Introduction
Lab tech courses prepare you for rewarding careers of the future
At the heart of every scientific or technological discovery is a laboratory technician. If you're interested in learning more about how the world works and enjoy research and laboratory analysis, the Fanshawe Chemical Laboratory Technology - Science Laboratory program is the right fit for you.
What to expect from your lab tech courses
Over three years and 12 to 16 months of paid co-op placement, you'll build a sound basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, with emphasis on the principles and performance of standard lab practices, procedures, and techniques for biological, chemical and physical analysis. Your lab tech training will also include hands-on application of your theoretical knowledge, using our state-of-the-art instrumentation. As you progress through your lab tech courses, you will study advanced topics such as biochemistry, molecular biology, and modern physics, while developing the soft skills necessary to be successful in any professional environment.
You'll graduate with a dynamic set of lab tech skills, preparing you to start your career in a variety of laboratory environments like applied research and development, educational, process and quality control, as well as food and beverage industries, petrochemical companies or technical sales. If you're considering further academic study, graduates may choose to pursue Fanshawe's Bachelor of Applied Technology (Biotechnology) degree or one of our articulation agreements with select universities.
Features and benefits:
Earn while you learn - 12 to 16 months of a paid co-op allows students to make employer contacts, gain work experience and apply their knowledge in a real-world laboratory environment. Learn more about co-op;
Pathways to success - graduates may be eligible for advanced standing credit to Fanshawe's Bachelor of Applied Technology (Biotechnology) degree program or may choose to pursue the completion of a degree at one of the articulation agreements available with select universities. Learn more about pathways.
This program is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada. This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for co-operative education programs in Canada and recognizes Fanshawe's commitment to excellence.
Other Information
Graduates of this program are eligible for advanced standing in the Bachelor of Science program with a Chemistry Major or Environmental Sciences Major at Western University. Students may also seek advanced standing at IT Sligo (Ireland) in the BSc (Hon) in Pharmaceutical Science or Medical Biotechnology.
Co-operative Education
This three-year program has four co-op work terms. Students who fulfil both the academic and co-op requirements of the program will be eligible to graduate with a Co-op Endorsed Diploma.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Research, determine and perform procedures related to the purification, analysis, and synthesis of chemical compounds and samples.
Perform, coordinate and implement laboratory procedures to conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses and tests.
Select, test, calibrate, troubleshoot and evaluate chemical analysis instruments and equipment to assure accurate results.
Implement, coordinate and evaluate quality assurance and quality control procedures, including statistical analysis, in accordance with international and industry standards and government regulations.
Complete, monitor and manage chemical laboratory tasks and projects using computer and information technologies.
Participate in health and safety practices and initiatives in the chemical laboratory to ensure a safe environment for oneself and others.
Promote the efficient, sustainable and ethical use of chemical laboratory resources through the application and analysis of sustainability practices.
Communicate laboratory data, results, analysis and recommendations through the preparation, interpretation, and presentation of technical reports.
Collaborate with others and work in chemical laboratory teams to complete laboratory tasks and projects.
Develop strategies for ongoing professional development to enhance competence as a chemical laboratory technologist.
Courses
Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
BIOL-1016 Cytology
CHEM-1003 General Chemistry 1
WRIT-1039 Reason & Writing 1-Technology
MATH-1172 Math 1
ENVR-1014 Environmental & Science Issues
SKLS-1020 Fundamentals of Science
Level 2
General Education - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
BIOL-3001 Microbiology 1 - Bacteriology
CHEM-1012 General Chemistry 2
MATH-3062 Mathematics 2
PHYS-1001 Physics
COOP-1020 Co-operative Education Employment Prep
Level 3
General Education - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
BIOL-3010 Anatomy & Physiology
CHEM-3003 Analytical Chemistry
MATH-3030 Statistics
BIOL-3014 Current Techniques in Plant Agriculture
Level 4
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
BIOL-3003 Microbiology 2
CHEM-3002 Organic Chemistry 1
CHEM-3004 Instrumental Methods of Analysis 1
MATH-1173 Calculus 1
PHYS-3003 Thermodynamics & Optics
Level 5
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
BIOL-5001 Biochemistry
CHEM-5001 Organic Chemistry 2
CHEM-5003 Quantitative Food Chemistry
MATH-5017 Calculus 2
BIOL-5003 Molecular Biology
PSYC-5011 Industrial Relations
Level 6
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
BIOL-5002 Topics in Biotechnology
PHYS-5001 Modern Physics
CHEM-5004 Industrial Chemistry
CHEM-5005 Instrumental Methods of Analysis 2
COMM-3005 Language & Communication Skills 3
ENVR-5005 Industrial Hygiene
General Education - Electives
Take 6 General Education Credits - Normally taken in Levels 2 and 3
Programme Residency
Students must complete a minimum of 33 credits in this program at Fanshawe College to meet the program residency requirement and graduate from this program.
