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Chemical Engineering Technician 

A chemical engineering technician is wearing a pair of goggles and a Loyalist College white lab coat. The student is looking at test tubes on their left with their hands over a binder full of paper. The student's right hand is holding a blue pen.

Chemical engineering technicians are at the heart of many growing fields, from leading-edge research around alternative fuels to protecting the safety of our food and water supply. Prepare for an exciting career working in high-tech labs with real-world results.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Chemical Engineering Technician 
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Two years
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students

Find your career

Chemical engineering technicians and technologists work for:

  • Government agencies.
  • Educational institutions.
  • Industries including food production, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, plastics, pulp and paper, mining, metallurgy and nuclear energy.

Our grads get great jobs

  • Plastic Industry Lab Technologist, ABC Group
  • Lab Technician, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.
  • Chemical Lab Technologist, Ontario Clean Water Agency
  • Chemical Technologist, Queen’s University
  • Quality Control Laboratory Technician, Durabla Canada

Is it for you?

Students who thrive in this program:

  • Have a good grounding in math and science.
  • Are inquisitive.
  • Pay meticulous attention to detail.
  • Enjoy working with their hands. 

How you'll learn

Experiential learning

Study in the newly equipped Bay of Quinte Skills Centre:

  • Understand the principles and techniques of organic and analytical chemistry, chemical engineering and industrial processes.
  • Gain applied skills with good manufacturing practices, chemical instrumentation, extraction technology, health and safety, and microbiology techniques.
  • Apply theory to practice with problem-based assignments.
  • Graduates are prepared to work in research and development, analyze and interpret data, manage lab operations, assess analytical methods, troubleshoot instrumentation and develop new techniques.
  • Observe chemical engineers in action with tours of professional lab facilities.
  • Get ready to enter the workforce by honing your skills in interviewing, résumé building, and overall career preparation.

Outstanding faculty make the difference

  • Learn with active, involved instructors who are committed to students’ success.
  • The teaching labs were set up by a program coordinator who brings 15 years of experience working in three different countries as a research geneticist.

Courses

BIOS1013 Cell Biology Lab

This is an introductory course focusing on the topics of cell structure and function, the flow of energy in cells, and the exchange of information in and between cells. Basic biological laboratory exercises augment theoretical material. Co-requisite: BIOS 1012

BIOS1012 Cell Biology Lecture

This is an introductory course focusing on the topics of cell structure and function, the flow of energy in cells, and the exchange of information in and between cells. Co-requisite: BIOS 1013

COMM1068 Communications

This course introduces students to essential language skills to communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audiences. Students reframe information, ideas and concepts using narrative, visual and symbolic representations, which demonstrate understanding.

CHEM1019 Introduction to Applied Chemistry-Lab

The first of two introductory laboratory classes for chemistry. This course aims to provide students with the foundational laboratory skills required to safely and efficiently work in a laboratory setting. The course will examine the proper use of simple laboratory equipment, interpreting results through mathematical calculations, and making proper laboratory observations. Laboratory exercises provide students with practical knowledge of general lab safety and standard laboratory procedures.

CHEM1018 Introduction to Applied Chemistry-Lecture

The first of two, this introductory chemistry course examines atomic structure, the names of the elements and their symbols, the IUPAC and common systems of nomenclature for inorganic compounds and ions, molecular weight, mole and solution concentration calculations, chemical reactions and equations. Laboratory exercises supplement the course material to provide students with practical knowledge of general lab safety and standard laboratory procedures.

MATH1003 Mathematics for Biosciences 1

Students learn about the engineering and scientific applications involving the following areas: the SI system for dealing with exact and approximate numbers, exponents, solving equations, determinants and linear equations, curve sketching, graphing and trigonometry.

CHEM1001 Organic Chemistry 1

This course is designed as an introduction to organic chemistry, with emphasis on molecular structure of the major classes of organic molecules, physical and chemical properties, and IUPAC nomenclature. Students recognize the unique properties of organic compounds, and describe practical applications of organic chemistry to everyday life and biological systems.

