The Chemical Laboratory Technician program will produce technically skilled problem solvers. Graduates will be prepared to assume entry-level positions in a variety of industrial, government or consulting organizations. The course of study includes hands-on introductions to Laboratory Analyzers and Biochemical and Microbiological techniques as well as an overview of key underlying theoretical principles.
Interested in a three-year option? Students spend the last term of this program on an applied research project - see our Chemical Laboratory Technology program.
See Course List
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English
- Grade 12 Mathematics
- Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology (recommended)
- Grade 11 or 12 Physics (recommended)
The admissions process is competitive and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel at any time a program or course; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary
to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications
or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency by submitting one of the following scores:
- IELTS of 6.5
- TOEFL iBT 79
- Passed Lambton Institute of English placement test
Please Note: IELTS is the only proficiency score accepted by the Study Direct Stream (SDS) program. Additional country-specific requirements may also be applicable.
Meeting the minimum English requirements does not guarantee admission. Students with higher English proficiency scores will receive priority in the admission assessment process.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, it is mandatory to own a reliable laptop to complete tests and assignments.
Course List
CHM-1106: General Chemistry I
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of chemistry through the integration of chemical theory and laboratory experiments. The theory portion includes the mole concept, gas laws, and electronic structure of atoms, the Periodic Table, chemical bonding and molecular structure. The laboratory portion is designed to apply the above theoretical concepts while developing basic skills of manipulation and careful observation through experiments in quantitative and qualitative analysis.
MTH-1904: Mathematics for Technology I
This course reviews and develops concepts in algebra, trigonometry, complex numbers, and vectors with technical applications.
CHM-1702: Analytical Techniques
This course serves as an introduction to the fundamental analytical techniques required for performance in chemical laboratory-related work. Students will learn techniques useful in later areas of the program, including proper use of the analytical balance, correct pipetting and volume-transfer techniques, and wet chemistry techniques. The course will also help students develop skills of good laboratory practices (GLP), proper recordkeeping and documentation, and chemical safety.
COM-1013: Critical Thinking and Writing
In this writing course, students respond to current issues and news articles via various styles of paragraphs and essays. Students strive for clarity of message and diplomatic expression of opinion based on fact. Students practice thinking critically and organize and hone their writing to ensure clarity and correctness in their messages. Critical Thinking and Writing lays the foundation for a subsequent research-writing course.
JSS-1001: Job Search and Success
This course is designed to give the student an understanding of how to conduct a job search and how to succeed in the work place. This includes self-reflection, effectively designing a cover letter and resume, online job searches utilizing social media, behavioural based interviewing as well as marketing oneself effectively in a job interview. Job safety, successful work strategies and harassment and discrimination plan of action is also discussed.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
CHM-2106: General Chemistry II
This course will provide an introduction to organic chemistry and selected common functional groups in that field, some of which are important monomers in biological polymers and plastics. Students will also explore physicochemical properties of solutions, such as gas solubility, colligative properties, acidity and osmotic pressure. A large portion of the course investigates the chemistry of reaction processes, including chemical equilibria and the energy balance of chemical reactions as it relates to the flow of heat energy (calorimetry) and electric energy (electrochemistry). Fundamental processes involving nuclear chemistry and the chemistry and control of process water are introduced. Many of these concepts are supported and reinforced in the laboratory portion of the course.
MTH-2904: Mathematics for Technology II
This course contains elements of algebra, and introduces the concept of functions including graphing. It also introduces differential and integral calculus with basic applications.
CHM-2702: Laboratory Techniques
The student will be introduced to Canadian laboratory techniques, including good laboratory practices for analytical labs (such as appropriate lab record keeping and documentation), laboratory chemical safety (WHMIS/SDS), and lab procedures. Students will learn techniques useful in later areas of the program, such as preparing solutions, proper chemical labelling and storage, and maintaining a laboratory notebook.
COM-2043: Communications for Technology
Technical writing differs from most student writing; therefore, it is necessary for students to learn the structure, nuances, and style of technical writing to be successful in completing labs, summaries, and reports. Through research writing and documentation, and through oral presentations, successful students will gain important transferrable skills that provide the basis for technical communication required in their other coursework and the workplace.
