Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
In Chemical Technology, you'll learn to work independently and in teams to design experiments and solve unique problems. You'll also use computers and software for data acquisition, analysis, literature searches and to prepare oral and written reports.
Throughout the program, you'll perform audits to identify safety hazards, and apply WHMIS principles to the storage, handling, preparation and disposal of hazardous materials.
First-year chemistry courses include chemical safety, laboratory techniques, organic and inorganic chemistry, quantitative analysis and physical chemistry. Additional courses in computers, math, physics and communications complete the first year.
Second-year courses include instrumental analysis, environmental chemistry, applied biochemistry, industrial chemistry, oil, gas, and coal chemistry, and project management.
Laboratory and analysis skills
- Prepare reagents and calibration standards
- Synthesize, isolate and purify organic and inorganic compounds
- Perform qualitative and quantitative wet chemical analyses
- Use standard industrial methods for sample analysis
- Collect and prepare representative samples for lab and field analyses
- Perform spectroscopic, chromatographic, potentiometric, coulometric, conductometric and thermogravimetric analyses
- Operate and calibrate laboratory equipment
Instrumental analysis skills
- Perform spectroscopic analyses using UV-VIS, FTIR, AA, ICP and NMR instruments
- Perform chromatographic analyses using GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC and FPLC instruments
Discipline-specific training
- Biochemistry: Isolate and analyze proteins, DNA and carbohydrates
- Environment: Analyze air and water samples
- Food: Analyze commercial food products
- Industrial: Perform bench scale procedures for industrial unit operations and selected chemical processes
- Oil, gas and coal: Perform product testing using ASTM and other industry-standard methods
Career Outcomes
Build your resume before you even graduate
Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.
View Work Integrated Learning
Work Experience Placements
Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning. The WIL placement in this program is a Co-op.
Co-op
A Co-op provides experience in a workplace setting related to the student's field of study. The number of required work terms varies by program; however, the time spent in work terms must be at least 30% of the time spent in academic study for programs over 2 years in length, and 25% of time for programs 2 years and shorter in length.
| Duration |
15 weeks |
| Compensation |
Yes |
| International Students |
Co-op Work Permit required |
| Placement Identified By |
Student - Submits resume to employers to apply for WIL positions. |
| Student Interview Required |
Yes |
Benefits of a Co-op
- Understand more about career opportunities, expectations and requirements of the professional field
- Gain the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment
- Create networking opportunities in your chosen industry
- Develop and improve communication, interpersonal and employment skills
- Gain confidence in your professional skills
- Practice job placement skills including job search, resume preparation, interviewing
- Explore career options and program specialization within the industry
- Improve application for future positions by gaining industry experience and increasing your employability
- Possibility of employment after graduation
- Potential financial benefits if the placement is paid
Finding a placement
- Create a profile on NAIT's job board, Career Connect
- Create and maintain a current resume, cover letter and list of references
- Apply for positions on Career Connect
- Prepare for, and attend, employer interviews
- Coordinate and communicate with your WIL Coordinator
- Be flexible, professional, and participate fully in the recruitment process
- Be aware of the anticipated outcomes of the placement
- Notify the coordinator for your program once you have an employment offer and sign a WIL Agreement
Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 7 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of C in the course(s) or program
Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)
Please see below for the list of courses that available for PLAR credits in this program.
Click on the specific course for more information on the evidence that is required for each course.
CHEM1121
CHEM1132
PMGT2400
Please refer to the Credit for Work and Life Experience page for more information on how to apply for PLAR credits.
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.
Scholarships & Awards
NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!
Learn how to apply for awards
International Applicants
This program accepts international students.
PGWP Eligibility
This program does not meet eligibility criteria for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) field of study requirement. Students who applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, are not affected by the new field of study rule and may be eligible for a PGWP.
While graduates are currently ineligible to apply for a PGWP, NAIT still welcomes international students to this program to gain valuable knowledge and skills to pursue your career goals, whether in Canada under another type of permit or in your home country or other international markets.
Co-Op Work Permit
Optional Co-op: Students in this program can choose to move into a co-op pathway, which includes a mandatory co-op work practicum. International students who plan to participate in this option must apply for a co-op work permit and get approval before starting the work placement.
Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.
