Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology - Advanced Fleming College - Sutherland Campus (Peterborough), Canada

The Biotechnology - Advanced program trains students for lab careers in health, research, microbiology, DNA, environment, and QA/QC, with a semester-long placement to build practical and transferable skills.

Program Highlights
Biotechnologists are the behind-the-scenes scientists who develop and improve products, technologies and processes across many industries, using biology, chemistry and genetics

The Biotechnology—Advanced program focuses on:

• Extensive lab-based skills: Close to 500 hours of hands-on training in your first four semesters.
• Unique combination of courses: Recognized by employers as one of the broadest-based lab skills programs, which puts our graduates in demand across a variety of fields.
• More than just technical skills: Our students are trained to become critical thinkers with problem-solving abilities and strong interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills—attributes that serve them well throughout their careers.
• Comprehensive placement: With up to 600 hours of work experience during your final semester placement, you will be fully prepared for your career.

Why Choose Fleming
This program stands out for its unique blend of accelerated learning, interdisciplinary training, and industry-focused expertise.

• Graduate sooner: Earn your credential in just 2.5 years instead of 3 and fast-track your career.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Build expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, quality control, forensic DNA applications, environmental analysis, data management, automation, and essential professional skills.
• Job-Ready Skills: Graduate with multiple, in-demand technical competencies that employers actively seek.
• Industry-Responsive Curriculum: Designed to meet evolving industry needs and address critical skill shortages.
• Specialized Programs & Faculty: Technicians need expertise in information technology, data management, and data analysis. The college offers courses and faculty dedicated to these critical areas.
• Cutting-Edge Resources: Learn with state-of-the-art tools in our dedicated lab environment.

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.

Learning Outcomes

• Perform laboratory duties independently and in compliance with pertinent legislation and regulations, as well as biotechnology standards and guidelines.
• Collaborate in implementing and evaluating quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
• Select and implement best practices for sustainability.
• Complete complex biotechnological applications using advanced principles of chemistry, biology and biostatistics as well as basic principles of physics.
• Co-ordinate, implement and validate laboratory procedures to carry out quantitative and qualitative tests and analyses.
• Co-ordinate, implement and validate standard cell culture procedures under aseptic conditions.
• Co-ordinate, implement and validate molecular biology procedures.
• Manage biological data to support biological scientists and researchers in capturing, organizing/summarizing and storing their data.
• Prepare, analyze, interpret, maintain and communicate scientific data effectively.
• Develop and present a strategic plan for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
• Apply basic business principles to biotechnology practices.