Chemical Lab Technology

General Chemistry I

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.

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.

Analytical 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.

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.

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.

Health & 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 and Safety Act and its associated Regulations, and an understanding of health and safety issues in an industrial setting.

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.

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.

Analytical - Physical & Spectometry 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

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.

General Education Elective

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.

Quality Assurance & 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.

Analytical - Separation & 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.

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.

General Education Elective

Co-op Work Term (Four Months - optional)

Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation.

Co-op (Four Months - optional)

Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation.

Natural Health Products

Growing interest in natural health products, led by cannabis legalization, is explored in this course. Scientific work in the area of active components for products like cannabis, ginseng and kombucha will be covered. Sample analysis for active components and sample preparations are the main focus.

Reinforced Plastics

Engineered materials systems with the combined benefits of plastics and reinforcement are explored with an emphasis on natural product reinforcement; things like hemp, rice hulls and crystalline cellulose. The recycling benefits and technology are covered in general and as they pertain to these naturally sourced reinforcement materials.

Energy Systems

The petrochemical industry from extraction to processing into energy and materials products is covered in this course. Polymer chemistry and production is explored. Polymers and energy products (for example; bio-diesel and bio-ethanol) from renewable resources is also covered.

Proposal Writing

A student will work with a mentor to develop a proposal for their applied research project occurring in the next term. Steps in the proposal writing process will be covered.

Design of Experiments

Applied Lab Skills I

In this course the leaning objectives are met through the lens of an applied research-based question. A student will work with a mentor to solve and explore an identified research problem through implementation of procedures and techniques explored in the preceding semesters of the program. Students will be involved in selecting the appropriate techniques, calibrating and maintaining equipment, and producing valid data for analysis.

Applied Lab Analysis I

In this course the leaning objectives are met through the lens of an applied research-based question. A student will work with a mentor to design and analyze experiments to solve and explore an identified applied research problem. Students will be responsible for evaluating the quality of the data, statistical analysis of the data, and considering if the data meets compliance of any relevant industry or government standards.

Scientific Communications & Dissemination I

A student will work with a mentor to plan, communicate and manage the solution to an applied research problem. The emphasis will be on proposal writing, project definition budget creation. Other reporting including health and safety reports, sustainability reports, press releases will be addressed.