Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology degree program combines practical and applied courses provided by the Bioscience Technology diploma program at Holland College with strong theoretical science courses at the University of Prince Edward Island. It is designed for students interested in obtaining a rigorous and broad training in biotechnology, such as gaining experience in research, laboratory procedures and safety, scientific ethics, and regulatory affairs, while increasing access to post-graduate opportunities (e.g., Master's degree programs). Students are provided with foundational science courses as well as senior specialized courses in the life sciences at the university level to complement the strong hands-on technical training acquired during the college diploma program. On-the-job training is provided for all students.

There are two paths into this program, so students can either start at Holland College or UPEI, and end up with the same articulated degree. The technical lab-based content is covered at Holland College in the Bioscience Technology diploma program, either during the first two years of the degree (for students who start at Holland College; Path 1) or in year 3 (for students who start at UPEI; Path 2). 

Note: Current UPEI students cannot declare Biotechnology as a major. If you are a current UPEI student and wish to enter the Biotechnology program, you must submit a new application.

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Course Structure
Program Pathways

Note: Current UPEI students should refer to Student Planning in myUPEI and the UPEI Academic Calendar governing their entry year, and speak to an academic advisor about course requirements. The course structure presented for this program is a recommended, unofficial progression for prospective students.


Note: As per Academic Regulation 1h, all undergraduate degree programs require successful completion of IKE-1040 (new for students beginning or returning after re-application in Fall 2022); one of UPEI-1010, UPEI-1020, or UPEI-1030, and a Writing Intensive Course. 


Pathway 1 - Starting At Holland College ('2+2')

If students have received a Bioscience Technology diploma and achieved a minimum 70% average at Holland College (or another recognized CTAB accredited technologist program that has an OJT or co-op component), they are eligible to apply to UPEI for formal entry into the BBT degree program. Once accepted to UPEI, students will undertake a rigorous program of 20 courses, 13 of which will be required, 3 will be upper level science electives, and 4 will be general electives. Once accepted, students are subject to all of the Academic Regulations of the University.

For students who already have received a Bioscience Technology diploma, the recommended sequence of courses for the 2 years of Pathway 1 at UPEI is:

Year 1, Semester 1 at UPEI:

  • Chemistry 2430 - Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences
  • Chemistry 2210 - Analytical Chemistry
  • Mathematics 1120 - Calculus for the Managerial, Social, and Life Sciences
  • Physics 1210 - Physics for the Life Sciences I
  • One Humanities or General Elective

Year 1, Semester 2 at UPEI:

  • One of UPEI 1010 or 1020 or 1030
  • Biology 2210 - Cell Biology
  • Chemistry 3530 - Biochemistry
  • Physics 1220 - Physics for the Life Sciences II
  • One Humanities or General Elective

Year 2, Semester 1 at UPEI:

  • Biology 3260 - Introduction to Physiology of Cells and Organisms
  • Statistics 1210 (formerly STAT 2210) - Introductory Statistics
  • One Science Elective at the 3000 level
  • One Science Elective at the 4000 level
  • One Humanities or General Elective

Year 2, Semester 2 at UPEI:

  • Biology 3220 - Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • Biology 4710 - Molecular Biotechnology
  • Chemistry 3220 - Analytical instrumentation
  • One Science Elective at the 3000 or 4000 level
  • One Humanities or General Elective 

Pathway 2 - Starting At UPEI ('2+1+1')

Students apply to start at UPEI in the Faculty of Science directly out of high school, following standard application procedures at UPEI. Once accepted, students undertake one year of science courses similar to a first year biology or chemistry student (8 required courses, 2 electives). During the second year of study at UPEI, students apply to Holland College to do the Bioscience Technology diploma program by the deadline of February 1 (Note: only 15 seats available in this program each year). Once accepted, they complete their second year of science at UPEI (7 required courses, 3 electives), and then one full year at Holland College in the Bioscience Technology diploma program (includes 2 intersessions). Students then finish back at UPEI in their final year (4 required courses, 3 upper level science electives, 3 general electives).

For students who have not received a Bioscience Technology diploma, the recommended sequence of courses for the 4 years of Pathway 2 is:

Year 1, Semester 1 at UPEI:

  • Biology 1310 - Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Chemistry 1110 - General Chemistry I
  • Mathematics 1120 - Calculus for the Managerial, Social, and Life Sciences
  • Physics 1210 - Physics for the Life Sciences I
  • One Humanities or General Elective

Year 1, Semester 2 at UPEI:

  • Biology 1320 - Introduction to Organisms
  • Chemistry 1120 - General Chemistry II
  • Physics 1220 - Physics for the Life Sciences II
  • One of UPEI 1010 or 1020 or 1030
  • One Humanities or General Elective

