Biotechnology - Advanced (Co-op and Non Co-op Version)

Learn the science that drives biotechnology careers.
  • Enjoy a more personalized learning environment with our small classes
  • Benefit from supportive and experienced faculty who are active in their industry
  • Gain the latest and best industry-specific knowledge and skills to be career-ready upon graduation

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

International
Availability

Competitive?

Fall 2026

No

Winter 2027

No

Schedule

Coming soon - a schedule that will show when each Level of the program will be delivered. See the Courses tab for further details on the Levels within this program.

Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Advanced Diploma (3 Years)

Program Delivery

View delivery information

Program Code

1020X01FWO

Area of Interest

Environmental and Applied Sciences

School

School of Health Sciences

Campus

Ottawa

Work Integrated Learning

Applied Research Co-op Field Work Placement

Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?

Yes
CIP Code(s): 41.0101

In the three-year Biotechnology - Advanced Ontario College Advanced Diploma program, you develop a strong understanding of the science that drives biotechnology. With a mix of laboratory and theory courses, you learn to explore and apply biotechnology across multiple sectors including health, agriculture, environment, and industry.

You develop knowledge and hands-on skills in:...(read more)

Overview

Learn the science that drives biotechnology careers.

In the three-year Biotechnology - Advanced Ontario College Advanced Diploma program, you develop a strong understanding of the science that drives biotechnology. With a mix of laboratory and theory courses, you learn to explore and apply biotechnology across multiple sectors including health, agriculture, environment, and industry.

You develop knowledge and hands-on skills in:

  • cellular and molecular biology and genetics
  • microbiology, tissue culture, and biotechnology applications
  • chemistry, biochemistry, and analytical instrumentation
  • bioinformatics and data-driven biological analysis
  • bioprocessing and biomanufacturing systems
  • quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and biosafety
  • research design and project execution for real-world biotechnology challenges

Hands-on learning is at the heart of this program. You design and carry out experiments using advanced laboratory instruments and emerging biotechnologies, while engaging with alumni and industry partners. Through applied research projects and field placements, you collaborate with professionals to solve real-world biotechnology problems.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to the co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.

Graduates are ready for diverse careers as lab technologists and analysts in the biotechnology, health, agricultural, environmental, and industrial sectors, contributing to product development, quality testing, and innovation in pharmaceuticals, biologics, and food production.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
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Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment as biotechnology technologists, research technologists, analytical laboratory technologists, quality control analysts, bioprocess technologists, pharmaceutical laboratory technologists, and clinical research assistants in fast-growing health, pharmaceutical, environmental and industrial biotechnology sectors.

Pathways

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Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Monitor and perform laboratory duties in compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, biotechnology standards, and guidelines.
  2. Evaluate and implement quality control and quality assurance practices to maintain compliance with relevant standards and requirements.
  3. Promote and implement sustainable practices in biotechnology operations to minimize environmental impact and improve resource efficiency.
  4. Analyze biotechnological problems to propose solutions to complex challenges during the execution of lab responsibilities.
  5. Conduct quantitative and qualitative laboratory tests to support research findings in biotechnology projects.
  6. Coordinate and implement standard cell culture procedures under aseptic conditions to validate experimental results and maintain laboratory safety.
  7. Coordinate and perform molecular biology procedures to support biotechnological applications.
  8. Collect, manage and analyze scientific data to support biological scientists and researchers in advancing research initiatives and outcomes.
  9. Analyze and communicate scientific data to meet industry standards and advance research outcomes.
  10. Incorporate strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to show improvements in performance and stay current in biotechnology.
  11. Align business goals to optimize resources and drive growth in biotechnology enterprises.
  12. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2026/2027 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar's Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Fees are subject to change.

Additional program related expenses include:

  • Supplies such as lab glasses and lab notebooks cost approximately $200 for the duration of the program.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent;
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility

  • English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
  • Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
  • Biology, Grade 11 or 12 OR Chemistry, Grade 11 or 12.
  • Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
  • IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken prior to January 21, 2026 overall 80, with a minimum in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken after January 21, 2026 overall 4, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4; Listening 4; Speaking 4; Writing 4; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English, Mathematics and Biology or Chemistry.

Application Information

BIOTECHNOLOGY - ADVANCED
Program Code 1020X01FWO

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants please visit this link for application
process information: https://algonquincollege.my.site.com/myac360/s/

For further information on the admissions process, please visit:
Admissions - Registrar's Office https://algonquincollege.com/ro/admissions/

Additional Information

Program Resources

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) RequirementseTextbooksArchived Program Information Academic CalendarVirtual TourProgram Overview PDF

CO-OP INFORMATION
All applicants apply directly to the non-co-op version of this program through OntarioColleges.ca or the International Application Portal. Eligible students may choose to apply to the co-op option two academic terms before their first co-op work term, subject to availability and academic standing.

Co-operative education (Co-op) provides students with the opportunity to integrate classroom learning with real-world experience through paid, program-related work terms. Two academic terms before their first co-op work term, students must actively participate in and complete a self-directed co-op preparation course, including required readiness activities and workshops.

Students are responsible for conducting a guided, self-directed job search and securing approved, paid co-op employment related to their program of study. Co-op students compete for positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. While Algonquin College's Co-op Career Centre supports students by developing co-op opportunities and providing guidance throughout the process, employment is not guaranteed.

Co-op work opportunities may require students to relocate. All costs associated with participation-including travel, accommodation, work permits, visa applications, and other related expenses-are the responsibility of the student.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during academic terms when students are not enrolled in classes. For details about the number and timing of co-op work terms in your program, please refer to the Courses tab on your program's webpage.

International students are responsible for ensuring they meet all co-op work permit requirements before participating in a co-op work term. Additional information is available at: www.algonquincollege.com/international/student-handouts

For more information about co-op programs, expectations, and general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, visit: www.algonquincollege.com/coop-career-centre

Contact

Jacqueline Gilmet

Program Coordinator

gilmetj@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 5085

Room A229a

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