BIO-2306: Biochemistry
This introductory course covers the structure and function of the biological macromolecules, the structure, metabolism and genetics of eukaryotes and prokaryotes, and an introduction to microbiology and biotechnology. Laboratory component provides the learners with hands-on experience in exercises which complement the lecture material. This course is designed to provide the detailed theory and refined skills needed for further study in microbiology and biotechnology.
OHS-2012: Health and Safety for Industrial Processes
The graduate of this course will have a good understanding of safety aspects of the law, the legal responsibilities of the workplace, and his/her own legal rights and responsibilities, as well as work processes and procedures being used in present-day industry. This course will give them a basic understanding of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and its associated Regulations, and an understanding of health and safety issues in an industrial setting.
CHM-3106: General Chemistry III
This course furthers the fundamental chemistry gained previously by continuing topics in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. Topics covered prepare students for more advanced concepts covered in later course areas. The laboratory portion is designed to augment theory with appropriate techniques and methodology.
STA-1903: Statistics for Technology
This course contains descriptive statistics, basic probability, and regression analysis. The course also includes binomial distribution, normal distribution, Student's t-distribution and F-distribution. The statistical ideas of sampling, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing are introduced. This course also includes elements statistical process control, and system reliability.
CHM-3706: 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-2812: Introduction to Industrial Chemical Processes
This course, specifically designed to support students involved in Process Technology and related technology programs, examines the development of industrial complexes, refining and petrochemical and petroleum products, plastics and rubbers (polymers), and the manufacture of ammonia, steel and aluminum. Basic principles of industrial chemistry process units and energy production, with particular focus on nuclear power, are reviewed and applied to typical processes drawn from a variety of industry sectors. This course also includes a brief overview of the general factors which lead to the development of a petrochemical complex, with particular emphasis on the history and subsequent development of the Sarnia-Lambton industrial complex.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
BIO-4306: Biotechnology
This introductory course focuses on the theoretical background and practical application of the techniques employed in microbiology and biotechnology. Microbiological techniques include aseptic techniques, microscopy, and the use differential staining, growth media and metabolic tests. Biotechnological techniques include those utilized in cell culture, fermentation, and genetic engineering. An overview of the regulation, history and ethics of biotechnology will be explored. Laboratory exercises and lectures will provide the tools and basic knowledge to understand the application of techniques to the industrial, agricultural, environmental and medical fields of biotechnology.
CHM-4903: Quality Assurance and Control
Quality in the chemical laboratory is about the data being produced being free of error and with well defined and understood limits, consistence and uncertainty. There are national and international standards for quantifying quality. This course will understand the importance of quality in the laboratory, be familiar with the standards that control and define quality, know how to sample to ensure quality through appropriate sampling, method selection, measurement practices and documentation.
CHM-4706: Analytical - Separation and Imaging Methods
This course continues the exploration of analytical technology, beginning with the topics of sampling techniques. In this unit the students will learn about strategies for how and where samples are collected, and how they are stored and prepared. In the second unit chromatography in many of its variants is explored. The mechanisms of component separation are presented along with the hardware components of a typical system and how the generated data is analyzed. Some methods for improvement of separation are covered. In the third unit, methods of microscopy are covered, from the many optical methods to electron imaging and atomic force microscopy. In the final unit, a survey of new and potential methods are examined.
ENV-6114: Environmental Management
Leading-edge process operations are successful when the end product is produced safely and in an environmentally sound way. Modern technologists in the process industry are called on to carry out a wide range of tasks including environmental source control. This course is designed to develop a basic understanding of industrial process impact on environment, strategies of environmental protection as well as to appreciate responsibilities of process operators towards environment. The course emphasizes the importance of ecosystem concepts, societal demands, communication and environmental laws as they apply to chemical production facilities.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
Program Maps
Students are required to follow their prescribed program map and are not allowed to take unscheduled breaks for any reason.
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 of this program can calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory equipment. Assist in the setup and conduct of chemical and biological tests and experiments. Assist in developing and conducting sampling and data analysis. Record and compile experimental or analytical results for later interpretation.
Chemical Laboratory Technicians are employed in food and beverage production, petrochemical processing, pharmaceutical production, cosmetics production, natural product and vitamin processing, federal and provincial government inspection labs, and research labs.