In the Chemical Laboratory Technology Program at St. Clair College, the four analytical chemistry courses (CHM 327, 408, 508 and 606) taken in their second and third years prepare them to work immediately after graduation in many different fields. Using standardized techniques prescribed by regulatory agencies such as Ontario's Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Environment, students use some of the most sophisticated technology available in today's analytical laboratory to investigate important targets such as:
- Pollutants and contaminants in the air including volatile organic carbon compounds, chromium hexavalent and copper in welding fume by techniques like gas chromatography and flame atomic absorption
- Pharmaceuticals in vitamin tablets and prescription medicine by techniques such as visible absorption spectroscopy and high-pressure liquid chromatography
- Food ingredients including sulfate, chloride, and fluoride by techniques like ion chromatography and ion-selective electrodes
Ultimately, the student will be able to show their competency and critical thinking ability through knowledgeable and effective communication by generating comprehensive laboratory reports as well as accurate and precise experimental results. Potential employers will be impressed by the background that the graduating students will possess after graduating from the Laboratory Technology Program. And if the student decides to continue their education, not only are the credits obtained from the program transferable, the student will be able to realize a much deeper understanding of the advanced concepts that will challenge them there.