In this two-year diploma program, you will benefit from practical training and learn the essential principles and techniques used in the biochemical sciences. You will gain hands-on experience needed to perform experiments and determinations with the precision required in a broad range of industries. That means getting hands-on training in the proper care and use of laboratory apparatus for wet and instrumental methods.
The program covers a broad range of topics, including organic and analytical chemistry, biochemistry, industrial microbiology, as well as pharmaceutical and instrumental methods.
This program shares a common first year with the three-year Biotechnology Advanced, Chemical Engineering Technology and Chemical Laboratory Technology - Pharmaceutical programs. You can transfer to these programs after the second semester or upon graduation.
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters (2 Years)
January, May, September
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. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| BIO173 | Biology | 5 |
| CHM173 | Chemistry | 5 |
| COM101 | Communicating Across Contexts | 3 |
| or COM111 | Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched) | |
| MTH173 | Mathematics | 5-6 |
| or MTH171 | Mathematics | |
| SSA001 | Science Survival | 1 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| ACA273 | Advanced Computer Applications | 3 |
| BIO273 | Biology | 5 |
| CHM273 | Chemistry | 5 |
| MTH273 | Mathematics | 5 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| AIC372 | Applied Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHO372 | Chemistry - Organic | 6 |
| MBG372 | Microbiology | 5 |
| PHY453 | Physics | 3 |
| SES391 | Effective Technical Writing | 3 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| BIC472 | Biochemistry | 6 |
| IMB472 | Industrial Microbiology | 5 |
| or IPM472 | Introduction to Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | |
| IOC472 | Analytical Chemistry | 5 |
| ITM472 | Instrumental Methods | 5 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
Note: The following course will not fulfil a General Education requirement: NAT280 The Body: Bits and Bites.
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may satisfy the English and/or mathematics requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.
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