About Biotechnology Advanced in St. Lawrence College

Overview

Do you love all things science? Investigating questions? Setting up experiments? 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.

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 work force. The final 15-week semester of our program is dedicated to providing a real-world learning opportunity by placing our students in a research or industrial work site as an entry-level Biotechnologist.

Study in Ireland: earn a Degree in one year

Graduates of the Biotechnology Advanced program can turn their advanced diploma into a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Biotechnology degree in one year (two academic semesters) in Ireland at the Institute of Technology Sligo. Click here to download the flyer (pdf).

Joint Program with Queen's University

The joint program between St. Lawrence College and Queen's University combines a degree and diploma in Biotechnology. The new interdisciplinary program, with a strong emphasis on laboratory-based learning, will combine the applied training of a college diploma and the research acuteness of a university degree, ensuring that students graduate with a unique set of skills and hands-on experience. For more information download our flyer (pdf) or contact a Student Recruitment Officer at ask@sl.on.ca.

Highlights

Biotechnologists:

• Perform DNA genotyping for disease diagnostics and forensic analyses
• Genetically engineer bacteria for bioremediation and plants for phytoremediation
• Conduct world class research in order to identify and combat diseases such as HIV, 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

Career Opportunities

Biotechnology may be the best career for you if you are interested in:

• A career that allows you to work in science from a hands-on perspective
• Working to solve a broad variety of agricultural, medical, and environmental issues
• An education that prepares you for a broad spectrum of science-related jobs
• An advanced diploma that is part of an international growth industry and that provides you with direct pathways to earn a university degree

Biotechnology graduates are employed in:

• Academic research laboratories e.g. disease and medical research, ecology, bioremediation, genomics and proteomics
• Commercial research, development and production of biological products such as pharmaceuticals, foods, alcoholic beverages, bulk chemicals and bio-pesticides
• 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. Graduates are eligible to take the OWWCO (Ontario Water/Wastewater Certification Office) exams
• The possibilities are endless!

Academic qualification equivalents

• Class 12 passed students from a recognized board including CBSE, CISCE or a state board
• All India Senior School Certificate or Higher Secondary Certificate/Standard 12 or Indian School Certificate (Year 12) as recognized qualifications
• Minimum 65% prerequisite average for six Grade 12U or 12M level courses including Grade 12 English at the U level
• Grade 11 Math at the C, U or M level - (Grade 12 MDM4U preferred)

English language requirements (one of the below):

• ELTS test results required with a minimum score of 6.0 overall, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each section, for entry to diploma and certificate programs; minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each section, for entry to degree, graduate certificate and fast-track programs.
• PTE: Pearson Test of English Language scores of 55 or higher for entrance to diploma and certificate programs; minimum score of 60 for entry to degree, graduate certificate and fast-track programs.

St. Lawrence College Highlights

St. Lawrence College Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The annual cost of living in Canada for international students at the institute is given in the table below.