Microbiology & Biotechnology
Study the roles of microscopic life in our environment, including bacteria, yeast, molds, protozoa and viruses. Learn about immunology and infectious diseases. Take a hands-on approach to microbiology experiments. These are just a few opportunities available to you when you choose to major in Microbiology & Biotechnology at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the application of biological science to improve the lives of humans and quality of the environment. Biotechnology provides the means to engineer biological systems towards a desired product or service.
Continuous discoveries of information from various sources are identifying innovative approaches for the improvement of life. Scientists are developing medicines and vaccines to combat diseases and aging. Plants are being genetically modified to improve their nutritive value for the consumer. Microbes are being used to detoxify the environment. Reforestation efforts are being implemented to rebuild lost forests and help producers grow trees. Choose biotechnology and be at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs and advancements!
Biotechnology is very interesting and there are a ton of jobs in this field right now. I'm really glad biotechnology is offered as a minor—it gives you a lot more knowledge in the field.
There are so many aspects to biotechnology—you are always learning something new.—Amy Breker,
B.S.A. (2001)
Hometown: Watson SK
A Stepping Stone...
A major in Microbiology & Biotechnology prepares students for a career in the growing biotech industry. Many of the world’s leading biotechnology companies are located in Saskatoon and are hiring graduates who are educated in new applications in microbiology and biotechnology.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from Microbiology & Biotechnology have many job opportunities in Saskatchewan, Canada and around the world. They work for regulatory government agencies or in university, industrial or government laboratories. Graduates are employed in a variety of industries, including environment, agriculture biotech, health, forensics, pharmaceutical, food and public relations. Many students pursue Master’s or Ph.D. programs and obtain senior positions in industry or government or become university professors or researchers.
Potential breakthroughs on the horizon could mean great leaps in improving the human condition. Diversity and constant change make biotechnology an interesting area of study as well as a promising one for employment opportunities.
Companies such as Aventis and Philom Bios recruit employees who are knowledgeable in the current applications of biotechnology.
The U of S Advantage
The virtual College of Biotechnology (vCB) is unique in Canada. Associated faculty members belong to the Colleges of Commerce, Agriculture, Medicine, Arts & Science, Veterinary Medicine and Engineering and bring a wide range of expertise to the undergraduate programs. This interdisciplinary approach gives students a solid background in the social, ethical, commercial and scientific issues associated with biotechnology. The vCB offers students several degree programs as well as programs in which you may minor in biotechnology.
Saskatchewan is recognized as a world-class centre of innovation in biotechnology. The Saskatoon biotechnology complex includes the University of Saskatchewan; federal and provincial government institutes including the Plant Biotechnology Institute, the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre, the Saskatchewan Research Council, the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, the POS Pilot Plant, Royal University Hospital, the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, the Neuropsychiatric Research Unit, the Centre for Agricultural Medicine; and over 30 Canadian and international biotechnology companies located in Innovation Place on the University campus.
The beauty of the U of S campus and the quality of the staff make this a compelling place to concentrate on one's studies. In addition, the location of major biotech companies at Innovation Place, combined with accessibility to resources like government and university labs on campus give students amazing research advantages. As the vCB programs progress and develop, so will the applicable skills acquired by students in these programs, allowing graduates to enter the workforce with ease and confidence.
Students going into the natural science program will see that biotechnology is a big industry and it is going to grow even more.
If students do have an interest in the natural sciences the biotech program is good to get into because it is very flexible.—Charmaine Legrand,
B.Sc. (2002)
Hometown: Regina SK
A Major in Microbiology & Biotechnology
Students majoring in Microbiology & Biotechnology can choose from one of the following degree programs:
- B.Sc. Four-year
- B.Sc. Honours
Students pursuing a Four-year or Honours degree will study bacteriology, virology, immunology, genetics, molecular biology and biotechnology. Students also take a variety of courses in commerce, economics, philosophy and sociology associated with biotechnology.
Getting Involved!
Join the Biotech Students' Society as a member or in an executive position. The club provides opportunities for individuals from various discplines to come together and discuss their interests in biotechnology. The club also coordinates social events, speaker sessions and networking between students and industry.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
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