Overview
Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field merging basic science, applied science, and engineering. Study genetic engineering; cell biology, molecular biology, and microbiology; analytical instrumentation; and, bioprocessing. Within these disciplines, students learn about the latest research in immunology, virology, genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics.
The program also integrates core business and management skills and is an Accredited Business Degree (ACBSP). Read about ACBSP Accreditation here.
In 4.5 years, students graduate with a degree from McMaster University, an advanced diploma in Biotechnology and Certificate in Business from Mohawk College, and 12 month of co-op work experience.
Sample Careers:
- Chemist, Estee Lauder
- Inventory Control Analyst, Ventura Foods Canada
- Manager of Clinical Marketing, Mespere LifeSciences Inc.
Further Study:
- M.Biotech., University of Toronto
- M.Sc., Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, University of Toronto
- M.A.Sc., Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University
- M.A.Sc., Chemical Engineering, McMaster University
- MBA, DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University

Julianne – Biotechnology
“I see myself working in the environmental or agricultural technology sectors. I chose Biotechnology at McMaster because I thought it really demonstrated the perfect relationship between technology and the natural world.”

The W. Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology is a member of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ABCSP) with its dedication to teaching excellence and student achievement in engineering technology management education. The Biotechnology program has been awarded ACBSP accreditation.
BTech Biotechnology – Program Structure
The program is made up of technical courses that are specialized according to your chosen stream. In addition, courses in business, management, and communications complement your studies. Finally 12 months of co-op are integrated into your studies.
Fall |
Winter |
Summer |
|
Year 1 |
Level 1A | Level 1B | Optional Co-op Term |
Year 2 |
Level 2A | Level 2B | Co-op Term 1 |
Year 3 |
Level 3A | Co-op Term 2 | Co-op Term 3 |
Year 4 |
Level 3B | Level 4A | Optional Co-op Term |
Year 5 |
Level 4B |
Course List:
To view a list of required courses for the current academic year, please view the following page: https://academiccalendars.romcmaster.ca/preview_program.php?catoid=53&poid=26842
Please note that requirements may change depending on when you started the program. Please view your ‘Academic Requirements’ in Mosaic for accurate information.
Level 2A Courses | |
Course Code | Course Title |
BIOTECH 2CB3 | Cell Biology |
BIOTECH 2EC3 | Chemical Engineering Concepts |
BIOTECH 2M03 | Molecular Biology |
BIOTECH 2OC3 | Organic Chemistry |
ENGTECH 2MA3 | Mathematics III |
GENTECH 2MP3 | Management Principles |
Level 2B Courses | |
Course Code | Course Title |
BIOTECH 2B03 | Biotechnology Concepts |
BIOTECH 2BC3 | Biochemistry |
BIOTECH 2GT3 | Genetics |
BIOTECH 2MB3 | Microbiology |
GENTECH 2EE3 | Engineering Economics |
GENTECH 2HR3 | Human Resources Fundamentals |
Level 3A Courses | |
Course Code | Course Title |
BIOTECH 3B03 | Industrial Biotechnology |
BIOTECH 3BC3 | Bioprocess Control and Dynamics |
BIOTECH 3IV3 | Immunology and Virology |
ENGTECH 3ES3 | Engineering Statistics |
GENTECH 3FF3 | Financial Systems |
GENTECH 3MT3 | Project Management |
Level 3B Courses | |
Course Code | Course Title |
BIOTECH 3BP3 | Bioreactor Processes and Design |
BIOTECH 3FM3 | Food Microbiology |
BIOTECH 3PM3 | Pharmacology |
GENTECH 3LS3 | Quality Control and Assurance Methods |
GENTECH 3MB3 | Fundamentals of Marketing |
Level 3 Elective (Choose One) | |
BIOTECH 3CM3 | Computational Modeling of Biological Systems |
OR | |
ENGTECH 4AI3 | Artificial Intelligence |
OR | |
SFWRTECH 4DA3 | Data Analytics and Big Data |
Level 4A Courses | |
Course Code | Course Title |
BIOTECH 4BL3 | Biomaterials and Biocompatibility |
BIOTECH 4BM3 | Biopharmaceuticals |
BIOTECH 4GP3 | Genomics and Proteomics |
BIOTECH 4TR1 | Capstone Project I |
GENTECH 4OM3 | Operations Management |
GENTECH 4EP3 | Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovation |
Level 4B Courses | |
Course Code | Course Title |
BIOTECH 4BI3 | Bioinformatics |
BIOTECH 4BS3 | Biotechnology Regulations |
BIOTECH 4TB3 | Advanced Biotechnology |
BIOTECH 4TR3 | Capstone Project II |
GENTECH 4FT3 | Strategic Management |
GENTECH 4TE3 | Technology Ethics and Sustainability |
BTech Biotechnology – Co-op & Experiential Learning
Gaining relevant co-op experience is an essential part of earning a B.Tech. degree. This required program component will allow students to gain valuable work experience and career connections.
