Science Laboratory Technology

Behind every safe medicine, tested food batch and reliable research result is a laboratory technologist who got the numbers right. RRC Polytech’s Science Laboratory Technology programme is a two-year diploma taught at the Notre Dame Campus in northwest Winnipeg, with a common first year in chemistry, microbiology, instrumentation, quality systems and communications and a specialised second year.

Term 1 starts at the bench with Fundamental Lab Skills, Instrumentation and Equipment, and Measurements, Calculations and Physics Principles, alongside Introduction to Quality and Compliance, Careers and Trends in Biotechnology, Pharma and Food, and Communication Strategies. Term 2 deepens the science through Organic Chemistry, Applied Chemistry Techniques, Applied Biochemistry, Applied Microbiology and Intro Instrumental Analysis, with Communication for Life Sciences teaching you to write lab reports and procedures. In year two you choose one of three streams: Cell & Microbiology, Chemistry & Quality Analyst, or Quality Assurance, plus one elective in each of Terms 3 and 4.

Teaching is lab-heavy and job-focused. In Intro Instrumental Analysis, for example, you work with UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ion-selective electrodes, and the quality courses introduce the compliance systems regulated labs follow. The programme’s Work Integrated Learning component connects classroom and laboratory learning with industry partners through co-op work experiences or industrial project-based learning, and you need at least a C in core courses to progress.

Science Laboratory Technology graduates find work as quality control technicians, chemical analysts, microbiology laboratory technicians, quality assurance specialists, research laboratory technologists and biotechnology production technicians. It suits students with strong Grade 12 biology, chemistry and math who enjoy precise, careful work and want a practical route into pharmaceuticals, food processing or research.