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.
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:
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.
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.
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.).
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.
Bioproducts
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.
| Sample Job Title | NOC Classification1 | Earning Potential2 |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Manager | Architecture and Science Managers (0212) | $62,400 - $160,000 |
| Quality Assurance Technologist | Biological Technologists and Technicians (2221) | $32,500 - $104,000 |
| Research Technologist | Biological Technologists and Technicians (2221) | $32,500 - $104,000 |
Note
*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:
ACCUPLACER©
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.
2020/21 Academic Year
Year 1 - $8,000
Year 2 - $7,250
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 links below to more information about PLAR and detailed PLAR candidate guides for the Arts and Sciences courses in this program. To discuss PLAR for other courses in this program, contact us at 1-866-467-4278 and ask for the Program Head of this program.
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.
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.
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.
