We’ll run you through the application requirements, and then you’ll be prompted to create an account in SCOPE, the UBC Science Co-op Information System.

Made a mistake on your application?

Just log into SCOPE and edit your application. For technical support contact science.coop@ubc.ca.

Explore Biotechnology: Visit the department site.