School of Engineering Technology

Chemical Laboratory Technician(Certificate)

Program

The Certificate in Chemical Laboratory Technician graduates work with chemists and chemical engineers in a wide range of industries in the areas of research and development, quality control and assurance and technical services. With today's increased focus on quality control and assurance there is an increased demand for Chemical Laboratory Technicians.

The Chemical Laboratory Technician (Certificate) program provides students with the principles and techniques currently used in chemical lab environments. These include fundamental chemical principles, basic laboratory techniques, determinations for both wet and instrumental methods and a practical approach to modern laboratory instrumentation techniques. A practical focus allows program graduates to adapt to the ever changing industrial environment. The focus is on laboratory safety; recording, reporting and analyzing results; as well as techniques to ensure precision and accuracy while working in industry.

Objectives

1. To provide graduates with the technical knowledge and "hands-on" skills needed to assist in the daily operation of industrial chemistry laboratories.

2. To provide graduates with an appreciation for the team approach in the workplace.

3. To provide graduates with good problem solving skills by giving students the opportunity for application of problem solving methodologies to "real life" situations in the classroom and laboratory environments.

4. To provide graduates with chemical terminology, concepts and computer skills fundamental to successful correspondence with professional chemists, chemical engineers, technologists and other colleagues.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Chemical Laboratory Technician (Certificate) program may find employment in both government and industry laboratories as well as in educational institutions.

Curriculum

General education consists of an Introduction to Chemistry, Productivity Tools, Safety and Quality Assurance.

Specific education focuses on developing laboratory techniques and provides hands-on training in the fields of analytical, organic, environmental and industrial chemistry. A key emphasis is on chemical analysis using instrumentation and proper sampling techniques.

Entrance Requirements

1. High School completion with an overall 60% average in:

  • English Language - Grade 12 level (Minimum 60%)
  • Academic Mathematics - Grade 12 level (Minimum 60%) or
    Advanced Math - Grade 12 level (Minimum 50%)
  • Grade 12. Two Science courses selected from: Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Physics. One of these courses must be Grade 12 level; the other may be Grade 11 level. Chemistry and Physics are highly recommended.

    OR

    Applicants 19 years of age or older who do not meet the educational prerequisite for the program may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Clause.

2. Successful completion of the Skills Placement Assessment

Important Note

  • This program may not be suitable for applicants who do not have normal color perception.
  • Students should be aware of the strenuous physical dexterity required in this training program.
  • Employers will normally demand all applicants undergo a physical capabilities assessment prior to hiring.

Required Courses

Level 1 Chemical Labratory Technician Certificate

Credits Lecture Hours
Per Week
Lab Hours
Per Week
CH1120 Chemistry 4 3 2
CH2230 Analytical Chemistry 4 3 3
CM1430 Tehnical Communication 3 3 0
MA1530 Statistics for Lab Tehnicians 2 2 1
MC1220 Productivity Tools 2 1 2
SE1120 Workplace Safety 3 3 0
CH2540 Chemical Lab Techniques I 2 1 3
CH2370 Organic Chemistry 5 4 3
CH2460 Industrial Chemistry 2 2 0
CH2541 Chemical Lab Techniques II 2 1 3
CH2770 Environmental Chemistry 3 2 3
CH2830 Instrumental Analysis 3 2 3
SP2300 Quality Assurance 3 3 0
CH2860 Analysis and Sampling Techniques 5 3 6
WT1460 Work Placement 5 7 weeks in duration