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Ministry-approved title: Chemical Laboratory Technician
Most consumer products are created in a laboratory or industrial setting where the quality of the raw materials is monitored. Chemical laboratory technicians work in a supporting role using testing methodologies to assure quality with chemical manufacturers, cannabis and food ingredient companies, energy producers and the emerging green product sector.
One of the few two-year science-based diploma programs at Ontario colleges, the Chemical Laboratory Technician program at Durham College provides students with entry-level qualifications to work in a broad range of industries or to pursue additional credentials.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic upgrading courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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This program will provide you with the entry-level qualifications needed to obtain a chemical and/or biological laboratory technician position in a broad range of industries including:
You will learn how to:
Industries of employment:
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Qualified graduates may be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study at Durham College in programs such as Biotechnology - Advanced and Environmental Technology.
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Some diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
To help students have the best learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i5 RAM: 8GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
Laura Benninger is the coordinator for the Chemical Engineering Technology and Chemical Laboratory Technician programs. She teaches Analytical Techniques, Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, Fundamentals of Analytical and Organic Chemistry and Principles of Analytical Chemistry. Laura holds a Master of Science degree in Applied Bioscience from Ontario Tech. Prior to working at Durham College, Laura was a laboratory manager.
Christine Hand holds degrees in Chemistry from the University of Toronto (BSc) and the University of Waterloo (PhD). Before teaching at Durham College, Christine was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the National Research Council and a Field Chemistry Specialist supporting analytical instrumentation clients in Ontario and Western Canada.
Sanja Lukic holds a Master of Environmental Science from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Belgrade, Serbia. Her career path started at the Federal Ministry of Science, Development and Environment Protection in Serbia, and continued in both government and private laboratories in Canada at the Ontario Ministry of the Environment Laboratory Services, Bureau Veritas (former Maxxam Analytics) and the York-Durham Regional Environmental Laboratory (Durham Region). At Durham College, Sanja teaches Quality Assurance and Quality Control for Chemical Lab Technician, Sample Management, Environmental Regulations, General Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry labs.
Iraj Mehrnia is a professor specializing in the food industry. Iraj teaches courses on food manufacturing, food processing, food safety, product development and quality systems management. Iraj holds a Master of Science in Food Science and Technology and has extensive experience in the manufacturing industry, particularly within the food sector.
Dimitri Stathopoulos holds a Master of Science in Environmental and Life Sciences from Trent University and is a Durham College alumnus. Before teaching at Durham College, Dimitri worked in quality assurance/quality control in the food industry and as a chemist in aerospace and industrial water treatment.