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Admission Requirements
OSSD with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (M), or Open (O) stream with:
Mathematics one of:
Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology* (C)
Grade 12 Advanced Functions (U)
Grade 12 Calculus and Vectors (U)
Grade 12 Mathematics of Data Management (U)
Grade 12 Foundations for College Mathematics (C)
Grade 11 Functions (U)
Grade 11 Functions and Applications (M)(Note: minimum final grade required is 60)
Grade 11 or Grade 12 Chemistry (C) or (U)
or
Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE) with:
Core Mathematics (Note: minimum final grade required is 60)
Chemistry
or
Pre-Technology Ontario College Certificate and:
a minimum final grade of 'C' or 60 in the required Mathematics
or
Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate (GED) and:
Mathematics one of:
Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology* (C)
Grade 12 Advanced Functions (U)
Grade 12 Calculus and Vectors (U)
Grade 12 Mathematics of Data Management (U)
Grade 12 Foundations for College Mathematics (C)
Grade 11 Functions (U)
Grade 11 Functions and Applications (M)(Note: minimum final grade required is 60)
Grade 11 or Grade 12 Chemistry (C) or (U)
or
Mature applicant with standing in the required courses and grade stated above
Note:*Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology (C) preferred.Applicants who lack required courses may be admitted to the program subject to appropriate prior upgrading.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by one of the following methods:
A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School, or equivalent, depending on the program's Admission Requirements
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 88 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test with an overall score of 6.5 with no score less than 6.0 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test with an overall score of 70 with no score less than 60 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a minimum score of 59, with test results within the last two years
A Cambridge English Test (FCE/CAE/CPE) with an overall score on the Cambridge English Scale of 176 with no language skill less than 169, with test results within the last two years
An English Language Evaluation (ELE) at Fanshawe College with a minimum score of 75% in all sections of the test, with test results within the last two years
Fanshawe College ESL4/GAP5 students: Minimum grade of 80% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 9 or 70% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10
Recommended Academic Preparation
Grade 11 or Grade 12 Physics (C) or (U)
Grade 11 or Grade 12 Biology (C) or (U)
Grade 11 or Grade 12 Computer Engineering Technology (M) or Grade 11 Introduction to Computer Science (U) and Grade 12 Computer Science (U)
Grade 12 English (C) or Grade 12 Business and Technological Communication (O)
It is recommended that students in the Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE) program take a Technical or Apprenticeship Mathematics course within the ACE program.
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:
Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario.
Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full).
Achievement in the Admission Requirements.
Note:
Admission to the Fanshawe College Pre-Technology program does not guarantee admission in a subsequent year to the Chemical Laboratory Technology - Science Laboratory program. Successful completion of the Fanshawe College Pre-Technology program, however, does enable the student to be given additional consideration when applying to the Chemical Laboratory Technology - Science Laboratory program. The Pre-Technology program is the preferred designated preparatory program for admission to the Chemical Laboratory Technology - Science Laboratory program.
Career Opportunities
This is a co-operative education program providing integration of related, paid work experience alternating with a term of classroom theory and laboratory experiments during the three years of the program. Students graduate with relevant work experience. Graduates find employment opportunities with applied research and development laboratories, educational laboratories, food and beverage industries, pharmaceutical laboratories, petrochemical companies, and technical sales.
