Program Overview

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Biotechnology Advanced Program

The Biotechnology Advanced program at St. Lawrence College is a predominantly hands-on, laboratory, and practical-based course. As a student, you will perform genetic assays, investigate contaminated soil and water, determine food-borne illnesses, clone for proteins, ferment antibiotics, and create plant hybrids.

Overview

According to Statistics Canada, Biotechnology is one of the fastest-growing global industries, with Canada providing a strong and growing employer base in the biotech sector, necessitating the demand for well-trained laboratory personnel. Our program employs contemporary molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, chemistry, biochemistry, fermentation, and protein technology, applied genetics, cell culture, environmental and analytical instrumentation labs that offer practical training in all aspects of biotechnology with a focus on the hands-on applied skills that ensure our students are ready for immediate integration into the workforce.

Program Details

• Code: 0437
• Start Date: September 2026
• Credential: Ontario College Advanced Diploma
• Campus: Kingston
• Program Length: 3 Years
• Delivery: Full-Time
• Open for international students

Program Highlights

Biotechnologists:

• Perform DNA genotyping for disease diagnostics and forensic analyses
• Genetically engineer bacteria for bioremediation and plants for phytoremediation
• Conduct world-class research to identify and combat diseases such as HIV, COVID-19, cancer, and rabies
• Develop new antibiotics to combat drug-resistant pathogens or new and emerging diseases
• Craft beer, wine, cheese, and other food products
• Produce therapeutic drugs
• Research and design new assays and control methods for environmental contaminants/pollutants
• Oversee the Quality Control/Quality Assurance programs that ensure food, beverage, and pharmaceutical safety
• Utilize microbial processes to produce 'green' alternative fuels
• Use molecular and biochemical tools to assess and monitor the ecology of endangered species

Program Outline

Semester 1

• BIOL 150: Cell Biology
• BIOL 1004: Introduction to Biotechnology
• CHEM 98: General Chemistry Theory
• CHEM 1001: General Chemistry Techniques
• COMP 75: Computer Applications in Excel
• MATH 141: Introduction to Scientific Mathematics

Semester 2

• BIOL 155: Advanced Biotechnology
• BIOL 1006: Plant Biotechnology and Food Sustainability
• CHEM 99: Organic and Applied Chemistry
• COMM 110: Communications for College
• INST 1: Analytical Methods Instrumentation
• MATH 145: Applied Laboratory Mathematics
• GENE: General Education Course

Semester 3

• BIOL 153: Introduction to Microbiology
• BIOL 2000: Environmental Sustainability Science
• BIOL 2002: Environmental Sustainability Biology
• CHEM 2002: Environmental Sustainability Chemistry
• LABS 250: Laboratory Operations
• BIOL 2001: Applied Biochemistry
• GENE Online: General Education Online

Semester 4

• BIOL 251: Molecular Biology
• BIOL 250: Food Microbiology
• CHEM 252: Analytical Methods Food and Drug
• MATH 146: Biostatistics
• BIOL 357: Animal Handling and Legislation
• ETHS 150: Bioethics
• GENE Online: General Education Online

Semester 5

• BIOL 350: Applied Genetics
• BIOL 359: Tissue Culture
• INTN 31: Work Placement Preparation
• BIOL 3000: Experimental Maintenance
• BIOL 3001: Fermentation and Protein Science
• BIOL 3002: Applied Immunology

Semester 6

• INTN 23: Work Placement

Requirements

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with:
  • Grade 12 English at the C or U level
  • Grade 12 Math at the C or U level; MTC4C recommended
  • Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry at the C or U level
  • Grade 11 or 12 Biology at the C or U level

Health Requirements

• Immunization - Communicable Disease Requirements: Completion of the Immunization - Communicable Disease Form is mandatory for clinical/practical placement.

Fees

Canadian Students

• Tuition: $2,721.36 CAD
• Program Fees: $0.00 CAD
• Ancillary Fees: $1,617.67 CAD
• Total: $4,339.03 CAD

International Students

• Tuition: $16,920.00 CAD
• Program Fees: $0.00 CAD
• Ancillary Fees: $2,385.78 CAD
• Total: $19,305.78 CAD

Career Opportunities

Biotechnology graduates are employed in:

• Academic research laboratories
• Commercial research, development, and production of biological products
• Microbiological, chemical, and instrumental analyses of raw materials and finished products
• Environmental protection through waste management, detection of soil and water contaminants/pollutants, and application of bioremediation techniques

Testimonials

• "Shortly after graduating, I got a job at Queen's University as a laboratory manager. My employer has been consistently impressed with the education I received at St. Lawrence College."
• "The placement has been an invaluable opportunity and experience. I am so lucky that I was able to participate in so many projects that helped improve my confidence and my lab skills."
• "All of the professors had extensive background in what they taught, and many of them split their time between teaching and doing current research in their field."

Credit Transfer Opportunities

• Athabasca University - Bachelor of Science (Post Diploma) with Major/Applied Mathematics
• Athabasca University - Bachelor of Science (Post Diploma) with Major/Computing and Information Systems
• Athabasca University - Bachelor of Science (Post Diploma) with Major/Human Science
• Athabasca University - Bachelor of Science (Post Diploma) no Major

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