Biology & Biotechnology
Apply biotechnology principles to improve the world around you. Develop medicines and vaccines to combat diseases. Learn how to make plants stronger and more nutritious. These are just a few opportunities available to you when you choose to major in Biology & 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.
Scientists are developing medicines and vaccines to combat diseases and aging. Plants are being genetically modified to improve their nutritional value for the consumer. Reforestation efforts are being implemented to rebuild lost forests and help producers grow trees. Microbes are being used to detoxify the environment. Choose biotechnology and be at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs and advancements!
The hands-on laboratory experience I received during my degree has really helped me in my position as a technician at Quantum Genetics.—Cindy Nunweiler,
B.Sc. (Biology & Biotechnology) 2005,
Hometown: Kindersley SK
A Stepping Stone...
A major in Biology & 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 biology and biotechnology applications.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from Biology & 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, health, forensics, pharmaceutical, food and public relations. Many students pursue Master’s or Ph.D. programs, obtain senior positions in industry or government, or become university professors or researchers.
Potential breakthroughs 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.
The U of S Advantage
The interdisciplinary approach of this program gives students a solid background in the social, ethical, commercial and scientific issues associated with biotechnology.
Saskatchewan is recognized as a world-class centre of innovation in biotechnology. The Saskatoon biotechnology complex includes the U of S; federal and provincial government institutes including the Plant Biotechnology Institute, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Research Centre, Saskatchewan Research Council, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Organization, POS Pilot Plant, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon Cancer Centre, Neuropsychiatric Research Unit, Centre for Agricultural Medicine; and over 30 Canadian and international biotechnology companies located in Innovation Place on 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.
Choose Your Program
If you are interested in applying biotechnology principles to improve the world around you, then Biology & Biotechnology is the program for you! Guided by a holistic approach to issues and applications of biotechnology, a degree in Biology & Biotechnology will prepare you for careers in industry, government or public relations.
Students pursuing a major in Biology & Biotechnology also take courses in commerce, economics, philosophy and sociology.
A Major in Biology & Biotechnology
Students majoring in Biology & Biotechnology can choose from one of the following degree programs:
- B.Sc. Four-year
- B.Sc. Honours
Getting Involved!
Join the Biotech Students' Society as a member or in an executive position. The Club provides opportunities for students from many disciplines to 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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