Campus
Duration
6 Semesters (3 Years)
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Advanced Diploma

Program and course delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.

About the Program

In this three-year advanced diploma program, you will prepare for work as a research technologist in the life sciences field. You will study a range of topics, including molecular genetics, immunology, tissue culture, virology, biochemical techniques, histology, cell biology, biochemistry, computers, statistics and a common first year of basic biology, chemistry and mathematics. This program offers you theoretical knowledge of scientific methods and practical experience in performing precise experiments for research and development.

To guarantee a position in the third semester, you must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5.

Common First Semester

Students enrolled in the following programs may transfer to Biotechnology –Advanced before second year: Chemical Engineering TechnologyChemical Laboratory Technician and Chemical Laboratory Technology – Pharmaceutical.

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

  • How to perform assays
  • Scientific method
  • Experimental techniques
  • Perform laboratory duties
  • Quality control and quality assurance procedures
  • Manage biological data

Work Experience

Optional Work Term

Students meeting all academic requirements may have the opportunity to complete an optional work term(s) in a formal work environment. The work term(s) is similar in length to an academic semester and typically involves full-time work hours that may be paid or unpaid. In programs with limited work term opportunities, additional academic requirements and a passing grade on a communication assessment may be required for eligibility. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for those participating in the optional work term stream regardless of success in securing a work position.

Diploma Structure

Work-Integrated Learning Model #1
  September January May
Year 1 Semester 1 Semester 2 Break
OR
Year 1   Semester 1 Semester 2
Year 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Work Term 1
Year 3 Semester 5 Work Term 2 Work Term 3
Year 4 Semester 6    
Work-Integrated Learning Model #2
  September January May
Year 1 Semester 1 Semester 2 Break
OR
Year 1   Semester 1 Semester 2
Year 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Work Term 1
Year 3 Work Term 2 Semester 5 Work Term 3
Year 4 Semester 6    
Work-Integrated Learning Model #3
  September January May
Year 1 Semester 1 Semester 2 Break
OR
Year 1   Semester 1 Semester 2
Year 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Work Term 1
Year 3 Semester 5 Work Term 2 Work Term 3
Year 4 Semester 6    

Program Availability

Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.

Start in Location Availability
Jan. 2025 Seneca@York  Open
Sept. 2025 Seneca@York  Open
Jan. 2026 Seneca@York  Open
Start in Location Availability
Jan. 2025 Seneca@York  Open
Sept. 2025 Seneca@York  Open
Jan. 2026 Seneca@York  Open

International students: review Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility before choosing program and course delivery.

Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.

Your Career

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

  • Research technologist in life sciences
  • Laboratory technician
  • Research assistant

Affiliations/Associations

  • Canadian Society of Microbiologists (CSM)
  • Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC)

Global Learning and Engagement Opportunity

Global Learning and Engagement Opportunity

As a student in this program you have the chance to explore global learning opportunities through Global Learning and Engagement. Gain a global perspective and develop new skills for personal, professional, and academic growth – at Seneca or abroad.

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