Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Summer 2024. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.

 

 

Overview

This program has been developed to meet the needs of two diverse groups: those in the pharmaceutical industry who need to upgrade their existing skills and/or acquire new skills and knowledge in other areas of the industry, and those contemplating a career change who require relevant knowledge and experience of the pharmaceutical industry. This comprehensive certificate program covers the major requirements of the pharmaceutical industry and incorporates specific components to meet the needs of both groups.

This program provides training in pharmaceutical analysis, product formulation, quality assurance/control and manufacturing, microbiology and toxicology. The practical training provides students with hands on experience necessary to perform drug assays. Relevant GMP and regulatory requirements are included.

Note: Students must wear lab coats and safety glasses in every class of all labs. These items can be purchased at Seneca@York bookstores. No students will be allowed in the labs without lab coats and safety glasses. Their use is required from the first day of class through to the end of the semester.


 

Interested in learning more?

Students are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the program and to connect with our team. 

Seneca Part-Time Industrial Pharmaceutical Technology Information Session

Wednesday, April 3, 2024
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Register Now

Confirmation of registration and a unique link to join the information session will be provided upon registration.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Industrial Pharmaceutical Technology certificate program may find employment in the pharmaceutical industry in manufacturing, packaging, formulation development, quality control, quality assurance, R&D, validation and pharmacology sectors.

To learn more about the various career opportunities for graduates of this program, view our Industrial Pharmaceutical Technology Career Opportunities chart.

Graduate Opportunities

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, please visit the Government of Canada website.

Entry Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with:
    • Grade 12 English: ENG4 (C) or ENG4 (U)
    • Grade 12 Chemistry: (C) or (U) (Grade 11U is accepted)
    • Grade 12 Mathematics: (C) or (U) OR Grade 11 Mathematics (U) or (M)
    • Grade 11 Biology: (C)

OR

  • Mature Student Status (age 19 or older) with any of the prerequisite courses

The following Seneca College courses will be accepted in lieu of high school credits for admission purposes:

Prerequisites

It is your responsibility to ensure that program requirements and course prerequisites as outlined are met. Prerequisites are included for your academic protection. Knowledge of the prerequisite material is assumed by your instructor and instruction will proceed accordingly. Students lacking prerequisites not only jeopardize their own ability to succeed but present unnecessary interruption. If you lack appropriate prerequisites (or Transfer Credit for the prerequisite course) you may be asked to withdraw or transfer to a more appropriate course with the risk of academic/financial penalty.

Filter Classes: In Class     Online     Correspondence     Hybrid     Availability   

Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.

Curriculum

Core (5 courses)

PFT301
Lab Assay Methods I
Availability
 

This laboratory-oriented course addresses techniques and methods used in pharmaceutical analysis. Pre-lab and post-lab lectures delve into the theory of separative and analytical techniques and include clarification of relevant pharmaceutical terminology. PFT301 also provides an introduction to thin layer chromatography. (Lectures and Labs)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT501
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Methods I
Availability
 

This course is an introduction to the methods related to the production of pharmaceuticals. Several dosage forms such as solids, liquids, semi-solids, and parenterals are discussed. In each, the merits of the type, composition, handling, processing, testing and equipment used are discussed to provide a foundation from which more specific training can be undertaken. Regulatory requirements which serve as controls, as well as the rationale which support their application are discussed and applied to areas of plant operations. (Lecture only)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT911
Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Basics
Availability
 

This course focuses on the concept of quality assurance and the contributions of quality assurance in a pharmaceutical organization. It takes a snapshot examination of common quality applications, tools, processes, and systems relevant to the pharmaceutical industry. Topics covered include: foundations of quality, basic statistical concepts and applications, document systems, SOPs, quality audit, validation, ISO standards, GMPs (FDA and HPFBI), product recall and complaints handling.




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT926
Basic HP Liquid Chromatography
Availability
 

This course is an introduction to the theory and practical application of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Students operate an automated HPLC system and learn HPLC theory through lectures and laboratory exercises. Topics cover both qualitative and quantitative aspects of HPLC. (Lectures and Labs)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT930
Industrial Drug Legislation
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

It is strongly recommended that students have basic computer skills as this course requires computer access.

