Chemical Laboratory Technology

• Two-year diploma
• Fall start
• Includes a one-week practicum
• Includes a co-op program (optional)

Program Description

Chemical Laboratory Technology combines a laboratory orientation with broad theoretical knowledge to provide students with the skills needed to work in conjunction with chemists and chemical engineers in a wide range of industrial and research settings. The program’s training in fundamental chemical principles, basic laboratory techniques and modern chemical instrumentation enables graduates to adapt to exciting technological advances in chemistry. Learners participate in hands-on environmental field work that includes sampling and analysis.

A co-operative work study program in Chemical Laboratory Technology is also offered following the third semester, combining the traditional academic program with an eight-to-12 month paid term of related industrial work experience. Co-op students are selected from those who have successfully completed the first three semesters of the Chemical Laboratory Technology program. CHEM-325 (Technical Project and Report) is a one-week industry practicum for graduating students, excluding the Co-op class.

The Chemical Laboratory Technology program focuses on: basic laboratory techniques, chemical instrumentation, organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry, technical communications, environmental science and ecology, applied theoretical chemistry, and quality assurance and quality control.

The MacPhail School of Energy offers the benefit of small class sizes and hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs by industry-experienced and professionally trained instructors.

Each academic year consists of two 15-week semesters and students generally take two years to complete the program. This program is currently only offered full time; distance and continuing education options are not available.

Your Career

Chemical laboratory technologists conduct experiments on products being developed or improved, and are responsible for the installation, maintenance and operation of analytical equipment and technical instruments.

Graduates find work as chemical technologists, laboratory technologists, research technologists, physical sciences technologists, technical sales and service specialists, and technical assistants.

Opportunities for employment 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.

Chemical laboratory technologists have good colour vision, high attention to detail, a passion for science (particularly chemistry) and mathematics, and exceptional analytical skills.

Admission Requirements

Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent, with the following admission requirements or equivalents:

• At least 50% in Pure Math 30 or Math 30-1, or 60% in Math 30-2, AND,
• At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
• At least 50% in Chemistry 30.
• All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information, please visit English Proficiency.
• View High School Course Equivalencies Admission Equivalencies by Province.

Selection

There are no additional selection requirements. Admission to this program will be offered on a first-qualified, first-accepted basis. 

Student Success

Students with strong communication skills, a good work ethic, attention to detail, good analytical skills, good colour vision, higher grades and recent upgrading in Pure Math 30 and Chemistry 30 generally experience greater success in this program.

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Credentials

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

Accreditation

The program is nationally accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board and by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists at the technologists level.

Graduates are eligible for membership in the following associations:

• Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professional of Alberta (ASET) 
• Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC)

Tuition And Fees (Subject To Change)

• Please refer to the Tuition and Fee Table
• International Students, please refer to International Fees
• For student funding, please refer to Financial Assistance

Books And Supplies (Subject To Change)

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 for the first year and $500 for the second year.

Program Outline

To find the course description for a course shown below, please go to our Course Finder and enter the course acronym and numbers (i.e.,DMST-202) into the Quick Search by Course Code field.

For More Information

Information: 403.284.8451
Fax: 403.284.8262
Email: energy.info@sait.ca
Web: MacPhail School of Energy

Transfer with Diploma to...

Through SAIT Polytechnic transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this SAIT program may be eligible for credit at the following universities and colleges:

• Athabasca University
• British Columbia Institute of Technology
• Cape Breton University
• Memorial University
• NAIT
• Royal Roads University
• Thompson Rivers University
• University of New Brunswick, Saint John

Transfer options may also be available at other post-secondary institutions where credits from SAIT programs are evaluated on an individual basis. Interested students should contact the post-secondary institute of their choice for more information.

To learn more, visit Transfer Options.

Related Links (Internal):

• Student-For-A-Day
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Upgrading
• International Students
• Mature Students
• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition