Chemical and Environmental Technology (Analytical Science Option)

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of safety in laboratory, plant and field environments. A basic introduction to the safe use of hand tools as well as procedures for simple repair or troubleshooting tasks related to maintenance of instruments and equipment is also included. Key topics include WHMIS practices; safe handling and storage of chemicals; electrical safety and lockout procedures; care and use of safety equipment. There will be an emphasis on the correct use of personal protective equipment. The safe use of small tools for tasks such as cutting, drilling, sheet bending, soldering, gluing, disassembly and assembly of small components will also be covered.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

The course introduces environmental science through contemporary and interrelated themes: human population growth and impacts on resources and the environment, sustainability of resource utilization and all of nature, human activities and the environment, the chemical cycles, environmental chemistry, and global perspectives and solutions to environmental issues. The course examines in detail the major air, water, sediment and soil contaminants including measurement techniques and control methods. Laboratory sessions cover sampling techniques and analytical methods now used by industry.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

A review will deal with physical and chemical properties, nomenclature, measurements and units, significant figures, stoichiometry, classification of reactions, balancing reactions, calculating limiting reagents and percent yield. The course focuses on the topics of gases, atoms and light, atomic energies, periodic properties, electron configurations, bonding, intermolecular forces, introduction to organic chemistry and special topics. The course topics will be tied in to industrial applications and chemistry used in everyday life. The labs will allow students to develop lab techniques and apply theory.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Students learn how to write letters, memos, and routine email messages. They learn to write clear and concise sentences and paragraphs and to make documents easily accessible through headings, lists and white space. They learn how to avoid some common grammatical errors in their writing. They also learn to give an oral report based on library and online research on a new development in their technology. In addition, they learn how to prepare a resume and job application letter and fill out a job application form. Students also learn how to collaborate as part of a team to accomplish work related communication tasks.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Graphical linear programming with applications from chemical sciences and industry, exponential/logarithmic theory and transformations, common and natural logarithms, logarithmic and semilogarithmic graphs with application to growth and decay functions, exponential and logarithmic equations with various applications from chemical engineering, trigonometric functions of any angle, vectors, solution of triangles, graphs of trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities and equations with applications.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course covers basic techniques required to communicate technical information in graphic form. It emphasizes the application of these techniques to actual engineering drawings. Students will be required to produce a number of drawings and draftsmanship will be of a secondary importance to the understanding of this form of communication. Orthographics, isometrics, sections, architectural and process piping are the principle topics.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This is the first of a pair of one-term algebra-based physics courses designed to acquaint the student with fundamental concepts in physics relating to chemical and environmental technology. PHYS 1181 deals mostly with concepts in classical mechanics, such as linear and rotational kinematics and dynamics, energy and power, wave motion and fluid statics and dynamics. The laboratory component which accompanies the lectures is designed to illustrate specific scientific concepts as well as teach proper laboratory technique and methods of data acquisition and analysis.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​Bioprocessing Fundamentals introduces students to the major groups of chemicals involved in microbiology, their structure and function within the living cell. Metabolism of complex organics into energy and by-products is covered, along with the mechanisms whereby energy is derived from substrates. The nature of enzymes, their structure and function in the context of cell metabolism is studied. Students will also select an applied process involving microbiology and prepare a project report on the topic. The theoretical portion of this course is accompanied by laboratory sessions in which practical applications of basic principles are explored; for example, tests for important chemicals, enzyme activity and demonstrations of cell respiration.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course introduces the mechanical properties of materials and examines the effect of processing on the microstructure and properties of metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics and biomaterials, including paper. These concepts are applied to the classification and selection of materials for practical uses. Heat-treatment procedures and other processing variables allow for properties to be tailored to specific applications but trade-offs are often required. The concept of life cycle analysis is applied to assess the environmental effects of material and production choices, including recycling of materials. Chemical bonding, crystal structures, phase transformations, deformation and fracture mechanisms in materials are discussed. Key relationships between material processing, properties and applications of materials are emphasized. Common causes and prevention of service failures are studied, including overloading, fatigue, embrittlement and corrosion. Laboratory sessions focus on the development of practical technological skills and knowledge in mechanical testing, material processing, non-destructive evaluation, sample preparation, microscopy and interpretation of microstructures.
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 1121 and CENV 1101

The course is intended to introduce the first year students to the discipline of chemical engineering technology and the principles upon which it is based. It also prepares students for second year courses which will revisit chemical and biochemical engineering technology in greater depth. It covers the whole field of chemical engineering at a very introductory level and teaches students how to analyze and solve engineering problems.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This hands-on laboratory course teaches a range of chemical laboratory techniques that a lab analyst must master in order to carry out chemical analyses with accuracy and precision. The student will learn the proper laboratory techniques to calibrate and use glassware and dispensers. The student will learn the different weighing methods and proper weighing techniques. The student will learn proper techniques associated with gravity filtration, preparation of a standard solution and carrying out a titration. Through practice of these techniques, the student will develop skills to master these techniques when carrying out chemical analysis of natural samples by using methods such as moisture and ashing, gravimetric separations and analysis, volumetric separation and analysis, acid-base, redox and complexometric determinations, ion exchange separation and analysis, spectrophotometric analysis, and various solvent extractions.
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 1121

