Program Overview

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Biotechnology – Advanced (BTA)

Overview

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.

Admission Requirements

To guarantee a position in the third semester, you must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5.

Program Structure

Common First Semester

Students enrolled in the following programs may transfer to Biotechnology – Advanced before second year:

• Chemical Engineering Technology
• Chemical Laboratory Technician
• 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 Biotechnology – Advanced (Work Term) (BTAC) 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

Year	Semester 1	Semester 2	Break
Year 1	September	January	May
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

Year	Semester 1	Semester 2	Break
Year 1	September	January	May
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

• Canadian Applicants
• International Applicants

Start in	Location	Availability
September 2025	Seneca@York	Open
January 2026	Seneca@York	Open

Availability is subject to change, and a seat is not guaranteed.

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.

Career Options

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)

The Seneca Polytechnic Difference

This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.

Degree Pathways

Every Seneca diploma has a degree pathway. You have the opportunity to continue your studies and complete a degree at Seneca or a partner institution.

Experiential Learning

Graduate career-ready and world-ready. This program has an optional work term to help you hone essential skills for the workplace.

Career Support

Seneca Works offers students and graduates lifelong access to an exclusive job board, career coaching, networking, and more.

Biology Lab

You will gain hands-on, practical experience in our state-of-the-art biology lab, preparing you for your in-demand career.

Related Programs

• Chemical Laboratory Technician
• Chemical Laboratory Technology – Pharmaceutical
• Honours Bachelor of Science – Biotechnology