Queen’s University and St. Lawrence College are collaborating on a new joint Bachelor of Science (Honours) advanced degree/diploma in biotechnology that will produce career-ready students to work in the emerging field of biotechnology.

Students enrolling in the new Biotechnology Specialization Plan at Queen’s University can earn credit towards the Advanced Diplomas in Biotechnology at St. Lawrence, and vice versa.

“The university training will enhance participants’ theoretical and research training, while the college environment will give them hands-on technical expertise,” says Daniel Woolf, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University. “Combined, the program will provide a transformative student learning experience.”

Students may transfer academic credits between the two institutions, resulting in the accelerated completion of both programs (a four-year BScH in biotechnology, and a three-year advanced diploma in biotechnology) in just five years.

Students can start the degree/diploma at either institution, and will spend between 2.5 and 3.5 years at Queen’s, with the remaining time at St. Lawrence. The Bachelor of Science (Honours) biotechnology specialization will also be available as a stand-alone four-year degree program for Queen’s students. This program received approval at the same time as the joint program.

“This partnership with Queen’s University truly puts our students first. The joint program provides students entering St. Lawrence College or Queen’s with the opportunity to earn both credentials in just five years,” says Glenn Vollebregt, President and CEO, St. Lawrence College. “Providing students with access to two outstanding institutions will help them prepare for a successful career in the field after graduation.”   

This memorandum of understanding is the second with St. Lawrence College. The first is the joint Bachelor of Music Degree/Music and Digital Media diploma program. This five-year program also combines the theoretical knowledge of a Queen’s degree and the technical skills of a St. Lawrence diploma.

Queen’s distinguishes itself as one of the leading research-intensive institutions in Canada. The mission is to advance research excellence, leadership and innovation, as well as enhance Queen’s impact at a national and international level. Through undertaking leading-edge research, Queen’s is addressing many of the world’s greatest challenges, and developing innovative ideas and technological advances brought about by discoveries in a variety of disciplines.