Ontario College Advanced Diploma | 3-Years | Barrydowne Campus
In this advanced diploma program, you will train for an exciting career as a chemical technologist that will have you extracting valuable metals from rock, operating chemical processes in nuclear plants, running water/wastewater treatment plants, creating the next generation of pharmaceuticals, or developing new and improved fuels.
With our campus located in Sudbury, Ontario, the mining capital of Canada, our program has a unique focus that will build your knowledge and skills in analytical, inorganic, and organic chemistry and laboratory techniques.
You will learn industry-standard lab practices through group work and independent studies, including sampling, analysis, proper use of instruments, quality assurance/quality control, health and safety, and technical report writing.
As a graduate, you'll be prepared for a career in the chemical industry in mineral processing, water/wastewater treatment, nuclear energy, manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage.
What do Chemical Engineering Technologists do?
- Assist chemists and chemical engineers in developing and testing chemical products.
- Test chemicals for impurities, environmental impact, quality assurance, or regulatory adherence.
- Perform testing to determine the amount and identity of chemicals a product or sample contains.
- Ensure organized, safe, and efficient work conditions so that the chemist or engineer they're assisting can complete tests and other work more accurately.
- Plant operator (chemical manufacturing, mining, water/wastewater, pharmaceutical, nuclear energy).
- Research and product development technologist.
What will I study?
In Cambrian's Chemical Technologist program, you will take classes and labs in the following:
- General and organic chemistry
- Chemical, instrumental, quantitative, and qualitative analysis methodologies
- Quality Assurance and Control
- Safety measures
- Laboratory equipment use
- Mineral Processing and Pyrometallurgy methodologies used in the mining industry
- Water and Wastewater treatment methods and regulations
- Process Control and Chemical Process Design
You must also complete English, Math, and General Education courses.
Program Highlights
- Two paid co-ops.
- We are the province's only lab and process control program focusing on the mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, and water/wastewater areas of study.
- Quality control practices are embedded throughout the program.
- Master report writing techniques that meet the standards set by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists.
Can I take classes online?
Online programs in chemistry are not common at the undergraduate level due to the lab component of some of the core courses.
What kind of training is available?
Most chemical technologists receive on-the-job training when hired as new employees. This will help ensure your understanding of the proper methods and procedures used to conduct experiments and operate equipment for your job duties. The amount of training received will vary based on your experience and education. Training will also be determined by the industry in which you're employed. In addition, there is a range of general skills that chemical technologists should have, such as the following:
- Interpersonal communication
- Time management
- Analytical
- Technical writing
- Critical thinking
- Observation
Is there a field placement?
Yes
You will complete two paid co-op work terms, giving you real-world, resume-building experience in a lab setting. The co-op terms (semesters 5 and 7) are 14 weeks (minimum of 420 hrs) of full-time employment. The co-op model is flexible and can be started after the first year allowing the students to complete it early and graduate in 2.5 years or done at the end of the program in an 8-month term.
Can I do the program part-time?
- Yes!
For more information on the part-time, contact the program coordinator.
Why should I choose Cambrian?
- Small class/Lab sizes.
- Robust training on most of the sophisticated instruments used in chemical laboratories today.
- Flexible co-op model allowing the students to graduate in 2.5 years.
- Give yourself a competitive edge in the workforce by learning about many areas, including quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis, quality assurance and control practices, water/wastewater, mineral processing, and pyrometallurgy.
- Opportunities to work on applied research projects and gain income while studying.
- Networking opportunities with chemical industry partners hiring our graduates.
Quick Links
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)
Recommended:
- Any grade 12 physics (C) or (U)
- Computer competency in relevant software
Missing an Admission Requirement? We can help!
Visit https://www.cambriancollege.ca/upgrading/ for more information about our FREE Academic Upgrading Program.1
Advanced Standing
Graduates of Cambrian's Chemical Engineering Technician (CHLN) program may apply to enter directly into Semester 5 of the Chemical Engineering Technology - Lab and Process Control (CHLP) program. This is a competitive process.
Additional Information
Some employers require the students to provide proof of the completion of the WHMIS course and the First Aid/CPR certification prior to starting their first co-op placement. These courses are available through NORCAT and Continuing Education at Cambrian College.
APPLY NOW!
1 Please note Academic Upgrading is only available for domestic students.
Program Delivery
2024-2025
This program will be delivered in the following terms:
Fall Term Start
- SEMESTER 1 Fall 2024
- SEMESTER 2 Winter 2025
- SEMESTER 3 Fall 2025
- SEMESTER 4 Winter 2026
- SEMESTER 5 Spring 2026
- SEMESTER 6 Fall 2026
- SEMESTER 7 Winter 2027
Winter Term Start
- SEMESTER 1 Winter 2025
- SEMESTER 2 Spring 2025
- SEMESTER 3 Fall 2025
- SEMESTER 4 Winter 2026
- SEMESTER 5 Spring 2026
- SEMESTER 6 Fall 2026
- SEMESTER 7 Winter 2027
For specific term start/end dates and other key dates/deadlines, please see the Academic Schedule which posted on our website.
Program of Study for 2024-25 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 2400 | Calculus I | 3 |
| One General Education Course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 26 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| CHM 3700 | Co-op Work Placement and Report II | 12 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 142 | |
- 1
Course with Lab Component
- 2
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition and Ancillary Fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books & Supplies
The average cost of textbooks is approximately $1000 per year. Personal protective equipment: Lab coat, safety glasses and safety boot, could cost around $150. WHMIS, First Aid and CPR training will have additional fees. This is the best information available at the time of publishing to the website and is subject to change.
Graduate Options
Employment Opportunities
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
College/University Degree Opportunities
Graduates from this program may continue their studies at college/university and may receive credit for their prior College education.
Refer to College/University Agreements for further information.
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.