Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology - Advanced
Formerly named: Biotechnology Technologist - Forensics
Start Dates:
September 2021
January 2022
September 2022
January 2023
- Program Highlights
- Why Choose Fleming
- Work Experience
- Is this You?
- Career Opportunities
- Mature Students
- Related Programs
- MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
- TUITION AND FEES DETAIL
- TRANSFER AGREEMENTS
- Minimum Admission Requirements
- Technology Requirements
- Tuition and Fees Detail
- Transfer Agreements
The Biotechnology - Advanced program prepares students to analyze forensic, DNA and other medical applications data in automated lab environments.
Important program information for the 2021/2022 academic year
The chart below indicates the status of delivery for this program in upcoming academic terms. Please note that program delivery is subject to change based on government and public health requirements and the college's admissions policies.
Sem
Delivery Mode
On Campus Date
On Campus Reqs
Delivery Breakdown
1
hybrid
07-Sep
3 x week
lectures and seminars online, labs in person
2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3
hybrid
20-Sep
3 x week
lectures and seminars online, labs in person
4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5
Placement
20-Sep
N/A
100% placement at a facility
Program Highlights
With a career in the field of biotechnology, students have diverse employment opportunities in a variety of areas including research, quality assurance and control, medical or health-related fields, DNA extraction and analysis. Laboratory related occupations are among the fastest growing occupations in the economy. With a unique combination of courses, our biotechnology program graduates are in demand across a variety of fields. This advanced diploma program would traditionally take six semesters to complete. However, the program has been designed in an accelerated, compressed format, to provide six semesters of course work over five semesters.
Courses taking place in Semesters 1-4 in the program integrate theory and practice opportunities in labs and experiential learning. This prepares students for their final, fifth semester, where they must complete their placement (this can occur from May-August, September-December, or January-April). Resulting graduates will be critical thinkers with problem-solving abilities, strong interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills and a solid, hands-on skillset in a lab setting.
Why Choose Fleming
This cross-disciplinary program combines elements from the life sciences, quality control and assurance through ISO17025 regulations, data management, forensic science, automation, and professional skills. This gives graduates the benefit of having multiple, job-ready skills that employers are seeking. The program has been developed in response to identified industry needs and a skills shortage in this field. Today's lab environment requires technicians with skills in information technology, data management and data analysis. The college has programs, courses and faculty who specialize in these areas, as well as state-of-the-art technology to support the use of applied technology in laboratory environments. Students will benefit from Fleming's growing faculty expertise in this field. As well, Fleming College is a founding partner in the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster. This strategic alliance between local private and public sector partners was created to advance local research of DNA and forensic science and develop economic growth opportunities, new technology businesses and jobs for the Peterborough region.
Work Experience
A 600-hour placement will immerse students in the work culture of a lab environment, give them the opportunity to seek experience in an area of specialization, and promote networking and awareness of the industry and job potential. Students will work with their faculty in selecting a placement that will be right for them.
Is this You?
To succeed in this occupation, students need the following characteristics:
- Problem-solving, troubleshooting, creativity.
- Perseverance, time management, and organization.
- Life-long learner to maintain currency in an ever-changing field.
In addition, students should enjoy synthesizing information, finding innovative solutions to problems, and working with equipment and instruments at tasks which require precision. Students will likely work in a team environment, so good interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
Career Opportunities
PProgram graduates will be qualified to work in various biotechnology related settings (i.e. private versus public), in a variety of roles. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Research technician/technologist (in areas such as cancer, disease, environmental, etc.)
- Microbiology testing (food, water, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics).
- Quality assurance/quality control (food, pharmaceutical, manufacturing).
- Forensic labs.
- Hospital and clinical settings.
- Pharmaceutical companies.
- Government agencies such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canadian, Centre for Forensic Science, and Public Health.
- Municipal wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities.
- Pathogen and toxicology testing (plant and animals).