BIOS1010 Sustainability

This course focuses on understanding climate and climate change, investigating the implications of climate change, the societal and environmental impacts of a changing climate, and geoengineering solutions. Students learn about sustainability as it relates to conserving water resources, food supply, and energy production.

CHEM1016 Applied Chemistry 2-Lab

This course provides practical exercises to support Applied Chemistry 2 theory. Prerequisite: CHEM 1018, CHEM 1019, MATH 1003 Co-requisite: CHEM 1015

CHEM1015 Applied Chemistry 2-Lecture

Students learn principles of acids and bases, gases, chemical equilibrium, and stoichiometry. Emphasis is placed on the chemistry as it relates to disciplines within the Biosciences. This is a companion course for Applied Chemistry 2 Lab Prerequisite: CHEM 1018, CHEM 1019, MATH 1003 Co-requisite: CHEM 1016

CHEM1013 Applied Organic Chem Techniques

This course is designed as a continuation of introductory Organic Chemistry. Students learn nomenclature, structure, and physical and chemical properties of major groups of organic compounds, and differentiate among types of chemical reactions involving organic compounds. Emphasis is placed on the practical applications of organic chemistry to the biosciences and engineering. Lab exercises complement the theoretical components of the course. Prerequisite: CHEM 1018, CHEM 1019 Co-requisite: CHEM 1017

BIOS1004 Industrial Processes

An introductory course designed to heighten familiarity with industrial processes via course lectures and field trips.

BIOS1001 Introduction to Microbiology

This course introduces microbiological theory, specifically addressing the fundamentals of microbiology, bacterial structure and function relationships, as well as technical processes to manage microbial growth, nutrition and infection. The principal divisions of the field are discussed in this course, including their relationship to biotechnological, chemical and environmental interests.

MATH1004 Mathematics for Biosciences 2

This course focuses on engineering and scientific applications involving properties of exponents, logarithms and special graphing techniques. Microsoft Excel will be used. Prerequisite: MATH 1003

CHEM1014 Organic Chemistry 2

This course is designed as a continuation of concepts and applications learned in Organic Chemistry 1. Students i) learn IUPAC nomenclature, molecular structure, and physical and chemical properties of major groups of organic compounds, ii) apply principles of stereoisomerism to classification and nomenclature of compounds exhibiting chirality, and iii) differentiate among types of chemical reactions involving organic compounds. Emphasis is placed on the practical applications of organic chemistry to disciplines within the Biosciences. This is a companion course for Applied Organic Chemistry Techniques. Prerequisite: CHEM 1001 Co-requisite: CHEM 1013

BIOS1007 Technical Communications in Biosciences

This course is designed to: 1) raise awareness and interest regarding the place of science in everyday life, by exploring current local and global topics affecting life on Earth, and science's place in bringing these issues to our awareness; 2) develop sound critical thinking skills through exposure to the scientific method and experimental design; 3) apply transferable skills fundamental to scientific research and communication, and 4) learn of career opportunities in science through exposure to careers of current biosciences professors and local industry leaders.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

CHEM2010 Analytical Chemistry

This course provides an introduction to basic theory and calculations associated with quantitative chemical analysis. Prerequisite: CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016, MATH 1004

CHEM2009 Analytical Techniques

This course provides an introduction to some of the basic techniques and calculations associated with quantitative chemical analysis. Prerequisite: CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016, MATH 1004

MATH2002 Data Analysis 1

This course focuses on measures of central tendency, measures of variation, frequency distributions, linear regression and the normal distribution. Microsoft Excel is used to generate statistical reports and graphs. Prerequisite: MATH 1004

CHEM2011 Fluid Mechanics

An introduction is provided to the basic theory and calculations related to the behaviour of fluids under both static and dynamic conditions. Students explore concepts such as hydrostatic pressure, hydraulic head, the continuity equation, and Bernoulli’s principle. They apply these concepts to calculate pipe flows, pressure drops, and size pumps as applicable to the chemical process industries. Prerequisite: MATH 1004, CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016

