Chemical Laboratory Technology | St. Clair College

Program Overview

Chemical Laboratory Technology provides fundamental learning in chemistry, biochemistry, physics and math at a level beyond any other college program.  This advanced diploma places the graduate in an exclusive position to choose their preferred career path or continue to University education.  The range of employment and salaries are extensive in many industries such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, environmental, geological, nuclear, petroleum, materials and alternative energy.  The transfer towards university degrees includes two organic chemistry courses and two calculus-based physical chemistry (thermodynamic) courses, which are unique to this program.  This is the best program choice for those who want to keep the largest number of options and pathways open.

Program Highlights

Chemical Laboratory Technology is a unique science program in Ontario that results in the largest of pathways to employment and further education options.

Key Points:

  • Industry partnerships provide students with the opportunity to participate in work placements or research and development projects.
  • Each student will complete a Technical Project in their final year, which can be conducted on-site as a capstone project of the student’s choosing, or as a partnership with local industry.
  • Unmatched Physical and Organic Chemistry laboratory courses that are equivalent to 2nd and 3rd-year university level courses.
  • Complete and comprehensive Analytical Chemistry laboratory courses for chemical analysis, quantification, statistical evaluation, and writing of formal reports to prepare for industry jobs and scientific publications.
  • Biochemistry and microbiology courses to broaden the capabilities of graduates.
  • Graduates get a hands-on learning experience in cutting edge scientific instrumentation, including:
    • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
    • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
    • Ion-Chromatography (IC)
    • Gas Chromatography (GC)
    • Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AA)
    • Ultraviolet and Visible Spectroscopy (UV-VIS)
    • Infrared Spectroscopy (IR)
    • Calorimetry
    • Polarimetry

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities include pharmaceuticals, food, ethanol, wine/spirits, agricultural, biochemical, forensics, petroleum, mining, electroplating, paints, polymers, plastics, computer materials, manufacturing, geological, environmental, water treatment, pulp and paper, automotive, nuclear technology, government agencies, new materials, solar energy, wind energy, fuel cell technology, optics, nanotechnology, consulting and more. These are broad categories of industries where job opportunities can be found in quality control, process, sales, research and development, supervision, and management.

An Advanced Chemistry Diploma can get you a job anywhere in North America or the globe since that skill set is in high demand. Graduates of this program who have been willing to explore job opportunities throughout Ontario, Canada and the USA have found employment within six months of graduation. The salary expectations for graduates start at $40,000/yr but extend to over $100,000/yr after a few years of experience for those who want to continue to progress in their profession.

Degree Completions

A. Transfer Agreement with the University of Windsor for those with a 3.00 cumulative grade point average or better:

  • For graduates of the program who started Fall 2009 - 2020:
    • up to 15 of the 40 credits required for the 4-year Biochemistry Degree (B.Sc.)
    • up to 17 of the 40 credits required for the 4-year Chemistry Degree (B.Sc.)
  • For graduates of the newly updated program starting Fall 2021:
    • We are working on a new agreement with the University of Windsor for this new version of our program. Additional transfer credits may be available beyond the previous program. Check back in the spring of 2022 for additional information.  

B. Continue education at the Atlantic Technological University (Ireland)

  • This very popular 4-year B.Sc. - Pharmaceutical Science with Drug Development program only requires 8 months (2 semesters) additional study in Ireland. This program is priced competitively with a typical two-semester Ontario University program. More information: Atlantic Technological University

C. Other University Transfers:

  • The broad collection of courses and content that we provide, has granted students many transfer credits to other Universities without a formal transfer agreement in place. You can take your diploma and its content anywhere you choose.

Admission Requirements

A. From High School

OSSD with the majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level PLUS:

  • Senior Level Chemistry (C) or (U)
  • Grade 12 Math (C) or (U)
  • Grade 12 English (C) or (U)

Notes:

  • These are meant to give as many students as possible access to this exceptional program.  Student success is best measured by how committed the student is regardless of having come from the college, university stream or the workplace.
  • If you wish to obtain exposure to some of the content prior to registration, we recommend that high-school students take some university grade 11 and 12 math courses (such as the functions and data management) and a senior level physics course.  To support this effort, Ontario’s largest online high school can be used to pick up any courses you might not have or you wish to improve: https://www.ilc.org/.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about these admission requirements contact the chemistry program coordinator: Mike Siwek (msiwek@stclaircollege.ca) or call 519-972-2727 ext. 4912

B. Other than from High School:

Mature students - See Admission Procedures for details.

