Embark on a journey of pioneering science and innovation, where global opportunities await
Immerse yourself in a world of discovery in the only program of its kind in Ontario that emphasizes mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, and water and wastewater treatment industries. At our cutting-edge facility, you’ll receive comprehensive training beyond textbooks. You’ll learn to champion chemistry by diving into analytical and organic chemistry, process control, instrumental analysis, mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, environmental sampling, and water/wastewater treatment. You’ll also learn to uphold rigorous quality standards and safety protocols, shaping the future of laboratory research and production facilities.
Rise to supervisory or managerial roles, mastering technical documentation, quality control, and troubleshooting. Our program will equip you with the technical expertise needed to excel in the field and the essential communication, teamwork, leadership, and technology skills crucial for success in the laboratory and engineering industries.
Grads are prepared to work in mineral processing, geochemistry, nuclear, petroleum, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, oil and gas, and food and beverage industries. Operate at the crossroads of discovery and progress, setting up experiments, analyzing data, and maintaining cutting-edge laboratory equipment.
Program highlights
- Two paid co-ops allow you to enhance your real-world skills and connections in the industry
- Common first and second year with Cambrian’s Chemical Engineering Technician program
- Quality control practices are embedded throughout the program, ensuring you’re well-prepared for roles in chemical engineering and related fields
- Gain practical experience through group work and independent studies, learning industry-standard practices in areas such as physical, analytical, organic, and pyro-chemistry
- Grads are eligible to join the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) and the Canadian Technical Employment Network (CTEN)
- Unique program in Ontario that focuses on mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, and water/wastewater
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian. This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MTH 1050 | Algebra I | 3 |
| QUA 1002 | Quality Assurance and Quality Control | 3 |
| CHM 1160 | Occupational Health and Safety | 3 |
| CHM 1161 | Introduction to Sampling Techniques | 3 |
| CHM 1162 | Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM 1163 | Chemistry I Lab | 3 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| MTH 1250 | Algebra II | 3 |
| CHM 1280 | Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHM 1281 | Physical Chemistry Lab | 3 |
| CHM 1282 | Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHM 1283 | Chemistry II Lab | 3 |
| CHM 1284 | QA QC Data Analysis | 3 |
| ENG 1754 | Technical Communication | 3 |
| One General Education Course 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 24 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CHM 1109 | Mineral Processing 1 | 4 |
| CHM 1300 | Analytical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHM 1301 | Analytical Chemistry I Lab | 3 |
| CHM 1302 | Instrumental Analysis I | 3 |
| CHM 1303 | Instrumental Analysis I Lab | 3 |
| WTR 2300 | Water Treatment 1 | 3 |
| One General Education Course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CHM 1420 | Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHM 1421 | Organic Chemistry Lab | 3 |
| CHM 1422 | Analytical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHM 1423 | Analytical Chemistry II Lab | 3 |
| CHM 1424 | Instrumental Analysis II | 3 |
| CHM 1425 | Instrumental Analysis II Lab | 3 |
| CHM 1426 | Pyrochemistry | 4 |
| One General Education Course 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 25 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| CHM 2500 | Co-op Work Placement and Report | 12 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| CHM 3653 | Inorganic Chemistry 1 | 3 |
| CHM 1600 | Unit Operations and Calculations | 4 |
| CHM 1601 | Industrial Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHM 1602 | Industrial Organic Chemistry Lab | 3 |
| TEC 3603 | Capstone Project | 3 |
| INT 1500 | Lab and Process Automation | 4 |
| MTH 2332 | Applied Calculus | 3 |
| Credits | 23 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| CHM 3700 | Co-op Work Placement and Report II | 12 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 139 | |
- 1
Course with Lab Component
- 2
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
- Any grade 12 mathematics (C) or (U) (MCT4C) is highly recommended)
- Any grade 11 chemistry (U) or grade 12 chemistry (C) or (U)
Program Delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
SEMESTER 1: Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4: Winter 2027
SEMESTER 5: Spring 2027
SEMESTER 6: Fall 2027
SEMESTER 7: Winter 2028
Winter term start
SEMESTER 1: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 2: Spring 2026
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4: Winter 2027
SEMESTER 5: Spring 2027
SEMESTER 6: Fall 2027
SEMESTER 7: Winter 2028
Specific program pathways
College or university degree opportunities
There are opportunities for graduates to pursue further educational or professional qualifications, and degree completion. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information.
Employment opportunities
As a Chemical Engineering Technologist, your expertise will span diverse sectors, including mining operations, where your insights refine extraction processes; environmental science, where your vigilance safeguards our planet’s delicate balance; forensic investigations, where your precision unravels mysteries; food and beverage production, where your touch enhances flavors; pharmaceuticals, where your formulations heal; oil and gas, where your ingenuity fuels progress; and nuclear technology, where your calculations harness boundless energy.
As you ascend to supervisory or managerial roles, you become the architect of the future of laboratory research and production facilities. You’ll operate at the intersection of science and innovation, performing tasks that include quality control, environmental monitoring, testing chemicals, improving chemical processes, calibrating and maintain lab equipment, and more.
Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities as:
- Lab Technologist in Mineral Processing, Geochemistry, Nuclear, Petroleum, Pharmaceutical, and Food Industries
- Water and Wastewater Analyst/Operator
- Researcher
- Chemical Process Control Operator
Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.
