The science of using products from living organisms to change the health and environment of human beings, biotechnology, may be considered relatively recent, but the basis of it has existed as long as the human race itself. Throughout the centuries, this science has been used to breed different animal species, turn fruit juices into wine, and convert milk into several different dairy products.
As modern technology has evolved, so has the science, which combines biology with technology. Today, biotechnologists may work towards creating new vaccines, and developing ways to grow more nutritious and disease-resistant crops, alternative energy sources, or bacteria which can help clean up oil spills.
Although Masters and doctoral degrees were once necessary to pursue careers in this field, those with four-year university degrees or lower education levels can also find work. This is especially true for positions in quality control, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and other biotechnology jobs outside laboratories.
The amount of jobs in this sector has increased in excess of 90 percent during the past decade, and pay sits between an average of C
$42,500 for research laboratory technician positions to well over C
$155,200 for chief executive officers. Scientists and engineers earn slightly over C
$60,000 on average.