CHEM2006 Instrumentation 1-Lab

The labs performed in this course support the theory studied in CHEM 2001, Chemical Instrumentation 1. Prerequisite: CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016, MATH 1004

CHEM2001 Instrumentation 1-Lecture

This course stresses the basic concepts and techniques of chromatography (thin layer, column, gas, liquid and ion) and spectrophotometry i.e. ultraviolet (UV), Visible (Vis), Infra-red (IR), Flame and Furnace Atomic Absorption (AA), conductivity, and specific ion electrodes i.e. fluoride. Prerequisite: CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016, MATH 1004

BIOS2000 Microbiology

This applied biology course provides an introduction to microbiological theory and skills: specifically addressing microscopy, staining methods, cultivation of microorganisms, control of microbial growth, enumeration, water sanitary analysis and industrial application. Prerequisite: BIOS 1001

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

CHEM2005 Analytical Chemistry 2

Specific types of quantitative analysis and associated calculations are stressed, i.e. Ksp and solubility of slightly soluble salts (SSS), Ka, Kb, Kw, and the pH of acidic, alkaline and buffer solutions. Basic spectrophotometry and Beer's Law are practiced and reviewed. The topics of electrochemistry, the Nerst equation and Iodine Numbers are introduced. Quantitative Analysis using Gas Chromatography, spectroscopy (UV/VIS, Flame AA, Furnace AA), potentiometric titrations and extraction techniques. Prerequisite: CHEM 2009, CHEM 2010

WKPL2089 Industry Research &Career Prep

This course will provide students with exposure to a broad scope of tools that can be used to achieve their career objectives. Scenarios are used to develop research techniques to identify job opportunities in a variety of related fields in private, research, contract, and government institutions reinforced with workshops and written assignments to create resumes and cover letters and practice job interviewing competency.

CHEM2002 Instrumentation 2

This course reviews some of the basic concepts and techniques of chromatography (thin layer, column, gas, liquid and ion), spectroscopy (ultraviolet-UV, Visible, Flame and Furnace Atomic Absorption). Fluorescence and Infra-red spectroscopy are introduced. A variety of sample preparation techniques are carried out as various unknowns are analysed in the labs. Prerequisite: CHEM 2001, CHEM 2006

CHEM2013 Polymer Chemistry

This course introduces basic nomenclature, physical and chemical properties, classification, types and uses of the more common plastics. Other topics include theoretical aspects of the production and properties of various polymers. Typical polymer testing techniques are also discussed. Prerequisite: CHEM 1013, CHEM 1014

CHEM2012 Unit Operations

Students learn the fundamentals of mass and energy balances and apply these concepts to various unit operations commonly employed in chemical process industries. Some of the unit operations explored by students include evaporation, distillation, heat exchangers, and membrane separation. Prerequisite: MATH 1004, CHEM 2009, CHEM 2010

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

*Courses subject to change.

Three chemical engineering technicians are inside a lab working on computers. Fourteen green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent

OR

Recommended academic preparation

  • Grade 12 Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics at the (C), (U) or general level
  • Applicants with a related degree or diploma may be considered for advanced standing or direct entry into year two

Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) 

Do you have work experience or other types of non-credentialed learning? Through Loyalist’s PLAR program, applicants and current students may be eligible to receive academic credit for relevant educational, work and life experiences.

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.  

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367
  • Total: $4,089.08

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

  • International Tuition: $15,000
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659
  • Total: $17,026

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Two chemical engineering technicians are wearing white lab coats and goggles inside a lab. The two students are looking down at their papers with a pen in the other hand. Fourteen blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

Pathways and university transfer 

What’s next?

Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Fast-track to a second diploma with just one additional year of study in:

Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.

Study abroad

Explore opportunities to continue your studies in Ireland.

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