Centennial College's Biotechnology Fast-Track program was created for qualified college or university graduates wishing to receive a diploma in one year (two semesters). By gaining direct admission into the second year (third semester) of the two-year Biotechnology program, you'll be trained to work as a laboratory technician for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

This program will offer detailed practical training in microbiology and chemistry (analytical, organic and biochemistry). Laboratory techniques including aseptic technique and appropriate safety procedures will be extensively highlighted. A special feature of this diploma program is its project-focused approach, with independently designed microbiology projects that will enhance your problem-solving and research skills.

You'll learn to:

• Isolate, enumerate and identify microorganisms from many types of samples (water, soil, air, the human body, food, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic products);
• Prepare specimens for staining, becoming an expert light-microscopist;
• Become proficient in aseptic handling of materials;
• Accurately calibrate and use a range of instruments such as pH and BOD meters, gas chromatographs, spectrophotometers (regular/IR/UV) and HPLCs;
• Prepare microbiological media and reagents, and culture pathogenic microbes;
• Design and perform your own microbiology experiments;
• Use microorganisms to assay pharmaceutical products;

You'll have the option of graduating as a biotechnician in one year or continuing for a second year to study specialized topics such as microbial genetics, systematic microbiology and environmental microbiology to graduate with an Advanced Biotechnology diploma.

Award: The Biotechnology program is a repeat recipient of the Centennial College President's Academic Program Recognition Award for outstanding student satisfaction.

Program Highlights

• You study in and have access to eight up-to-date laboratories and modern wireless lecture facilities.
• Theory is combined with ongoing laboratory training, which starts from the basics and works up to professional skills.
• Training on GMP and HACCP is up to industry standards.
• Qualified and caring faculty and staff provide individual attention in laboratories, where teamwork skills are encouraged and developed.
• Qualified Biotechnology (Fast-Track) graduates may apply to enter the third year of the Biotechnology - Advanced diploma program.
• There is a high program graduation rate and a high rate of student satisfaction.

Career Outlook

• Quality assurance technician
• Microbiology lab technician
• Chemist – calibration
• Sterile specialist
• Analytical chemist/microbiologist
• Microbiology lab analyst
• QC raw material analyst

Education Pathways

Successful graduates of the Biotechnology Fast-track diploma program have the opportunity to apply their credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are the degrees from partnering institutions that are available for this program.