School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry

Invent for Tomorrow

Ask questions, judge evidence and create solutions. You want to advance the frontiers of science and we give you the foundation and knowledge to pursue your passion. With more than 35 years of experience providing training in chemical, pharmaceutical, and biological sciences and having graduates placed all over the world — we’ve got you covered. Within the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology, the School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry is located at the Seneca@York Campus. Our curriculum is created using input from our advisory committees, comprised of professionals in the biotechnology, chemical technology, and pharmaceutical industries.

Seneca Centre for Innovation in Life Sciences

Programs

Cannabis Regulation & Quality Assurance

Clinical Research

Cosmetic Science

Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs & Quality Operations

Biotechnology – Advanced

Chemical Engineering Technology

Chemical Laboratory Technology – Pharmaceutical

Chemical Laboratory Technician

News

New sophisticated lab anchors Seneca Centre for Innovation in Life Sciences

Oct. 17, 2023

Seneca partners with Evik to offer solutions for citrus crisis

March 30, 2023

Seneca partners with Just Vertical to improve harvestable yields in non-ideal growth conditions

March 2, 2023

Seneca teams up with luxury skincare brand to create environmentally-friendly, Canadian-sourced anti-aging products

Dec. 8, 2022

Construction begins on Seneca’s $9.4-million applied research centre to support industry-partnered R&D in life sciences, cosmetics

Oct. 11, 2022

Careers

This dynamic and challenging sector offers rewarding careers and many opportunities to work in Canada, the United States, and abroad. You can join a profession that offers highly competitive salaries, flexible full-time, contract and consultant work with a variety of career possibilities including:

Research in universities, hospitals and government labs
Chemical, waste water, plastics, pharmaceutical and mining analysis
Metallurgical and environmental assessment
Physical, chemical and biological analysis

Experiential Learning

When it comes to graduating job-ready, having real-world experience matters. At Seneca, we complement your in-class learning with a range of opportunities to acquire practical skills and valuable connections outside the classroom. Our programs offer optional work term(s) that allow you to gain practical knowledge in a industry setting.

Programs that offer optional work term(s) are:

For more information on optional work term(s) please see Co-op & Work Experience.

Success Stories

Mariyam Gaysaeva
Chemical Engineering Technology
Mariyam Gaysaeva's story

Harnessing the ‘most powerful immune system of any land animal'

Faculty Bios

Dr. Peter Angelo is a full-time professor in Seneca's School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry, primarily in the Chemical Engineering Technology program. He holds a Ph.D. and B.A.Sc. in chemical engineering from the University of Toronto, specializing in materials science for inks and coatings. He teaches fundamental chemical engineering courses in transport phenomena, unit operations, process engineering and process control. He also coordinates curriculum review and development and industrial outreach through the program PAC. Prior to teaching at Seneca, he worked in development, optimization, failure analysis and risk management for specialized materials in the pipeline industry. He holds a professional engineering license (P.Eng.) through Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).

Sharon Gomez is a professor in Seneca’s Cosmetic Science graduate certificate program within the School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in applied chemistry and biology, with honours from Toronto Metropolitan University. Ms. Gomez brings 20 years of experience in colour cosmetics including formulation, scale up and manufacturing and troubleshooting. She currently teaches the Introduction to Cosmetic Quality Assurance program and developed and teaches Pigments, Powders and Poured Products. Ms.Gomez participates in the PAC meetings and was involved in the course program review. She also worked with TVO Kids on an episode of When I Grow Up, discussing what a cosmetic chemist creates.

Sharon Robertson is a part-time professor in Seneca’s Cosmetic Science graduate certificate program within the School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry. She holds a bachelor of science in chemistry and geology from the State University of New York. Ms. Robertson has substantial experience leading capstone and applied research projects in the Cosmetic Science program, bringing more than 30 years of experience in formulation and scale-up of colour cosmetics and toiletries. She also has advanced knowledge of cosmetic-related regulatory requirements for North America and Europe.

Sonal Kamath is a full-time professor in Seneca’s School of Biological science and Applied Chemistry. She holds a masters in cosmetic science from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey and a Bachelor of Pharmacy in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Mumbai in Mumbai, India. Her decade of industry experience includes formulation and scale up of innovative skincare and colour cosmetics. In the Cosmetic Science graduate certificate program, Ms. Kamath teaches Formulations I & II and Product Evaluation. At Seneca, Ms. Kamath is involved in Program Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings, program review, curriculum development and integration. She leads several applied research projects at Seneca. Her area of expertise is emulsion technology as it applies to skincare, sun care, makeup and complexion products. She is a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists.

Partners and Affiliations

Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry has been in existence for more than 35 years. During this time we have developed a strong relationship with industry partners. Employers recognize the value a Seneca student and graduate and what they bring to their organizations.

Our industry partners and association affiliates include: