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
Application requirements
- Must be enrolled in the BCIT/UBC (Vancouver) Biotechnology program. For details please visit the BCIT Biotechnology page.
- International Students:
- When you transfer to UBC, please update your Designated Learning Institute (DLI) Number on the IRCC website. You can find the instructions here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/change-schools/account.html
- You can find UBC’s DLI Number on the following webpage under the section “What is UBC’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number”: https://students.ubc.ca/about-student-services/go-global/coming-ubc-study-abroad/visiting-international-research-virs/apply-initial-study-permit-virs
Work terms 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.
Schedule A
| Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (BCIT) | 1st Year College / University Transfer | ||
| 2 (BCIT) | Study Term 1 | Study Term 2 | Work Term 1 |
| 3 (BCIT) | Study Term 3 | Study Term 4 | Work Term 2 |
| 4 (UBC) | Study Term 5 | Work Term 3 | Work Term 4 |
| 5 (UBC) | Study Term 6 | Study Term 7 | - |
Schedule B
| Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (BCIT) | 1st Year College / University Transfer | ||
| 2 (BCIT) | Study Term 1 | Study Term 2 | Work Term 1 |
| 3 (BCIT) | Study Term 3 | Study Term 4 | Work Term 2 |
| 4 (UBC) | Work Term 3 | Study Term 5 | Work Term 4 |
| 5 (UBC) | Study Term 6 | Study Term 7 | - |
Schedule C
| Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (BCIT) | 1st Year College / University Transfer | ||
| 2 (BCIT) | Study Term 1 | Study Term 2 | Work Term 1 |
| 3 (BCIT) | Study Term 3 | Study Term 4 | Work Term 2 |
| 4 (UBC) | Study Term 5 | Study Term 6 | Work Term 3 |
| 5 (UBC) | 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.