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Bioscience technologists use applied science to research problems and develop solutions to some of life's many important questions, ranging from food safety to new medicines.

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Start date

September

Length

76 weeks

Locations(s)

Saskatoon

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's BioScience Technology program is a two-year diploma program that emphasizes a hands-on style of learning. Your classroom time includes theory, practical exercises and labs. A four-week practicum gives you on-the-ground experience working in a laboratory, so at the end of your program you're ready for the workplace.

The program is designed to give you a strong foundation in both scientific principles and analytic practices. The emphasis is on developing your lab skills to prepare you for work in the biosciences, biomedical research and applied research fields.

You'll develop the skills you need to:

  • analyse DNA, RNA and protein samples
  • follow good laboratory practices (GLP) guidelines
  • handle and prepare laboratory chemicals
  • organize and supervise laboratory activities
  • record, process and report data
  • use analytical instruments
  • work with plants and animals in a research setting
  • work with microorganisms

 

Did you know icon
Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) accredits the program at the Technologist level.

TAC is a bold, world class accreditation organization, delivering accreditation services for the engineering technology and applied science profession in Canada.

After two years of suitable industrial experience, Saskatchewan Polytechnic graduates are eligible to apply for membership with the Saskatchewan Applied Science Technologists and Technicians (SASTT).

You can also use your diploma as a stepping stone to a university degree - receive up to two years' university transfer credits to continue your post-secondary education in biosciences.
How does it fit?
Working in the biosciences involves detail-oriented and meticulous laboratory work. It also requires an open mind, an aptitude for problem solving and the ability to think on your feet. Bioscience technologists are members of multidisciplinary teams, so communication, interpersonal and team-building skills are an asset.

The BioScience Technology program works with industry partners to grow the bioscience industry in Saskatchewan. Saskatoon is host to over 30 biotechnology related companies and has great community, provincial and federal support. Sask Polytech students are hired by many of these local companies.
Ladder into a Degree

Turn your BioScience Technology diploma into a university degree in just two years. Saskatchewan Polytechnic has a transfer agreement with the University of Saskatchewan. You can also transfer into programs at Athabasca University (Alberta), Memorial University (Newfoundland) and Royal Roads University (B.C.).

Diploma graduates are also eligible to take the Bachelor of Applied Management degree at Saskatchewan Polytechnic with only two years of additional study. Remote classes and part-time options are available.

Learning Environment
  • 24 students are accepted each year. Find out more about books and supplies.
  • Students will experience laboratory work, lectures and a practicum work term.
  • Class hours are 25 to 27 hours per week. Students can expect to complete 30-40 hours of homework each week outside of class time.
  • There is a capstone group project that requires coordination.
  • Students are involved in their practicum selection and location

Career and salary information

Your career

The biosciences are an exciting and rapidly expanding field with plenty of job opportunities. Saskatchewan Polytechnic's BioScience Technology program trains highly qualified lab technologists to work in the agricultural biosciences, biomedicine, bioproduct and environment sectors of the Saskatchewan biosciences industry.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic BioScience Technology grads are working for agriculture bioscience companies, private research and development laboratories, university research labs, provincial and federal laboratories, food manufacturing companies (quality analysis of dairy, meat and brewery products, etc.) and bioscience equipment and supply companies.

Agriculture biosciences
Graduates employed in this sector are involved in research and development of agricultural crops such as wheat, canola and specialty crops. The work focuses on plant breeding, molecular biology and plant tissue culture. Other aspects may include testing of plant and animal samples using instrumentation, working with animals in the area of animal disease, testing for microbial or contaminants in animals or animal products, feed analysis and cell culture.
Biomedicine
Graduates employed in this sector are involved in research into diseases such as Alzheimer's and types of cancer. Work includes microbiology, molecular biology, cell culture, and may include instrumentation. Other aspects of research may involve working with animals or animal products.
Biomedicine
Graduates employed in this sector are involved in processing and production of bioproducts such as specialty oils, proteins and foods. The work includes aspects of quality control and quality assurance. It involves testing food and other products for quality, and may include standard tests for microbial contamination and other impurities. This may require basic microbial techniques or the use of analytical instruments.
Environment
Graduates employed in this sector conduct analysis of environmental samples and environmental remediation. The work includes aspects of microbiology, chemistry, molecular biology and analytical instrumentation. It involves testing environmental samples from the mining, chemical and oil and gas industries, as well as development of new techniques or solutions for environmental remediation.

Potential careers

Sample job title NOC classification
Agronomy technologist Biological technologists & technicians (22110)
Biological laboratory technologist Biological technologists & technicians (22110)
Biological technician - medical laboratory Medical laboratory assistants & related occupations (33101)
Food bacteriological technologist Biological technologists & technicians (22110)

Admissions

Admission requirements

  • Grade 12 with a minimum of 65% in each of the following subjects: Chemistry 30, Biology 30 and Pre-Calculus 30*
  • A combined average of 65% is required in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30
  • English Language Requirement

Note

  • Accepted applicants may be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check prior to entering the practicum component of the program. At the discretion of the practicum agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check. The cost of the Criminal Record Check is your responsibility.
  • To comply with safety regulations, students who wear contact lenses must have a pair of prescription glasses to wear in the labs.

*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:

  • Minimum of 65% in Math B30

Alternative admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.

ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

  • 250 Arithmetic
  • 256 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
  • 256 Reading
  • 250 Writing
  • 4 Writeplacer

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

2023-24 academic year 

Year 1 - $8,610
Year 2 - $8,060

International students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Semester information only pertains to full-time/on-campus students, and part-time/online students should view course prerequisites when scheduling courses.
  • Basic theoretical courses complement more advanced technique-oriented courses where emphasis will be placed on your competency in laboratory skills.
  • Your practicum consists of working in a private laboratory for four weeks in May. You will not be paid and you must find your own accommodation if you are placed outside of Saskatoon.

Get credit for what you know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.

Transfer credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Institution Agreement details
Athabasca University Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer of 60 credit units into the Bachelor of Science Post Diploma program or 30 credit units toward BSc (PD) with Majors in Applied Mathematics, Computing Information Systems and/or Human Science. 
Cape Breton University Graduates of the BioScience Technology Diploma may be eligible for 36 cu in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Chemical or Environmental studies degree programs
Memorial University Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer into Bachelor of Technology Degree with 39 credit hours (13 courses) to be completed, including a technical project and report
Royal Roads University Royal Roads University agrees to facilitate full block transfer of student(s) from Sask Polytech with appropriate prerequisite qualifications into BS Environmental Science, BS Environmental Practice, and BA Environmetal Practice.
University of Saskatchewan Graduates of this program may be granted advanced credit standing comprised of a block transfer of 60 credit units into the College of Arts & Science, Bachelor of Science Four-year, or Honours Biology undergraduate degree program.

Student awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Accreditation

Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC)

Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) accredits the program at the Technologist level. TAC is a bold, world class accreditation organization, delivering accreditation services for the engineering technology and applied science profession in Canada.

Professional registration

Technology Professionals Saskatchewan

Technology Professionals Saskatchewan is the provincial regulatory body for graduate of this Saskatchewan Polytechnic program.  As a graduate of an accredited program recognized by Technology Professionals Saskatchewan, your academic training places you on an expedited path towards obtaining professional registration as an Applied Science Technologist (A.Sc.T) or Certified Technician (C.Tech.).  For more information, visit tpsk.ca.

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