The Lambton College Cannabis, Natural Health Products & Biomaterials – Applied Science, Ontario College Graduate Certificate is a one-year program that provides focused, experiential education to meet the demands of the natural products, energy and advanced
materials industries. In the program, students study advanced concepts in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics applied to chemical analysis and complex problem-solving in a hands-on laboratory environment.
Students conduct tests and develop solutions to problems in analyses of raw materials, products or environmental samples, synthesize organic and inorganic compounds and prepare reports and technical documentation related to chemical analyses. Within the
laboratory environment, graduates implement, coordinate and evaluate quality assurance and quality control procedures, in accordance with international and industry standards and government regulations. The program prepares students to analyze natural
products, energy and advanced materials for quality and contribute to research and development.
Graduates may find employment as chemical laboratory technologists in a range of settings including, research laboratories, government agencies, educational institutions and technical sales, and in industries such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology,
cosmetics and cannabis and natural health products, petroleum, mining, water and wastewater, solid waste, environmental protection, energy and food science.
See Course List
Admission Requirements
Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree, or equivalent in Science, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Environmental, Pharmaceuticals, Engineering, Instrumentation, Mathematics, or related fields of study.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College recommends that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Course List
CHM-5716: Natural Health Products
Growing interest in natural health products, led by cannabis legalization, is explored in this course. Scientific work in the area of active components for products like cannabis, ginseng and kombucha will be covered. Sample analysis for active components and sample preparations are the main focus.
CHM-5816: Reinforced Plastics
Engineered materials systems with the combined benefits of plastics and reinforcement are explored with an emphasis on natural product reinforcement; things like hemp, rice hulls and crystalline cellulose. The recycling benefits and technology are covered in general and as they pertain to these naturally sourced reinforcement materials.
CHM-5916: Petrochemical and Polymer Chemistry
The petrochemical industry from extraction to processing into energy and materials products is covered in this course. Polymer chemistry and production is explored. Polymers and energy products (or example; bio-diesel and bio-ethanol) from renewable resources is also covered.
CHM-3716: Analytical - Physical and Spectrometry Methods
The student will be introduced to good laboratory practices for analytical labs and appropriate lab record keeping. In each area listed next, both theory and practical understanding is developed. Physical methods of analysis will cover gravimetry, calorimetry and stress-stain evaluations. Electrochemcial methods of conductivity, and pH are covered and electromagnetic methods, focusing on infrared, Atomic Absorption, and Atomic Emission
CHM-5501: Proposal Writing
A student will work with a mentor to develop a proposal for their applied research project occurring in the next term. Steps in the proposal writing process will be covered.
CHM-6119: Applied Lab Skills I (weeks 1-7)
In this course the leaning objectives are met through the lens of an applied research-based question. A student will work with a mentor to solve and explore an identified research problem through implementation of procedures and techniques explored in the preceding semesters of the program. Students will be involved in selecting the appropriate techniques, calibrating and maintaining equipment, and producing valid data for analysis.
CHM-6214: Applied Lab Analysis I (weeks 1-7)
In this course the leaning objectives are met through the lens of an applied research-based question. A student will work with a mentor to design and analyze experiments to solve and explore an identified applied research problem. Students will be responsible for evaluating the quality of the data, statistical analysis of the data, and considering if the data meets compliance of any relevant industry or government standards.
CHM-6513: Scientific Communication and Dissemination I (weeks 1-7)
A student will work with a mentor to plan, communicate and manage the solution to an applied research problem. The emphasis will be on proposal writing, project definition budget creation. Other reporting including health and safety reports, sustainability reports, press releases will be addressed.
CHM-7109: Applied Lab Skills II (weeks 8-14)
In this course the leaning objectives are met through the lens of an applied research-based question. The course will build on the project of Applied Lab Skills I, with the student expanding the experimental techniques used to address their question. Students will be involved in selecting and the appropriate techniques, calibrating and maintaining equipment, and producing valid data for analysis and managing timelines for completion of the project.
CHM-7204: Applied Lab analysis II (weeks 8-14)
The course will build on the project solution of Applied Lab Analysis I. A student will work with a mentor to explore an identified research problem through analysis of data generated through applied research. Students will be responsible for summary statistics and analysis of their final project.
CHM-7503: Scientific Communication and Dissemination II (weeks 8-14)
A student will work with a mentor to plan, communicate and manage the solution to an applied research problem including proposal, health and safety reports, sustainability reports, press releases and, oral communication of findings as well as formal written summaries. Emphasis will be writing their final project and creating a portfolio to demonstrate their professional competencies.
Program Maps
Current Students
Current students can view program maps from previous years on the mylambton website.
You will need to login with your C# and password in order to access your program map.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates may be employed by research and development and quality control laboratories, consulting engineering companies, in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and a variety of other manufacturing and processing industries, and by utilities, health,
education, and government establishments. Graduates are employed in:
- Food and Beverage Production
- Petrochemical Processing
- Pharmaceutical Production
- Cosmetics Production
- Natural Product and Vitamin Processing
- Federal and Provincial Government Inspection Labs
- Research Labs
Career positions may include, but are not limited to:
- Analytical technician
- Biochemistry technician
- Biological lab technician
- Chemical analyst or lab technician
- Formulation technician
- Pilot plant technician
- Quality control technician
- Validation and documentation technician