While support and guidance is available through the Engineering Co-op and Career Services to assist students with your job search, resume writing and interviewing skills, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to satisfy the co-op program requirement.
Our top 5 co-op employers for the Biotechnology program are:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Activation Laboratories
- Baxtor
- Ecosynthetix
- Environment Canada
For further information, visit the co-op website »
BTech Biotechnology – Admission Requirements
Please apply to the McMaster University Admissions Office through the online application form available on the Ontario Universities Application Centre website. The next available intake is Fall 2022. Some details are listed below.
Admissions for Bachelor of Technology – Biotechnology I
We require 6 grade 12 U/M courses including:
- English (ENG4U)
- Calculus (MCV4U)
- Chemistry (SCH4U)
- Physics (SPH4U)
*Biology is not a requirement for this program! Students take a high school equivalent Biology course in first year of B.Tech.
The anticipated admission average is expected to be 80-82%.
OUAC Code: MTT
Degrees Acquired:
- Bachelor of Technology from McMaster University
- Advanced Diploma from Mohawk College in Biotechnology
- Business Management Certificate from Mohawk College
Co-op: Mandatory – 12 months, 3 terms
Application Deadline for Fall 2022 Intake: January 13, 2022
Supplementary Application Deadline for Fall 2022 Intake: January 28, 2022
Target Enrolment: 240 students
Not a Canadian high school student? Email thinkeng@mcmaster.ca for details on international or transfer student admission requirements.
BTech – FAQs
What is a Bachelor of Technology? How does it differ from a Bachelor of Engineering? How is the program structured? Why does the program include a focus on “management”?
Have some burning questions about the Bachelor of Technology program within the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology?
Still have more questions? Contact thinkeng@mcmaster.ca!
BTech Biotechnology – Future Directions
The Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) recently announced new application regulations for the P.Eng. designation coming into effect on July 1, 2023. The new rules exclude McMaster B.Tech. graduates from the application process. McMaster Engineering is working with the PEO in an attempt to maintain the previously approved pathways for our students described below. Please check back for updates. We apologize for any concerns and thank you for your patience.
Many B.Tech. students inquire about study opportunities available to them after completing their undergraduate degree. With your four year degree from McMaster University, you can now move on to pursue professional designations or further education at the graduate (Master’s or Doctoral) level.
B.Tech. Post-Graduate Pathways: A Summary
Note: The above chart is not a comprehensive overview of all available programs; rather, it outlines some popular options offered by McMaster University as a way to illustrate the variety of choices available to you as a B.Tech. graduate.
The following four pathways are typically of interest to graduates:
- Professional Engineer Designation (P.Eng.)
- Master’s level studies (M.Eng., M.Sc., or M.A.Sc.) in engineering
- Master’s level studies in technology and entrepreneurship (W.Booth)
- Master’s level studies in business (MBA)
Every program has different requirements for admission and a unique admission process. Some general information can be found below. Students are encouraged to contact the graduate programs of interest directly for more information.
Walter G Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology
Students can continue their studies within the Walter G Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology through any of the five professional Master’s programs offered:
- Master of Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MEEI)
- Master of Engineering and Public Policy (MEPP)
- Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Engineering (MEME)
- Master of Engineering Design (M.Eng. Design)
- Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MTEI)
B.Tech. students or graduates who are interested in any of the professional master’s programs offered by W Booth School should contact the relevant grad studies representative to arrange for an interview with a faculty member. The same advice would apply to those seeking graduate programs outside of W Booth School.
For interested fourth years…
There are now 400/600 level courses available for you to take in your final year of B.Tech!
What is a 400/600 level course?
These are 400 level courses in your program that are cross listed at the 600 (graduate level). The 600 level course is an undergraduate course with additional work, commonly extra assignments or a project beyond the requirements for the corresponding 400 level course.
