Chemical Engineering Technology 

Chemical engineering technology plays a vital role in driving innovation, improving industrial processes, and addressing societal needs. Gain the skills and knowledge you need to enter the workforce with confidence.

Home / Learn / Programs List / Chemical Engineering Technology 
Credential
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Duration
Six semesters
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students
CIP Code
15.0615

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.
  • Are analytical and enjoy interpreting results and drawing conclusions.

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.
  • During a third year of study, learn about extraction techniques and explore biochemistry and organic chemistry. In your last semester, complete an applied project, gaining hands-on experience applying your knowledge and skills in a workplace setting.
  • Applied project learning in the third year provides practical experience, preparing you for a smooth transition to the workforce with a wide range of skills.

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, 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

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

CHEM3003 Analytical Instrumentation

This course deals with methods of instrumental analysis. Spectrophotometric techniques (absorption and emission) are discussed. Gas, high pressure liquid and ion chromatography are reviewed. BOD, COD and Kjeldahl determinations are introduced. Where possible, commercially available products are used as samples in the corresponding labs and different methods of sample preparation are emphasized. Prerequisite: CHEM 2002, CHEM 2009, CHEM 2010

BIOS3000 Biochemistry

This course provides a one-semester investigation of biochemistry, designed to introduce students to the complex structure of cellular components, the function of biomolecules, and the dynamics of metabolic pathways. Based on theoretical and lab-based study, students will examine major groups of biomolecules (carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids), enzyme function, metabolism and inborn errors of metabolism. Prerequisite: CHEM 1013, CHEM 1014, CHEM 2002, MATH 2002

MATH3000 Data Analysis 2

This is a course focuses on Inferential Statistics. Topics covered include the central limit theorem, discrete probability distributions, estimation (confidence intervals), chi-square distribution, analysis of variance. Microsoft Excel will be used to generate statistical reports and graphs. Prerequisite: MATH 2002 or MATH 2012

BIOS3001 Extraction Technology

This course is designed to investigate the fundamentals of extraction technology and related applications. Topics covered include liquid-liquid extraction, solid-liquid extraction, Soxhlet extraction, ultrasonic extraction, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), microwave extraction and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. Theory will compliment laboratory exercises. Prerequisite: CHEM 1013, CHEM 1014 Co-requisite: CHEM 3003, MATH 3000

CHEM3002 Organic Chemistry - Chromatography

This course covers the theoretical aspects of organic chemistry as applied to paper, column, thin layer, gas and liquid chromatography. Prerequisite: CHEM 2002, CHEM 1013, CHEM 1014

CHEM3009 Applied Projects 1

Students in the third year of the Loyalist College Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology programs will undertake semester-long, project-based learning with industry or community partners to participate in the development and execution of an applied project. The objective of the collaborative applied project is to have students, as team members in a workplace setting, apply and integrate the skill sets and knowledge that form the core of their training in these programs. In this way, students will augment their academic training with valuable work experience and have an opportunity to experience alternative methods of evaluation and measures of success that are less typical of academic environments. Prerequisite: WKPL 2032 Co-requisite: CHEM 3010

CHEM3010 Applied Projects 2

Students in the third year of the Loyalist College Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology programs will undertake semester-long, project-based learning with industry or community partners to participate in the development and execution of an applied project. The objective of the collaborative applied project is to have students, as team members in a workplace setting, apply and integrate the skill sets and knowledge that form the core of their training in these programs. In this way, students will augment their academic training with valuable work experience and have an opportunity to experience alternative methods of evaluation and measures of success that are less typical of academic environments. Prerequisite: CHEM 3003 Co-requisite: CHEM 3009

BIOS3004 Good Manufacturing Practices

This course combines Health Canada's Guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices: Food and Drug Regulations, (as referred to Division 2, Part C of the Food and Drug Regulations) with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Basic Training Modules on GMP. The scope of this course includes all GMP activities relating to fabricating, packaging/labelling, testing, distributing, importing and wholesaling of drugs for human or veterinary use. Division 2 applies to drugs listed is Schedules C and D to the Act. The course runs over a one-semester period as an online course using the Learning Management System. A facilitator will monitor participants and provide expert feedback and support. Prerequisite: BIOS 2000, CHEM 3003, MATH 3000, BIOS 1007

*Courses subject to change.

Two students in the chemical engineering technology program wear white lab coats with test tubes working on a project inside a lab. Fourteen light green graphic circles are along the bottom left 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

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.

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.