Diploma in Biotechnology Technician
Kitchener, Canada
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
May 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 8,756 *
STUDY FORMAT
Blended
* international: $8755.90 | canadian: $2260
Key Summary
Introduction
This program provides students with the laboratory skills, technical knowledge, fundamental understanding, and employability skills for careers in the Biotechnology and Life Science industries. Students will experience an integrated curriculum and applied learning environment that focuses on scenarios relevant to current innovations in the growing fields of Biotechnology and Life Sciences.
The program offers independent and collaborative opportunities to develop personally and professionally and to perform laboratory duties in compliance with all legislative guidelines. Training includes practical and technical instruction in several areas including biology, biochemistry, microbiology, analytical chemistry, cell culture, molecular biology, and computer applications. Graduates of the Biotechnology Technician program will compete in emerging professions within diverse sectors of the bio-economy including environmental, agricultural, food, pharmaceutical and biomedical technologies, analytical chemistry, and many other exciting fields.
Note:
Admission requirements for this program may be met by completing Conestoga's Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas.
Starting November 1, 2024, IRCC requires new study permit applicants to enroll in PGWP aligned programs. Visit Conestoga's website for the list of programs.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Financial assistance
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help eligible Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance (grants and loans) for educational costs and living expenses. The amount of funding you are eligible for depends on your program, course load, educational and living expenses, and financial situation. Apply for assistance on the OSAP website and visit OSAP & aid for more information.
Curriculum
Level 1
- Current Trends in Biotechnology
- Introduction to Microbiology
- Laboratory Procedures and Safety
- Introductory Chemistry for Life Sciences
- College Reading & Writing Skills
- Conestoga 101
- Algebra for the Life Sciences
Level 2
- Introductory Analytical Chemistry
- Food and Agricultural Biotechnology
- Introduction to Molecular Biology
- Quality Management Practices
- Organic Chemistry
- Statistics for Life Sciences
Program Outcome
- Complete all tasks in compliance with pertinent legislation and regulations, as well as biotechnology standards and guidelines.
- Apply quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
- Apply best practices for sustainability.
- Complete biotechnological applications using principles of chemistry, biology and biostatistics as well as basic principles of physics
- Use appropriate laboratory procedures to carry out quantitative and qualitative tests and analyses.
- Carry out standard cell culture procedures under aseptic conditions.
- Carry out molecular biology procedures.
- Assist with the management of biological data to support biological scientists and researchers in capturing, organizing/summarizing and storing their data.
- Prepare, maintain and communicate scientific data effectively.
- Develop and present a strategic plan for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Graduates may find employment as laboratory technicians, laboratory analysts, quality assurance/control technicians, and research assistants in many possible sectors including environmental, agricultural, food, pharmaceutical and biomedical research technologies, analytical chemistry and many other exciting fields.
- Biotechnology Technician graduates have the opportunity to complete the pathway to Conestoga College's Bachelor of Environmental Public Health or Bachelor of Applied Biotechnology, which would allow them to earn their degree in approximately 2 years.
- Conestoga College and the University of Guelph have an agreement that allows Biotechnology Technician graduates to enter three different Honours Bachelor of Science Programs; Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology & Genetics, with advanced standing, such that they can complete the degree in 2.5 years (5 terms).
- Diploma graduates may also enter University of Guelphโs Honours Bachelor of Science Program in Biochemistry with advanced standing such that they can complete the degree in 3 years (6 terms).
- Conestoga College and the University of Waterloo have an articulation agreement that allows graduates of the Biotechnology Technician program to gain advanced standing in two different Honours Bachelor of Science programs; Biomedical Sciences or Biology, such that they can complete their degree at an accelerated pace.
On average, 83% of graduates from 2020 to 2022 found employment within six months of graduation.
Our students can go into these careers:
- Chemists
- Biologists and Related Scientists
- Chemical Technologists and Technicians
- Biological Technologists and Technicians