This course examines the organizational role, responsibilities and requirements of the Health Canada related to the production, labelling, selling, and advertising of drugs, radiopharmaceuticals, biologics, natural health products and medical devices in Canada. A review of USA and EU laws and regulations is also covered. (Lecture only)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

Electives (any 6)

APO900
Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Techniques
Availability
 

Corequisite(s):

PFT501

This course is designed as a continuation of PFT501-Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Methods, teaching advanced pharmaceutical dosage forms in respect to design, development, techniques and technology involved. The processes and methodology involved in manufacturing of different dosage forms are compared in the following perspectives: equipment, benefits and appropriate application. (Lecture only)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT401
Microbiology I
Availability
 

This course is designed to teach students the basic methods used in microbiology to identify and enumerate bacteria. Students are introduced to the microbial world through practical experimentation, and acquire the essential tools to function in a laboratory setting. (Lecture and Lab)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT402
Microbiology II
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

PFT401

This laboratory and lecture course highlights microbiological tests involved in pharmaceutical plant sanitation, product contamination, antibiotics, disinfectants and microbial growth and inactivation calculations. (Lecture and Lab)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT613
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Availability
 

Pharmaceutical Chemistry is an area of chemistry focused on synthesis, development, and study of molecules used in medicine and their interactions with biological agents. Topics include organic, inorganic and biochemistry which are an integral part of this course. (Lectures and Labs)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT701
Introduction - Clinical Pharmacology
Availability
 

This course introduces the fundamental pharmacological aspects of drugs and their interaction with various types of cells. Topics include routes of drug administration, factors affecting drug absorption and mechanism of action. Specific drugs for the central and autonomous nervous systems as well as the cardiocascular system are studied. Drugs for the endocrine system, therapeutic monitoring system and antiallergic, antihistaminic, antiseptic and disinfectants are also covered. (Lecture only)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT810
Regulatory Affairs Pharmaceutical
Availability
 

Corequisite(s):

PFT930 - Industrial Drug Legislation

This course describes the role of the Regulatory Affairs department in a pharmaceutical firm and focuses on the "submission process" - the regulatory requirements at the various stages in a drug product's development from inception through IND (Investigational New Drug) and NDS (Notice Of Compliance). The functions of relevant divisions of the Health Protection Branch are discussed. Also covered are: DINs (Drug Identification Numbers), Provincial Formulatory Submissions, drug labelling and drug advertising, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), compliant handling (including Adverse Drug Reactions), recalls, Plant Master Files (PMF), Drug Master Files (DMF) and regulatory inspections. (Lecture only)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT815
Advanced Regulatory Affairs
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

PFT810 Regulatory Affairs Pharmaceutical

This course focuses on product development and registration in Canada. Students learn, and get a hands on approach to prepare a high quality clinical trial application (CTA), including generic and brand submissions. Emphasis is made on the mechanics of preparing submissions in the Common Technical Document (CTD) format in Canada. Specifically, this course clarifies the rules, regulations and guidelines on how submissions are prepared, and how deficiency letters are addressed to TPD. An overview of the e-CTD modules is provided in detail. (Lecture only)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT816
International Regulatory Affairs
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

PFT815 - Advanced Regulatory Affairs

This course provides students with a review of the functions and purposes of international harmonization and International Regulatory Affairs. Pharmaceutical regulations in USA, European countries, Japan and MENA region are examined as well as the regulations in a selected number of other geographic locations. Drug submission requirements based regulations in these countries are compared.




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT840
A Practical Approach to QA System Design/Management
Availability
 

This course describes the role and responsibilities of the Quality Assurance department in a pharmaceutical company. A) It focuses on the design of proper quality control/quality assurance systems to ensure the manufacturing of safe products and also to satisfy regulatory authorities. All systems, from cleaning to component testing, from product assay to product release are geared to provide the manufacturer documented quality checkpoints on the product. B) It focuses on the management of the quality assurance systems to provide sufficient and adequate records on all testing distribution and all other procedures that must be in place. (Lecture only)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT860
Qualification of Pharmaceutical Processes & Equip.
Availability
 

This course is an overview of the various aspects of validations, qualification/validation of pharmaceutical systems, processes and equipment. These processes received acceptance by the pharmaceutical industry in the late 1970s to ensure current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and product quality and integrity. Reliance upon end-product testing is insufficient to assure product quality. A high degree of quality of assurance arises only from good product and process design, validation and process controls. Validation concepts are applicable to both oral, solid dosage forms and sterile manufacturing pharmaceutical facilities. (Lecture only)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT907
Production Formulation
Availability
 