The 600 level course can be taken by undergraduate students (with permission from the course Professor) or graduate students. If you wish to complete a 400 level course, with 600 level credit, speak with your instructor at the start of the term.
What is the advantage of taking a 600 level course?
Students in B.Tech. can take up to 2 courses at the 600 level. Upon successful completion of a course, a PASS/FAIL notation will be made in the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology (SEPT) Graduate Program office, which will allow you to receive credit for these courses should you enter into one of the SEPT Master’s programs.
What are some examples of 400/600 courses offered in Fall 2017?
AUTO TECH 4AS3/SEP 6AS3 AUTO TECH 4AT3/SEP 6AT3 PROC TECH 4SS3/SEP 6SS3 |
BIO TECH 4BI3/SEP 6BI3 BIO TECH 4BS3/SEP 6BS3 BIO TECH 4TB3/SEP 6TB3 |
*not ALL B.Tech. courses qualify for advanced credit for ALL M.Eng programs – consult your department head for more information.
For more information on your eligibility for M.Eng programs offered by W.Booth, please contact wbooth@mcmaster.ca!
Professional Engineer Designation (P.Eng.)
Please see the following FAQs for Professional Engineering Licensure as it relates to BTech students.
The following requirements were outlined by the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) for Automotive & Vehicle Engineering Technology graduates to satisfy the academic requirements for a Professional Engineering license as a Mechanical Engineer.
YEAR OF GRADUATION | SECTION A | SECTION B | COMPLEMENTARY |
September 2018 to present | Three of:
|
Any two exams | Engineering report |
All applicants must also complete the ethics examination and experience requirements as stated by the PEO.
Any questions regarding professional engineering license eligibility and requirements should be directed to the PEO (www.peo.on.ca).
Important Notes:
- Applicants must write one exam within two academic years following the receipt of an exam program from PEO; they must write at least one each year after commencement or file will close. The exam program must be completed within 8 years.
- Good Performance: A passing grade on a PEO exam is 50%. Students who achieve an average of 65% on two exams (one must be from Section A) at first sitting, with no mark below 60%, and both exams are completed in one sitting, may have the remainder of their exams waived.
- Poor Performance: Those who fail two technical exams or the same exam twice, may be assigned a new examination program at the discretion of the PEO.
- If 5 years has passed since completion of BTech, or an applicant has completed further Engineering studies (e.g. graduate school), they may be assessed by the PEO to have exams waived or reduced.
- If applicants choose to be assessed in another discipline, then more exams may apply.
For more information on PEO’s academic requirements for licensure, please contact PEO at (416) 224-1100, 1-800-339-3716 or Academics@peo.on.ca
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degrees are typically course-based (as opposed to research-based) and are also sometimes referred to as project-based master’s degrees, since M.Eng. degrees usually comprise a combination of course work and a project. The nature of the project is usually “professional” rather than “research” (e.g. dealing with design or manufacturing problems in industry).
These kinds of programs are considered to be an excellent fit for graduates of B.Tech. programs which concentrate on developing advanced technological skills in an environment which is more concerned with application than with research. The advanced coursework in the master’s degree program and the experience developing, conducting, and completing a major application-oriented project would provide a good educational base for technologically-focused positions in industry.
Most of the Engineering Departments at McMaster University offer M.Eng. degree programs; the details of these can be found in the calendar of McMaster University’s School of Graduate Studies or on departmental web pages.
Master of Science or Applied Science (M.Sc. or M.A.Sc.)
McMaster University’s research-based master’s degree programs in engineering lead to a Master of Science (M.Sc.) or a Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.). Typically, these programs require a relatively small number of courses and a major research project culminating in a thesis. A research-based master’s program is considered the ideal route towards doctoral studies.
Research-based master’s programs are suitable for B.Tech. graduates who have a very definite career objective in fundamental and/or applied research. B.Tech. graduates interested in these programs should have very strong mathematical abilities.
Most engineering departments at McMaster University offer M.A.Sc. degree programs; the details of these can be found in the calendar of McMaster University’s School of Graduate Studies or on departmental web pages.
B.Tech. students or graduates wanting to pursue a research master’s program at McMaster University are advised to contact the relevant department and arrange for an interview with a faculty member. A useful approach is to do some preliminary and preparatory investigation to identify professors whose research program aligns well with the interests and skills of the student. The same advice would apply to those seeking admission to programs at other universities.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
MBA programs offered at McMaster University and other universities provide an opportunity for university degree graduates in a variety of fields to develop a broad set of advanced business administration skills. Typically, these programs are course-based and may include a co-op component (e.g. the MBA program offered by McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business). MBA programs are suitable for B.Tech. graduates who wish to broaden their career opportunities to include leadership positions which require both technological and management education.
