Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2025
January 2026
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Program Duration
7 Semesters / 3 YearsProgram Contacts
Program Coordinator / Professor
Program Overview
Embark on a journey of pioneering science and innovation, where global opportunities await
Immerse yourself in a world of discovery in the only program of its kind in Ontario that emphasizes mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, and water and wastewater treatment industries. At our cutting-edge facility, you’ll receive comprehensive training beyond textbooks. You’ll learn to champion chemistry by diving into analytical and organic chemistry, process control, instrumental analysis, mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, environmental sampling, and water/wastewater treatment. You’ll also learn to uphold rigorous quality standards and safety protocols, shaping the future of laboratory research and production facilities.
Rise to supervisory or managerial roles, mastering technical documentation, quality control, and troubleshooting. Our program will equip you with the technical expertise needed to excel in the field and the essential communication, teamwork, leadership, and technology skills crucial for success in the laboratory and engineering industries.
Grads are prepared to work in mineral processing, geochemistry, nuclear, petroleum, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, oil and gas, and food and beverage industries. Operate at the crossroads of discovery and progress, setting up experiments, analyzing data, and maintaining cutting-edge laboratory equipment.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Two paid co-ops allow you to enhance your real-world skills and connections in the industry
- Common first and second year with Cambrian’s Chemical Engineering Technician program
- Quality control practices are embedded throughout the program, ensuring you’re well-prepared for roles in chemical engineering and related fields
- Gain practical experience through group work and independent studies, learning industry-standard practices in areas such as physical, analytical, organic, and pyro-chemistry
- Grads are eligible to join the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) and the Canadian Technical Employment Network (CTEN)
- Unique program in Ontario that focuses on mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, and water/wastewater
Admissions
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
- Any grade 12 mathematics (C) or (U) (MCT4C) is highly recommended)
- Any grade 11 chemistry (U) or grade 12 chemistry (C) or (U)
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn moreAdditional admission requirements
Recommendations:
- Any grade 12 physics (C) or (U)
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
- Semester 5: Spring 2027
- Semester 6: Fall 2027
- Semester 7: Winter 2028
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2026
- Semester 2: Spring 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
- Semester 5: Spring 2027
- Semester 6: Fall 2027
- Semester 7: Winter 2028
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian. This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.
Semester 1 | Credits | |
---|---|---|
MTH 1050 | Algebra I | 3 |
QUA 1002 | Quality Assurance and Quality Control | 3 |
CHM 1160 | Occupational Health and Safety | 3 |
CHM 1161 | Introduction to Sampling Techniques | 3 |
CHM 1162 | Chemistry I | 3 |
CHM 1163 | Chemistry I Lab | 3 |
ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
Credits | 21 | |
Semester 2 | ||
MTH 1250 | Algebra II | 3 |
CHM 1280 | Physical Chemistry | 3 |
CHM 1281 | Physical Chemistry Lab | 3 |
CHM 1282 | Chemistry II | 3 |
CHM 1283 | Chemistry II Lab | 3 |
CHM 1284 | QA QC Data Analysis | 3 |
ENG 1754 | Technical Communication | 3 |
One General Education Course 2 | 3 | |
Credits | 24 | |
Semester 3 | ||
CHM 1109 | Mineral Processing 1 | 4 |
CHM 1300 | Analytical Chemistry I | 3 |
CHM 1301 | Analytical Chemistry I Lab | 3 |
CHM 1302 | Instrumental Analysis I | 3 |
CHM 1303 | Instrumental Analysis I Lab | 3 |
WTR 2300 | Water Treatment 1 | 3 |
One General Education Course. 2 | 3 | |
Credits | 22 | |
Semester 4 | ||
CHM 1420 | Organic Chemistry | 3 |
CHM 1421 | Organic Chemistry Lab | 3 |
CHM 1422 | Analytical Chemistry II | 3 |
CHM 1423 | Analytical Chemistry II Lab | 3 |
CHM 1424 | Instrumental Analysis II | 3 |
CHM 1425 | Instrumental Analysis II Lab | 3 |
CHM 1426 | Pyrochemistry | 4 |
One General Education Course 2 | 3 | |
Credits | 25 | |
Semester 5 | ||
CHM 2500 | Co-op Work Placement and Report | 12 |
Credits | 12 | |
Semester 6 | ||
CHM 3653 | Inorganic Chemistry 1 | 3 |
CHM 1600 | Unit Operations and Calculations | 4 |
CHM 1601 | Industrial Organic Chemistry | 3 |
CHM 1602 | Industrial Organic Chemistry Lab | 3 |
TEC 3603 | Capstone Project | 3 |
INT 1500 | Lab and Process Automation | 4 |
MTH 2332 | Applied Calculus | 3 |
One General Education Course. 2 | 3 | |
Credits | 26 | |
Semester 7 | ||
CHM 3700 | Co-op Work Placement and Report II | 12 |
Credits | 12 | |
Total Credits | 142 |
- 1
-
Course with Lab Component
- 2
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Learn more about previous opportunities in this program!
Department of National Defence (DND) – During this Chemical Engineering co-op the key responsibilities were:
- Providing recommendations and decisions on the procurement of goods and services
- Identifying, reviewing, and validating client requirements
- Researching new technologies that meet client requirements
- Liaising with stakeholders, including colleagues, operational staff, supply officers, procurement officers, industry, technicians and management
- Preparing technical documentation such as specifications, work procedures, test plans, reports
- Utilizing project management principles
- Applying systems and integration engineering principles
- Attending and critiquing industry-lead design reviews
- Managing and supporting material throughout its entire life cycle, including definition, development, production, operation, maintenance, and disposal
Actlabs – During this Microbiology Laboratory Technician co-op, the students were responsible for assigned testing and sample preparation for routine lab samples primarily in the microbiology department.
The students:
- Provided hands-on bench-top analysis for customer samples with emphasis on microbiology and molecular biology techniques
- Established and managed day-to-day tasks
- Assisted in the preparation of media and buffers
- Ensured all tools are cleaned and sterilized for daily operational use
- Identified bottlenecks and assisted in streamlining operations
- Worked in accordance with company policies/regulations including health and safety policies
- Ensured analysis is performed without delay.
Note: Co-ops are mandatory for this program.
Field of Study
School of Engineering Technology
Imagine a career in a cutting-edge laboratory or inside a mine 5,000 feet below the ground or on-site constructing a skyscraper. At Cambrian, learning isn’t confined to textbooks. From chemical and civil engineering to mechatronics, mechanical, and more, at our School of Engineering Technology, you’ll gain the skills you need to bring a wide range of engineering theories to life.
Specific program pathways
College or university degree opportunities
There are opportunities for graduates to pursue further educational or professional qualifications, and degree completion. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Apple Mac
- OS X operating system
- Web browser: Firefox or Safari
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input.
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!