- Wildlife management and restoration (environmental DNA).
- Cannabis labs.
- COVID19 testing and medical related fields (may require additional qualifications)./li>
- Chemical analysis and instrumentation.
- Nuclear power generation
Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program. All applicants will be required to achieve course credit in the mandatory sciences, through Secondary School, Academic Upgrading or College preparatory programs.
Related Programs
If you don't possess the required science courses for admission to this program, or if you want to enhance your likelihood for entry, consider the one-year Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas. Fleming College has reserved space in the Biotechnology Technologist - Forensics program for students who successfully complete one year of study in this program.
MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Students applying to Biotechnology - Advanced must meet the following requirements:
- OSSD including Gr 12 C English, Gr 12 C Math and any two Gr 11 or 12 C Sciences
- OSSD with majority of courses at College (C) or Open (O) unless otherwise stated.
- Grade 12 C courses will be accepted where Gr 11 C course requirements are listed.
- Where College level courses are listed, U and M courses will be accepted.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
If students are looking to purchase a computer, a Windows-based computer (hardware and software that runs Microsoft Windows - but not a Chromebook) is what should be purchased for the BTF program. Please refer to Information Technology Services for further guidance on technology requirements.
TUITION AND FEES DETAIL
Tuition and ancillary fees are subject to change without notice. The fees presented below reflect Fall start programs only for the current academic year. For details about the fee differences for other program start dates please refer to the Tuition and Fees Details Chartbelow.
TRANSFER AGREEMENTS
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized below.
Minimum Admission Requirements
Students applying to Biotechnology - Advanced must meet the following requirements:
- OSSD including Gr 12 C English, Gr 12 C Math and any two Gr 11 or 12 C Sciences
OSSD with majority of courses at College (C ) or Open (O) unless otherwise stated.
Grade 12 C courses will be accepted where Gr 11 C course requirements are listed.
Where College level courses are listed, U and M courses will be accepted.
Technology Requirements
If students are looking to purchase a computer, a Windows-based computer (hardware and software that runs Microsoft Windows - but not a Chromebook) is what should be purchased for the BTF program.
Tuition and Fees Detail
Tuition and ancillary fees are subject to change without notice. The fees presented below reflect Fall start programs only for the current academic year. For details about the fee differences for other program start dates please refer to the Tuition and Fees Details Chart below.
View complete tuition and fees details
Domestic Students
| Semester 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Supports | $33.92 |
| Alumni Fee | $15.20 |
| Athletics and Recreation | $69.95 |
| Career Services | $13.97 |
| Health Plan | $290.00 |
| Health and Counselling | $50.89 |
| Information Technology Fee | $103.85 |
| Integrated Transportation Fee | $255.50 |
| Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $91.09 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Student Achievement & Records | $12.02 |
| Student Administrative Council Clubs | $2.80 |
| Student Administrative Council Governance | $8.00 |
| Student Administrative Council Provincial Advocacy | $5.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $48.00 |
| Student Building Fund | $42.00 |
| Student Food Bank | $1.25 |
| Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
| Tuition | $1,548.45 |
| Total | $2,515.39 |
| Semester 2 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Supports | $33.92 |
| Alumni Fee | $15.20 |
| Athletics and Recreation | $69.95 |
| Career Services | $13.97 |
| Health Plan | $203.50 |
| Health and Counselling | $50.89 |
| Information Technology Fee | $103.85 |
| Integrated Transportation Fee | $255.50 |
| Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $91.09 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Program Supply Fee | $4.00 |
| Student Achievement & Records | $12.02 |
| Student Administrative Council Clubs | $2.80 |
| Student Administrative Council Governance | $8.00 |
| Student Administrative Council Provincial Advocacy | $5.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $48.00 |
| Student Building Fund | $42.00 |
| Student Food Bank | $1.25 |
| Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
| Tuition | $1,548.45 |
| Total | $2,519.39 |
| Semester 3 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Supports | $33.92 |
| Alumni Fee | $15.20 |
| Athletics and Recreation | $14.75 |
| Career Services | $13.97 |