Note that successful completion of an MBA program could position the student for PhD studies in business.
BTech Biotechnology – Related Courses
Code | Title | Instructor | Outline | Info |
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BIOTECH 2B03 Undergraduate | Biotechnology Concepts |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 2BC3 Undergraduate | Biochemistry |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 2CB3 Undergraduate | Cell Biology |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 2EC3 Undergraduate | Chemical Engineering Concepts |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 2GT3 Undergraduate | Genetics |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 2M03 Undergraduate | Molecular Biology |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 2MB3 Undergraduate | Microbiology |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 2OC3 Undergraduate | Organic Chemistry |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 3B03 Undergraduate | Industrial Biotechnology |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 3BC3 Undergraduate | Bioprocess Control and Dynamics |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 3BP3 Undergraduate | Bioreactor Processes and Design |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 3CM3 Undergraduate | Computational Modeling of Biological Systems |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 3FM3 Undergraduate | Food Microbiology |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 3IV3 Undergraduate | Immunology and Virology |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 3PM3 Undergraduate | Pharmacology |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 4BI3 Undergraduate | Bioinformatics |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 4BL3 Undergraduate | Biomaterials and Biocompatibility |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 4BM3 Undergraduate | Biopharmaceuticals |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 4BS3 Undergraduate | Biotechnology Regulations |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 4GP3 Undergraduate | Genomics and Proteomics |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 4TB3 Undergraduate | Advanced Biotechnology |
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Outline | More |
BIOTECH 4TR3 Undergraduate | Capstone Project II |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1AC3 Undergraduate | Analytical Chemistry |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1BI3 Undergraduate | Biology |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1CH3 Undergraduate | Chemistry |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1CP3 Undergraduate | C++ Programming |
Sessional Instructor: Dr. Nasim Muhammad
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1EL3 Undergraduate | Electricity and Electronics I |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1ET0 Undergraduate | Introduction to the Technology Co-op Program |
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More | |
ENGTECH 1MC3 Undergraduate | Mathematics I |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1ME3 Undergraduate | Statics and Mechanics of Materials |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1MT3 Undergraduate | Mathematics II |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1PH3 Undergraduate | Physics |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1PP3 Undergraduate | Python Programming |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 1PR3 Undergraduate | Object-Oriented Programming |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 2EE0 Undergraduate | Four Month Co-op Experience I |
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More | |
ENGTECH 2ET0 Undergraduate | Four Month Co-op Experience I |
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More | |
ENGTECH 2MA3 Undergraduate | Mathematics III |
Sessional Instructor: Dr. Nasim Muhammad
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 3EE0 Undergraduate | Four Month Co-op Experience II |
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More | |
ENGTECH 3ES3 Undergraduate | Engineering Statistics |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 3ET0 Undergraduate | Four Month Co-op Experience II |
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More | |
ENGTECH 4CT3 Undergraduate | Systems and Control |
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Outline | More |
ENGTECH 4EE0 Undergraduate | Four Month Co-op Experience III |
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More | |
ENGTECH 4EX0 Undergraduate | Four Month Co-op Experience |
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More | |
ENGTECH 4FD3 Undergraduate | Senior Engineering Project |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 1BZ3 Undergraduate | Foundations of Business |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 1PC3 Undergraduate | Professional Communications |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 2EE3 Undergraduate | Engineering Economics |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 2HR3 Undergraduate | Human Resource Fundamentals |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 2MP3 Undergraduate | Management Principles |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 3FF3 Undergraduate | Financial Systems |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 3LS3 Undergraduate | Quality Control and Assurance Methods |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 3MT3 Undergraduate | Project Management |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 4EP3 Undergraduate | Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovation |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 4FT3 Undergraduate | Strategic Management |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 4OM3 Undergraduate | Operations Management |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 4TC3 Undergraduate | Technical Communications |
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Outline | More |
GENTECH 4TE3 Undergraduate | Technology Ethics and Sustainability |
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Outline | More |
PROCTECH 4MH3 Undergraduate | Machine Health and Remote Monitoring |
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Outline | More |
SFWRTECH 4AI3 Undergraduate | Artificial Intelligence |
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Outline | More |