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 hands-on three-year advanced diploma program, you will focus on pharmaceutical analysis, product formulation and manufacturing, chemical instrumentation, biochemistry, microbiology and toxicology. You will receive the experience needed to perform experiments, manufacture tablets, ointments and creams with the precision required to meet pharmaceutical standards.

Your academic progress will be monitored during the first two semesters. Since the number of seats in the third semester is limited if you who fail to maintain a semester GPA of at least 2.5 during their first year and subsequent semesters will be transferred to an alternate program within the School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry.

Common First Semester

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

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

  • Perform drug assays
  • Manufacture tablets, ointments and creams
  • Product formulation
  • Statistical calculations and analysis
  • Prepare organic and inorganic compounds using standard procedures
  • Perform instrumental chemical analysis
  • Maintain and test laboratory equipment to meet manufacture’s requirements

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.

Work-Integrated Learning Model Starting September
Year September January May
Year 1 Semester 1 Semester 2 Break
Year 2 Semester 3 Work Term Semester 4
Year 3 & 4 Completion of Semester 5 (Winter) and Semester 6 (Fall), as well as completion of 2 Work Terms (various pathways dependent on work term length).
Work-Integrated Learning Model Starting January
Year September January May
Year 1   Semester 1 Semester 2
Year 2 Semester 3 Work Term Semester 4
Year 3 & 4 Completion of Semester 5 (Winter) and Semester 6 (Fall), as well as completion of 2 Work Terms (various pathways dependent on work term length).

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:

  • Pharmaceutical technologist
  • Quality control technologist
  • Production technologist

Affiliations/Associations

  • Canadian Society of Microbiologists (CSM)
  • Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC) through the Canadian Society for Chemical Technology (CSCT)
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences Group (PSG)

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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