Courses

The curriculum below is for incoming students:

Semester 1
Code Title Credits
CHM124
Laboratory Techniques I
3
ELEC1030
Choose 1 Elective Course
3
CHM151
General Chemistry I
4
CHM161B
Introduction To Chemistry I, (Laboratory)
2
PHY130
Physics I
3
MTH128
Technical Mathematics I
5
Semester 2
Code Title Credits
PHY222
Physics II
5
CHM242
General Chemistry II
6
CHM224
Laboratory Techniques II
2
MTH406
Statistics
2
MTH203
Differential Calculus
3
Semester 3
Code Title Credits
CHM325
Organic Chemistry I
5
CHM327
Analytical Chemistry I
6
MTH340
Integral Calculus
3
CHM503
Chemical Computer Applications
3
ELEC1030
Choose 1 Elective Course
3
Semester 4
Code Title Credits
CHM408
Analytical Chemistry II
6
CHM411
Biochemistry
5
CHM427
Organic Chemistry II
5
CHM429
Physical Chemistry I
3
ELEC1030
Choose 1 Elective Course
3
Semester 5
Code Title Credits
CHM508
Analytical Chemistry III
6
CHM507
Industrial Chemistry
3
CHM527
Organic Chemistry III
6
CHM529
Physical Chemistry II
3
CHM619
Microbiology
3
Semester 6
Code Title Credits
CHM604
Technical Report
4
CHM606
Analytical Chemistry IV
6
CHM607
Physical Chemistry Applications
4
CHM605
Polymer Chemistry
2
CHM611
Inorganic Chemistry
3

Past Cohorts:

Semester 1
Code Title Credits
CHM124 Laboratory Techniques I 3
CHM127G Workplace Safety As A Societal Issue 3
CHM151 General Chemistry I 4
CHM161B Introduction To Chemistry I (Laboratory) 2
PHY130 Physics I 3
MTH128 Technical Mathematics I 5
Semester 2
Code Title Credits
PHY222 Physics II 5
CHM251 General Chemistry II 7
CHM224 Laboratory Techniques II 2
CHM225 Inorganic Chemistry 4
MTH203 Differential Calculus 3
Semester 3
Code Title Credits
CHM325 Organic Chemistry I 5
CHM327 Analytical Chemistry I 6
CHM503 Chemical Computer Applications 3
MTH406 Statistics 2
MTH340 Integral Calculus 3
Semester 4
Code Title Credits
CHM408 Analytical Chemistry II 6
CHM421G Environmental Legislations & Impact On Society 3
CHM429 Physical Chemistry I 3
CHM427 Organic Chemistry II 5
CHM614 Industrial Control Systems 4
Semester 5
Code Title Credits
CHM527 Organic Chemistry III 6
CHM507 Industrial Chemistry 3
CHM508 Analytical Chemistry III 6
CHM529 Physical Chemistry II 3
CHM619 Microbiology 3
CHM535 Seminar Presentations I 1
Semester 6
Code Title Credits
CHM605 Polymer Chemistry 2
CHM613 Organic Chemistry IV 2
CHM635 Seminar Presentations II 1
CHM653A Environmental Analytical Chem 6
CHM620 Technical Project 3
ELEC1030 Choose 1 Elective Course 3

Your Investment

The standard tuition and compulsory fees for the current academic year:

2024-2025 Tuition Fees  

For programs with Experiential Learning (Work Placement/Internship): Costs for accommodation, if needed, travel and related expenses are at the student's own expense. It is recommended for most programs, that students have access to a laptop or desktop computer while away from home during experiential learning periods.

Textbooks and other materials are in addition to Tuition Fees. Textbook prices may be found on the Bookstore website.

Please be aware that tuition and compulsory fees are subject to adjustment each year. The College reserves the right to change, amend or alter fees as necessary without notice or prejudice.

Program Physical Demands Analysis

Program Vocational Learning Outcomes

Chemical Laboratory Technology (Ontario College Advanced Diploma) (MTCU Code 61302)

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Research, determine and perform procedures related to the purification, analysis and synthesis of chemical compounds and samples.
  2. Perform, coordinate and implement laboratory procedures to conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses and tests.
  3. Select, test, calibrate*, troubleshoot* and evaluate chemical analysis instruments and equipment to assure accurate results.
  4. Implement, coordinate and evaluate quality assurance and quality control procedures, including statistical analysis, in accordance with international and industry standards and government regulations.
  5. Complete, monitor and manage chemical laboratory tasks and projects using computer and information technologies.
  6. Participate in health and safety practices and initiatives in the chemical laboratory to ensure a safe environment for oneself and others.
  7. Promote the efficient, sustainable* and ethical use of chemical laboratory resources through the application and analysis of sustainability* practices.
  8. Communicate laboratory data, results, analysis and recommendations through the preparation, interpretation and presentation of technical reports.
  9. Collaborate with others and work in chemical laboratory teams to complete laboratory tasks and projects.
  10. Develop strategies for ongoing professional development to enhance competence as a chemical laboratory technologist.

Additional Information