Biotechnology Internship Hosts

• Internships are four months in length, with the option for extension to eight months upon mutual agreement at the end of the second placement
• Students are expected to work full-time (35 hours per week)
• Start dates are January (Term 2) and September (Term 4)

• All internships must offer at least provincial minimum wage
• Host organizations must be in compliance with British Columbia employment standards, including hours of work, vacation pay, and workplace safety regulations

• Interns must be provided with an on-site supervisor who offers mentorship, oversight, and regular feedback
• Host companies are encouraged to conduct monthly check-ins with the MBiotech Internship Manager to support student success and address any concerns
• Interns should receive a clear project scope or role description at the outset of the internship

• Host organizations must carry appropriate workplace insurance and liability coverage in accordance with BC law
• Companies will be asked to sign a UBC internship agreement, outlining expectations and roles
• Consent will be requested to allow your company’s name to be listed on the MBtec website as a program partner (optional, but encouraged)

• Over 70% of coursework is laboratory-based
• Two four-month industry internships
• Training in both plant and animal cell culture, a rare and market-distinctive skillset
• Development of key professional skills, including project management, regulatory awareness, and entrepreneurial thinking

By the conclusion of the first term (Sept-Dec), MBtec students are prepared to:

• Operate independently in molecular and cellular BSL2 labs
• Communicate technical findings clearly and effectively
• Adapt to diverse industry environments and collaborate professionally
• Apply strategic thinking and project management in real-world biotech contexts

Skills Acquired Term 1

Technical Proficiency

Through intensive lab courses, students build a robust skill set in molecular biology and cell culture, including:

BTEC 504 – Molecular Cloning Laboratory

Upon completion, students will independently and reproducibly be able to:

• Extract DNA and RNA from plant, animal, and microbial sources
• Prepare sterile media and culture microbes axenically
• Design primers and perform PCR and RT-PCR
• Analyze DNA, RNA, and proteins using spectrophotometry and gel electrophoresis
• Plan and implement cloning strategies (e.g., Golden Gate, Gibson Assembly)
• Produce competent cells and perform transformations
• Express and purify heterologous proteins from coli

They will also be trained to:

• Troubleshoot and interpret experimental results
• Communicate findings effectively in written and oral formats
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-documented laboratory workspace

BTEC 505 – Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory (9 credits)

This intensive course provides students with a rare dual focus on both plant and mammalian cell culture systems, equipping them with a versatile and in-demand laboratory skillset. Upon completion, students will independently and reproducibly be able to:

• Apply aseptic technique across a range of plant and animal cell culture protocols
• Design, execute, and characterize cell culture experiments aligned with specific research or industrial goals
• Evaluate the suitability of in vitro systems as models for in vivo biology, with attention to biological relevance and limitations
• Incorporate plant transgenics, including both transient expression systems and stable transformation approaches
• Apply CRISPR-based gene editing in plant tissue culture systems, gaining experience with targeted modification strategies
• Interpret, document, and present experimental results, highlighting limitations and areas for refinement
• Use critical thinking to adjust experimental design in response to data and observations

This course gives students a unique competitive advantage, as very few biotechnology programs offer hands-on training in both plant and animal cell systems—especially with integrated experience in transgenics and genome editing technologies like CRISPR.

Professional Competencies

BTEC 500 – Professional Seminar I

This course prepares students to navigate the professional biotechnology landscape. Graduates will be able to:

• Deliver concise and compelling scientific presentations
• Critically analyze scientific literature and industry developments
• Describe the traits of successful biotech entrepreneurs
• Explain principles of strategic planning and goal setting
• Design a project management plan for a biotechnology initiative
• Understand the ethical, regulatory, and IP frameworks guiding biotech work

They also benefit from weekly seminars with guest speakers from industry, building early exposure to professional networks and trends.

By the end of their third term (May-Aug), MBtec students are equipped to:

• Operate complex lab and computational systems with confidence and precision
• Tackle multi-faceted biotech challenges, from experimental design to data analysis and interpretation
• Contribute meaningfully to cross-functional teams, bridging science, technology, and business considerations
• Transition into internship placements or full-time employment with the skills to lead projects, manage data, and support innovation pipelines

Skills Acquired Term 3

BTEC 506 – Advanced Biotechnology Laboratory

Students apply and integrate techniques from earlier coursework to tackle more complex, multidisciplinary challenges. Key competencies include:

• Execution of multi-step experimental pipelines involving nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites
• Use of advanced instrumentation and high-throughput screening tools
• Implementation of multi-omic approaches to analyze gene expression, protein function, and metabolic pathways
• Application of good laboratory practices (GLP) and adherence to regulatory and safety standards
• Design and optimization of experiments with clear research or industrial deliverables

This course emphasizes independent problem-solving, critical thinking, and the ability to work under conditions that mimic real-world biotech R&D environments.

BTEC 509 – Computational Biology

Students gain hands-on experience with computational tools widely used in genomics, systems biology, and data-driven research. They will be able to:

• Use command-line tools and scripting (e.g., in Python or R) to analyze biological data
• Perform quality control and analysis of high-throughput sequencing data
• Conduct sequence alignment, gene expression profiling, and functional annotation
• Interpret and visualize complex data sets using bioinformatics workflows
• Apply computational methods to inform wet-lab experiment design and hypothesis generation

Graduates are able to bridge wet-lab and dry-lab workflows, bringing added value to organizations that demand interdisciplinary skillsets.

Professional and Strategic Competencies

BTEC 500/501 – Professional Seminar I & II (Ongoing)

In this continued series, students refine their soft skills and workplace readiness through:

• Development of a professional portfolio, including project management plans and IP strategy case studies
• Practice in regulatory affairs, including documentation and compliance planning
• Exposure to entrepreneurial pathways, venture development, and industry case studies
• Continued public speaking, grant-style writing, and scientific presentation skills
• Deeper engagement with industry speakers, enhancing understanding of sector-specific demands and building networks