Year 2, Semester 1 at UPEI:

  • Biology 2210 - Cell Biology
  • Chemistry 2430 - Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences
  • Statistics 1210 (formerly STAT 2210) - Introductory Statistics
  • One Science Elective
  • One Humanities or General Elective

Year 2, Semester 2 at UPEI:

  • Biology 2060 - Microbiology
  • Biology 2230 - Genetics
  • Chemistry 2310 - Physical Chemistry I
  • Chemistry 3530 - Biochemistry
  • One Humanities or General Elective

Intersession between years 2 and 3 at Holland College:

  • Chemistry 1200 - Introduction to Chromatography
  • Biology 1310 - Immunology

Year 3, Semester 1 at Holland College:

  • Bios 2000 - Analytical Techniques in Bioscience
  • Bios 2100 - Industrial Bioproducts: Production and Purification
  • Biology 2300 - Cell Culturing
  • Biology 2310 - Molecular Biology
  • Mathematics 2000 - Calculus
  • Bios 2300 - Research Preparation: Bioscience Technology

Year 3, Semester 2 at Holland College:

  • Bios-2010 - Ethics and Professional Practice
  • Chemistry 2300 - Advanced Biochemistry
  • Bios-2050 - Research Project: Bioscience Technology

Intersession between years 3 and 4 at Holland College:

  • Bios 2310 - Research Project: Bioscience Technology

Year 4, Semester 1 at UPEI:

  • Biology 3260 - Introduction to Physiology of Cells and Organisms
  • One Science Elective at the 3000 level
  • One Science Elective at the 4000 level
  • Two General Electives

Year 4, Semester 2 at UPEI:

  • Biology 3220 - Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • Biology 4710 - Molecular Biotechnology
  • Chemistry 3220 - Analytical instrumentation
  • One Science Elective at the 3000 or 4000 level
  • One General Elective
Admissions Criteria
What's Required for Biotechnology Admission?

Pathway 1, starting at Holland College ('2+2')
If students have received a Bioscience Technology diploma and achieved a minimum 70% average at Holland College (or another recognized CTAB accredited technologist program that has an OJT or co-op component), they are eligible to apply to UPEI for formal entry into the BBT degree program.  Once accepted to UPEI, students will undertake a rigorous program of 20 courses, 13 of which will be required, 3 will be upper level science electives, and 4 will be general electives.  Once accepted, students are subject to all of the Academic Regulations of the University.

Pathway 2, starting at UPEI ('2+1+1')
Students apply to start at UPEI in the Faculty of Science directly out of high school, following standard application procedures at UPEI. Once accepted, students undertake one year of science courses similar to a first year biology or chemistry student (8 required courses, 2 electives). During the second year of study at UPEI, students apply to Holland College to do the Bioscience Technology diploma program by the deadline of February 1 (Note: only 15 seats available in this program each year). Once accepted, they complete their second year of science at UPEI (7 required courses, 3 electives), and then one full year at Holland College in the Bioscience Technology diploma program (includes 2 intersessions). Students then finish back at UPEI in their final year (4 required courses, 3 upper level science electives, 3 general electives). 

Once accepted, they complete their second year of science at UPEI (7 required courses, 3 electives), and then one full year at Holland College in the Bioscience Technology diploma program (includes 2 intersessions).  Students then finish back at UPEI in their final year (4 required courses, 3 upper level science electives, 3 general electives).

Note: Current UPEI students cannot declare Biotechnology as a major. If you are a current UPEI student and wish to enter the Biotechnology program, you must submit a new application.

Refer to the Specific Program Admission Requirements in the UPEI Academic Calendar for more information.

Fees and Funding
Faculty of Science Programs Tuition

UPEI's undergraduate tuition is the second-lowest in the Atlantic region, and we offer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards. 

Tuition

$6,828 per year, based on 30 credit hours ($682.80 per 3 credit course).
International students pay $8,010 per year in addition to full-time student tuition.

For a complete breakdown of part-time or full-time study as a student in the Faculty of Science, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

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UPEI supports you and your educational goals. We administer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards to our undergraduate and graduate students every year. Depending on your faculty or program, and year of study, you may be eligible for available awards.

Search the complete list of scholarships for information and application forms. 

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Including Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships and Academic Excellence Awards, these awards recognize the academic achievements of all students who meet the eligibility criteria while studying towards their first undergraduate degree.

Visit the Scholarships site for complete information.

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UPEI has about 250 faculty—exceptional scholars, teachers, and mentors, with more being hired each year as we open new, progressive, and unique programs. But the story isn’t just in the numbers. It’s in the quality of our people. Award-winning faculty from around the globe have made UPEI home. Here, you’ll learn directly from these world-class professors and researchers in small classes where you’ll have easy access to them.