| Health Plan | $290.00 |
| Health and Counselling | $50.89 |
| Information Technology Fee | $103.85 |
| Integrated Transportation Fee | $25.00 |
| Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $0.00 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Student Achievement & Records | $12.02 |
| Student Administrative Council Clubs | $2.80 |
| Student Administrative Council Governance | $8.00 |
| Student Administrative Council Provincial Advocacy | $5.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $48.00 |
| Student Building Fund | $42.00 |
| Student Food Bank | $1.25 |
| Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
| Tuition | $1,548.45 |
| Total | $2,225.10 |
| Semester 4 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Supports | $33.92 |
| Alumni Fee | $15.20 |
| Athletics and Recreation | $69.95 |
| Career Services | $13.97 |
| Health Plan | $203.50 |
| Health and Counselling | $50.89 |
| Information Technology Fee | $103.85 |
| Integrated Transportation Fee | $255.50 |
| Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $91.09 |
| Program Supply Fee | $36.00 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Student Achievement & Records | $12.02 |
| Student Administrative Council Clubs | $2.80 |
| Student Administrative Council Governance | $8.00 |
| Student Administrative Council Provincial Advocacy | $5.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $48.00 |
| Student Building Fund | $42.00 |
| Student Food Bank | $1.25 |
| Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
| Tuition | $1,548.45 |
| Total | $2,551.39 |
| Semester 5 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Supports | $33.92 |
| Alumni Fee | $15.20 |
| Athletics and Recreation | $69.95 |
| Career Services | $13.97 |
| Health Plan | $290.00 |
| Health and Counselling | $50.89 |
| Information Technology Fee | $103.85 |
| Integrated Transportation Fee | $255.50 |
| Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $91.09 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Student Achievement & Records | $12.02 |
| Student Administrative Council Clubs | $2.80 |
| Student Administrative Council Governance | $8.00 |
| Student Administrative Council Provincial Advocacy | $5.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $48.00 |
| Student Building Fund | $42.00 |
| Student Food Bank | $1.25 |
| Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
| Tuition | $1,548.45 |
| Total | $2,515.39 |
International Students
| Semester 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Supports | $33.92 |
| Alumni Fee | $15.20 |
| Athletics and Recreation | $69.95 |
| Career Services | $13.97 |
| Health and Counselling | $50.89 |
| Information Technology Fee | $103.85 |
| Integrated Transportation Fee | $255.50 |
| International Health Plan | $704.58 |
| Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $91.09 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Student Achievement & Records | $12.02 |
| Student Administrative Council Clubs | $2.80 |
| Student Administrative Council Governance | $8.00 |
| Student Administrative Council Provincial Advocacy | $5.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $48.00 |
| Student Building Fund | $42.00 |
| Student Food Bank | $1.25 |
| Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
| Tuition | $7,787.70 |
| Total | $9,196.96 |
| Semester 2 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Supports | $33.92 |
| Alumni Fee | $15.20 |
| Athletics and Recreation | $69.95 |
| Career Services | $13.97 |
| Health and Counselling | $50.89 |
| Information Technology Fee | $103.85 |
| Integrated Transportation Fee | $255.50 |
| International Health Plan | $645.82 |
| Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $91.09 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Program Supply Fee | $4.00 |
| Student Achievement & Records | $12.02 |
| Student Administrative Council Clubs | $2.80 |
| Student Administrative Council Governance | $8.00 |
| Student Administrative Council Provincial Advocacy | $5.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $48.00 |
| Student Building Fund | $42.00 |
| Student Food Bank | $1.25 |
| Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
| Tuition | $7,787.70 |
| Total | $9,200.96 |
| Semester 3 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Supports | $33.92 |
| Alumni Fee | $15.20 |
| Athletics and Recreation | $14.75 |
| Career Services | $13.97 |
| Health and Counselling | $50.89 |
| Information Technology Fee | $103.85 |
| Integrated Transportation Fee | $25.00 |
| International Health Plan | $704.58 |
| Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $0.00 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Student Achievement & Records | $12.02 |
| Student Administrative Council Clubs | $2.80 |
| Student Administrative Council Governance | $8.00 |
| Student Administrative Council Provincial Advocacy | $5.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $48.00 |
