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:

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?
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.

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

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.