See if you qualify
Students wishing to apply for admission to the MSc or PhD program in Biotechnology should first review the admission requirements using the links below to see if they qualify.
- University entrance requirements
- MSc in Biotechnology entrance requirements
- PhD in Biotechnology entrance requirements
Find a supervisor
Acceptance into the program also requires that a participating member in the Centre for Biotechnology agrees to supervise the student’s research program. Prospective students should to the following:
- Look at the summary of the research areas of the participating faculty members and
read several recent research publications by those whose research is of interest - Contact potential supervisors and explain in detail why you would like to work for them. Use the papers you have read to explain which aspects of the research are particularly interesting to you. More tips about contacting potential supervisors can be found here
Apply online
When you have found a faculty member who is willing to supervise you, use the online application portal to apply. Follow the instructions given here
The Biotechnology Graduate Program
“In the training of surgeons, there is an old saying; ‘See one. Do one. Teach one’ The education of scientists is quite similar, and the relationship between a graduate student and supervisor is very close to that between an expert and an apprentice. Graduate students at Brock University receive more than just facts from their research supervisors, but also the complex skills of tackling difficult problems as part of a diverse team of skilled colleagues. These lessons and relationships last a very long time – a lifetime.” – Dr. Jeffrey Atkinson, past-Director of the Centre for Biotechnology.
Program Description
The Biotechnology program provides graduate students with training and experience in a very broad range of chemical, biochemical, and biological approaches to technologies that use living organisms or the products therefrom to make novel materials, measurements, processes, or services.
The biotechnology industry encompasses an enormous variation in products and services, from food technologies (wine and beer, cheese, and other fermented foodstuffs), advanced biomedical applications such as pharmaceuticals produced by less environmentally disrupting Green Chemistry, to the detection and modification of genes in microorganisms, plants and animals.
Specializations
The graduate programs offered by the Centre for Biotechnology encompass the broad fields of:
- Chemical and gene biotechnology
- Ecological-based biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical biotechnology
- Plant and plant-product biotechnology
- Applied microbiology
These fields are interdisciplinary in nature and collaboration between participating faculty and departments is encouraged.
Chemical Biotechnology involves the use of the tools and techniques of chemistry to understand and manipulate biological processes.
Gene Biotechnology involves the use of DNA technology, bioinformatics and microbiological techniques to study biological phenomena.
Ecological-based Biotechnology evaluates plant, insect or animal interactions with the potential for natural product development.
Graduates of these programs work in such areas as pharmaceuticals and related human health activities, food and science and nutritional biochemistry, environment, agriculture, energy, as well as biotechnological related issues of finance and policy.
Highlights
Our research scientists take pride in providing a vibrant, active research environment on par with the best in Canada and beyond.
Most research teams are invigorated by productive collaborations with other scientific teams around the world.
Students therefore learn how a complex research effort is coordinated between principal investigators. These skills are critical whether your future takes you to academia, government, or industry. Research is too complex these days to rely entirely on local expertise.
The most unique feature of this program is the interdisciplinary nature of the degree, providing students with opportunities in both Chemistry and Biology. For example, graduate students working with gene biotechnology may also collaborate with analytical chemists adept in mass spectroscopy. Graduate students will be exposed to a vast array of molecular biology and analytical chemistry techniques.
Why Choose This Program
The Biotechnology program at Brock University gives graduate students the opportunity to take part in cutting edge research and scientific training, while also imparting organizational and communication skills that give them excellent preparation for a range of career options. Past students have gone on to become leaders in industry, government, and academia.
Opportunities
During the course of graduate studies in the Biotechnology program, students are trained in a wide array of molecular biology and analytical techniques. Many employers are seeking graduates with wider breadth of specialized skill sets and the Biotechnology program meets this demand.
Success as a professional scientist requires a special set of communication skills both oral and written. Graduate students in the Biotechnology program receive specialized training in scientific communication through scientific writing and research seminar courses. Most students will also attend and present their research at national and international scientific meetings. These meetings also provide an opportunity to establish a personal network of contacts with other scientists that will accelerate and enhance a student’s career path.
With the opening of the Cairns Complex in 2012 Biotechnology research at Brock, moved into world-class lab space designed for work in the life sciences. Large new labs with advanced design features, provide a great work environment for students. The building also has shared office space and common areas for graduate students that encourage interactions with fellow students in a bright welcoming atmosphere.
Visit these two links for further information about the research facilities:
