Chemical Laboratory Technology

Program Description

Want a career that’s sure to get a positive reaction? In the Chemical Laboratory Technology program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of chemistry and get hands-on experience using analytical instrumentation to analyze laboratory samples. Eligible students may also participate in a 12-month paid work placement program. As a Chemical Laboratory Technologist you’ll work in a wide range of industrial and research settings.

Program Overview

Your Career

Graduates find work as chemical technologists, laboratory technologists, research technologists, technical sales and service specialists and technical assistants in the chemical industry. Opportunities exist in petroleum and natural gas processing, petrochemicals, metallurgical refining, food and beverage processing, agriculture, environmental consulting and government departments of agriculture, forestry and education.

Student Success

Students with higher grades and recent upgrading in Math 30 and Chemistry 30 will experience more success in this program.

Additionally, students who experience success in this program have good work ethics and communication skills.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Chemical Laboratory Technology.

Accreditation

The program is nationally accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC). Graduates can also register with the Alberta Society of Engineering Technologists and Chemical Institute of Canada.

Progression

The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.

Admission Requirements

Completion of the following courses or equivalents:

At least 60% in Math 30-1, or 75% in Math 30-2, AND,
At least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 75% in English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
At least 60% in Chemistry 30.
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Program Outline

First Year

Semester 1

CHEM 240 - General Chemistry 3 Credits
CHEM 270 - Basic Laboratory Techniques 6 Credits
COMM 238 - Technical Communications I 3 Credits
COMP 261 - Applied Digital Technologies 1.5 Credits
MATH 237 - Mathematics for Technologists 3 Credits

Semester 2

CHEM 245 - Inorganic Chemistry 3 Credits
CHEM 253 - Organic Chemistry 6 Credits
CHEM 275 - Analytical Chemistry 1.5 Credits
INST 296 - Chemical Instrumentation Theory 1.5 Credits
INST 297 - Chemical Instrumentation Laboratory 3 Credits

Second Year

Total Credits 61.5

Program Outcomes

Research, critically analyze, prepare, document, submit and defend a Technology Report.
Apply the knowledge of algebra, matrix manipulation and introductory calculus to resolve applied science/engineering technology problems.
Apply the knowledge of best statistical processes to resolve applied science/engineering technology problems.
Apply the current practices of project management to applied science and engineering technology projects consistent with the discipline requirements.
Apply the principles of physical and natural science, applicable to a discipline, to the solution of applied science/ engineering technology problems.
Apply knowledge of management principles, ethics, sustainability, contract law, codes.