Corequisite(s):

PFT501 Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Methods I

This advanced course focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of formulation of solid, semi-solid, and liquid pharmaceutical products. New dosage form development is discussed in terms of: New Drug Development and Approval Process; Dosage Form Design; Manufacturing Methods; Development of Stability programs and Revision of old products. Products include lotions, creams, vanishing creams, and ointment bases. (Lecture and Lab only)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT913
Packaging Development II
Availability
 

This course deals with experimental investigation and evaluation of many kinds of package containers such as glass, plastic, metal and paper, closures, liners, and rubber stoppers. Topics include testing methods, development of quality control methodology, legislative influences on packaging technology, and the role of the package in marketing. (Lecture only)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT933
Basic Gas Chromatography
Availability
 

This course introduces students to the theory, instrumentation and laboratory procedures necessary to operate a modern, computerized Gas Chromatography instrument. (Lecture and Lab)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT934
Formulation of Solid Dosage Forms
Availability
 

Corequisite(s):

PFT501 Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Methods I

This course covers the physical and chemical factors considered important in the formulation of effective and safe solid dosage forms. (Lecture only)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

PFT955
Contamination Control in Pharmaceutical Manufac.
Availability
 

This course covers the principles of contamination control in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Topics include: basic microbiology, government regulations related to contamination control, microbial control of contamination in manufacturing, air filtration, ventilation, purification and control of water system and water testing for pharmaceutical manufacturing, production hygiene, employee health and hygiene requirements, microbiological testing of environment and interpretation of critical test results, evaluation of disinfectant and cleaning validation, self inspection and training of production employees for contamination control. (Lecture only)




Loading availability...
If the availability does not load please click here.

NOTE: These instrument and lab courses cannot be challenged: PFT301, PFT401, PFT402, PFT926, PFT907, PFT933 and PFT613.

If your degree is older than 8 years, you are not eligible for Transfer Credit. You can still earn a credit by applying through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students are able to:

  1. Perform an analysis of pharmaceutical substances in order to analyse quality, purity and strength of a given product
  2. Describe the formulation and process aspects of pharmaceutical products
  3. Perform drug assays
  4. Validate pharmaceutical systems, processes and equipment
  5. Apply knowledge of packaging technology and quality control to pharmaceutical production
  6. Apply principles of microbiology and pharmaceutical chemistry to ensure safety and sanitation related to pharmaceutical manufacturing
  7. Apply knowledge of clinical pharmacology to the development of drugs
  8. Describe the submission requirements related to a new drug, the approval process, drug registration and ongoing regulatory requirements (complaint handling, inspections recalls, for example)
  9. Comply with relevant Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), local as well as international regulatory requirements and drug legislation
  10. Design a quality assurance (QA) system and apply quality assurance/control measures to pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging
  11. Apply knowledge of dosage form to manufacturing and quality control of pharmaceutical products
  12. Perform as a member of a quality assurance team
  13. Properly use and maintain both a liquid and gas chromatographer
  14. Control contamination during the manufacture of pharmaceutical products

Information Session

Students are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the program and to connect with our team. 

Seneca Part-Time Industrial Pharmaceutical Technology Information Session

Wednesday, April 3, 2024
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Register Now

Confirmation of registration and a unique link to join the information session will be provided upon registration.

Credit for Prior Learning

Prior Learning Assessment

Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.

How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews, demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program Coordinator.

The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.

Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.

Transfer Credit

Many students who enter Seneca College will have earned academic credits in post-secondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca College program.

Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.

Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.

More Information

Please visit the Office of the Registrar.

Graduation/Convocation

When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October) and Spring (June).

For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Minimum Performance for Graduation

A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.

A student will be eligible to graduate from a degree program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.5, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses in their main field of study and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in breadth courses.

Residency Requirements

A faculty of Seneca College may recommended a student for a certificate, diploma or degree only after the student has earned a minimum of twenty-five percent of the credit for that program at Seneca.

Pathways

Pharmaceutical Pathways Map

Explore our part-time pharmaceutical programs pathway

Click to view larger image

Program Contacts

Maria Graziosi
Program Assistant
Maria.Graziosi@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0964


Melanie Rubens
Program Coordinator
Melanie.Rubens@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0973


For more information about this program, fill out the following form.