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

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

This program offers the option to complete a work term, providing valuable hands-on experience in your field of study. Students interested in completing a work term should apply to the PROGRAMNAME program.​

Students who select the work term stream will have the opportunity to participate in a work term(s) if eligibility requirements are maintained. Students will have the flexibility to transfer to the non-work term stream at any time. The work term(s) is similar in length to an academic semester and is typically a full-time position that may be paid or unpaid. The work term job search is student-driven and participation in the work term stream does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, students will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the work term.

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    

Program Availability

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

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

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

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

This program meets Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements.

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. In courses delivered in the flexible format, using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. Students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.

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)

Student Experiences

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