| Student Building Fund | $42.00 |
| Student Food Bank | $1.25 |
| Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
| Tuition | $7,787.70 |
| Total | $8,878.93 |
| Semester 4 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Supports | $33.92 |
| Alumni Fee | $15.20 |
| Athletics and Recreation | $69.95 |
| Career Services | $13.97 |
| Health and Counselling | $50.89 |
| Information Technology Fee | $103.85 |
| Integrated Transportation Fee | $255.50 |
| International Health Plan | $645.82 |
| Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $91.09 |
| Program Supply Fee | $36.00 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Student Achievement & Records | $12.02 |
| Student Administrative Council Clubs | $2.80 |
| Student Administrative Council Governance | $8.00 |
| Student Administrative Council Provincial Advocacy | $5.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $48.00 |
| Student Building Fund | $42.00 |
| Student Food Bank | $1.25 |
| Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
| Tuition | $7,787.70 |
| Total | $9,232.96 |
| Semester 5 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Supports | $33.92 |
| Alumni Fee | $15.20 |
| Athletics and Recreation | $69.95 |
| Career Services | $13.97 |
| Health and Counselling | $50.89 |
| Information Technology Fee | $103.85 |
| Integrated Transportation Fee | $255.50 |
| International Health Plan | $704.58 |
| Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre | $91.09 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Student Achievement & Records | $12.02 |
| Student Administrative Council Clubs | $2.80 |
| Student Administrative Council Governance | $8.00 |
| Student Administrative Council Provincial Advocacy | $5.00 |
| Student Building Fee | $48.00 |
| Student Building Fund | $42.00 |
| Student Food Bank | $1.25 |
| Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
| Tuition | $7,787.70 |
| Total | $9,196.96 |
The fees above are for the current academic year for international students. Please note that the fees reflect the Health Plan and Integrated Transportation (Sutherland Programs only) charges for the fall entry point. These charges are applied up front and provide service coverage for a full year September to August. The charges for the winter and spring terms are as follows:
| Health Plan | Intergrated Transportation | Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | $645.82 | $255.50 | January to August |
| Spring | $263.60 | $142.35 | May to August |
Transfer Agreements
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized below.
Lakehead University
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 10 out of a 20 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Ontario Tech University
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Allied Health Sciences Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 57 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 45 out of a 120 credit degree.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Requirement
- Minimum 77% cumulative program average.
- Present a comprehensive human anatomy and physiology course at the college or university level.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Medical Laboratory Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 39 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 18 credit diploma.
- Note: No transfer credits awarded.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Seneca College
Requirement
- Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 5th semester standing in an 8-semester program.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Trent University
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 7 out of a 20 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 7 out of a 20 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 7 out of a 20 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
University of Guelph
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
- A passing grade in all courses required for completion of the diploma.
- Completion of MHF4U (Grade 12 University Advanced Function) or equivalent.
Transfer Credit
- 7.5 out of a 21.5 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
- A passing grade in all courses required for completion of the diploma.
- Completion of MHF4U (Grade 12 University Advanced Function) or equivalent.
Transfer Credit
- 7.5 out of a 20 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
- A passing grade in all courses required for completion of the diploma.
- Completion of MHF4U (Grade 12 University Advanced Function) or equivalent.
Transfer Credit
- 7.5 out of a 20 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
- A passing grade in all courses required for completion of the diploma.
- Completion of MHF4U (Grade 12 University Advanced Function) or equivalent.
Transfer Credit
- 7.5 out of a 20 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
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