Biotechnology Technologist (Research)

Program Description

This program prepares you to work as a research technologist in life sciences through familiarization with scientific methods, experimental techniques, and research equipment. You’ll gain the theoretical and practical training to perform assays with efficiency, precision and accuracy necessary for research and development work.

Choose between the co-operative education mode (BTRC) and the non co-operative education mode (BTR). Non co-op students will follow the sequence of the regular academic semesters. Co-op students, depending on the length of their first work term after the fourth semester, have several ways to complete the final academic semesters. See the co-op models for possible progression paths, or the Program Co-ordinator for other alternatives.

Since the number of seats at the third semester level is limited, students who fail to maintain a semester grade point average of at least 2.5 during their first year and each subsequent semester, will be transferred to an alternative program within the School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)
• Grade 11 Biology (C) or (U)
• Grade 12 Chemistry (C)
• Grade 12 Mathematics*: MCT4(C) Mathematics for College Technology (recommended grade 60% or over) or Grade 12 (U) Mathematics, MHF4(U) (Advanced Functions) or MCV4(U) (Calculus and Vectors)

* Seneca may also consider applicants with good grades in MAP4(C) (80% or over recommended) or MCR3(U) (70% or over). Students with grades lower than these recommended benchmarks and who test below the appropriate level in the skills assessment can expect to be placed into a preparatory mathematics course or will be counseled to enroll in the Applied Science and Technology Fundamentals Certificate Program.

Note: All applicants who are offered admission to programs in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology will have an English and Mathematics skills assessment. The assessments are used for academic placement in English and Mathematics courses that are appropriate to the student’s skill level. In the event a preparatory course is required before enrolling in the standard semester one English or Mathematics, students will automatically be timetabled into the appropriate preparatory course.

Applicant Selection:

• Applicant grades in pre-requisite subjects (or their equivalents) may be used as a basis for the selection of candidates.

The Importance of Learning Skills:
Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.

Your Career

Become a research technologist in life sciences. Earn your advanced diploma in the Biotechnology Technologist (Research) program and you’ll be prepared for a rewarding career in research laboratories of university, hospital and government institutes, as well as in the research and development areas of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

School Guidelines

All students are required to follow guidelines, policies and procedures set down by the School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry.

General Education

One of the general education subjects must be a literature subject (from any category) for which EAC150 is a pre-requisite.

A general education subject (other than EAC) is a pre-requisite for SES391.

Common First Year

In the School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry, the Technician (2-year) and Technologist (3-year) programs have a common first year, that is, semester one and semester two.

Areas of Study

You’ll study a wide range of topics, including: molecular genetics, immunology, tissue culture, virology, biological and biochemical techniques, histology, cell biology, biochemistry, computer applications and statistics, as well as a common first year of basic biology, chemistry and mathematics.

Affiliations and Associations

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

FAST TRACK into Semester Three

With existing post-secondary education in biology, biotechnology, chemistry or pharmaceutical sciences or technology disciplines, you may qualify to FAST TRACK your studies by entering directly into the second year of this program. The granting of credits beyond semester two is possible in exceptional cases. FAST TRACK entry may, at the discretion of the department, be offered to partially qualified candidates, in conjunction with requirements to complete additional subjects from semesters one or two.

Co-operative Education Option

Should you choose the co-operative education option, you’ll find that it’s an important partnership between the employer, the College and you. Following the fourth academic semester, you’ll begin to integrate your academic study with practical work experience in industrial, governmental and university laboratories. The experience you’ll gain during these work-placement semesters provides considerable reinforcement to your overall studies and is a way for you to connect with employers for potential future employment.

As part of the graduation requirements, you’ll be required to successfully complete the professional theory and practice subjects, and two out-of-the three available work term semesters. In this option, you must achieve a high academic standing (G.P.A. 3.0) in each semester, while maintaining a full course load (5 subjects), as well as fulfilling other responsibilities in order to continue in the program or qualify for the work semesters.

A “Policies and Guidelines for Students” document, that elaborates on this cautionary note, is available from the School or the Faculty of Technology Co-operative Education office.

Admission to the Co-operative Education program is by application during the third academic semester. Note that a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 (cumulative from semesters one, two and three, as well as a minimum “B” grade in EAC 150 is required to be eligible, but does not necessarily guarantee entry into the co-operative education option. As part of the selection process, the Promotion Committee will play a key role in assessing the suitability of students to participate in co-operative education.

Transfer Options

Seneca/York BSc (Tech) Degree in Applied Biotechnology

Seneca College and York University jointly offer courses towards a York University BSc (Tech) degree in Applied Biotechnology. Students would take the first five semesters in Seneca’s Biotechnology Technologist (Research) program and then request to transfer and if accepted, complete the next three semesters at York University’s Department of Biology.

• During semester three, students must declare their request to transfer into the joint Seneca/York BSc (Tech) program in Applied Biotechnology.
• In order to be considered, students must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.8 on completion of semester two.
• Students' academic progress will be monitored at the end of semester five for enrolment into semester six at York University, Department of Biology. In order to be eligible for semester six, students must have a Cumulative G.P.A. of 3.3, complete specific semester five subjects and be recommended by Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry.
• This is a non co-op program.
• For details contact the BTR program Coordinator (see the "Contact Us" section on the left).

Diploma to Degree... and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institution(s):

Toronto

Ontario

Canada

U.S.

International

Curriculum

Students graduating with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 or greater in this program may be eligible to enter the B.Sc. programs at the University of Guelph through the Seneca-Guelph linkage agreement. For details contact the Program Co-ordinator.

Contact Us