This course covers the classification, structure and bonding of organic compounds, naming using IUPAC, common and trade names of many industrial chemicals, factors affecting boiling point and solubility, and theory of extractions. Stereochemistry, the preparations and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkyl halides, aromatic compounds and alcohols, and structure determination using IR and NMR spectroscopy will also be examined. Laboratory exercises include the isolation and identification of natural products, qualitative tests for the identification of functional groups, preparation of samples for infrared analysis, and qualitative analysis by gas chromatography.
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 1121

Descriptive statistics including measures of central tendency and dispersion, and graphical presentation of data using software, concepts of probability, parametric inferential statistics and regression, all with relevant real-data chemical and environmental applications. The rudiments of quality control including an introduction to statistical process control charts will be incorporated. The emphasis will be on interpretation including suitability of method of analysis
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Differential calculus with emphasis on rates of change in problems concerning chemical and environmental technology. Applied maxima and minima problems. Indefinite integrals. The definite integral as a tool to find area under a curve and mean values.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 1412

This is the second of a pair of one-term algebra-based physics courses designed to acquaint the student with fundamental concepts in physics relating to chemical and environmental technology. PHYS 2181 deals with concepts in thermal physics, electromagnetism and waves. The laboratory component which accompanies the lectures is designed to illustrate specific scientific concepts as well as teach proper laboratory technique and methods of data acquisition and analysis.
Prerequisite(s):

• PHYS 1181

The course focuses on technologies used in industry for treatment and disposal of gaseous, liquid and solid wastes. Topics to be covered include the waste management hierarchy, including energy recovery options (anaerobic digestion and waste to energy) and sanitary landfills, their design and landfill gas recovery. Air emissions and stack sampling are discussed, along with the principles of operation and applications of: fabric filters, wet scrubbers, cyclone collectors, and electrostatic precipitators. Soil remediation techniques and special wastes are also discussed.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 1119

Surveys suitable methods of examining many types of water, waste water and materials related to control of water quality. Typical industrial pollution problems related to local industry are discussed during laboratory periods and special attention is given to proper sampling techniques. A selection is made from the following analysis of field samples: cyanide, pesticides, arsenic, mercury, nitrogen (ammonia, nitrate, organic), oxygen (D.O., B.O.D., C.O.D.), surfactants, phosphates, sulphates, chlorides, proteins, carbohydrates, lignins, phenols and heavy metals.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 1119

This course introduces methods for the determination of a wide variety of elements in ores, concentrates, and industrial process streams. Both theoretical and practical aspects of chemical techniques are covered in several components: sampling, basic statistics, quality assurance & quality control, classical analysis and fire assaying.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 1101 and CHEM 1121 and CHEM 2204

Through a combination of lectures, problem-solving tutorials, and practical laboratory sessions, the course introduces incompressible fluid pumping and flow measurement requirements in piping systems. Thermodynamic principles are used to solve practical and theoretical problems in steam/water system, gas compression and expansion. Multistage gas compression is also introduced.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 2248

This course examines the operation of various industrial processes encountered in major chemical industries. Environmental effects, both positive and negative, of processes and mitigation measures are studied. A key aspect of industrial processes and municipal infrastructure is the use and treatment of water. The properties, accessibility and use of water, plus the treatment of wastewater is studied in detail.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 1119 and CENV 2248

The course teaches students to apply laws of thermodynamics and the principles of chemical kinetics used to predict the feasibility of chemical reactions and processes. Presents the first and second laws of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, catalysis and kinetic theory of gases. Lab work consolidates lecture material and gives experience in practical physicochemical measurements.
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 2204

This course continues from CHEM 2409. The nomenclature, properties, preparations, and reactions of phenols, ethers, epoxides, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, and amides will be examined. Organohalogens in the environment, mass spectrometry, lipids, amino acids and peptides, and carbohydrates will also be covered. Laboratory work includes the synthesis of organic compounds, isolation and purification techniques, and qualitative analysis using IR spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy, and GC/MS.
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 2409

This course introduces the ASTTBC Code of Ethics & Practice Guidelines and will familiarize the student with the principles of professional conduct in the field of applied science technology. The course consists of mandatory seminars accompanied by on-line review and testing. This course is a requirement for graduation.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 3318 and CENV 3341
• CENV 4400^‡ (^‡ must be taken concurrently)

The course is an applied research project course where students, in consultation with the faculty advisor and industry sponsor when applicable, design, manage and execute an industrially significant research project involving both a research and laboratory component. The student group conducts a literature search, generates the program content, assigns duties to team members, and develops milestones, a timeline and budget. A project proposal is submitted and a class presentation is given which covers the project plans. The students manage the project through weekly team meetings, assessment of the progress towards milestones, consultations with their project advisor(s) and the development of progress reports. The results are presented in a final written technical report and oral presentation of the findings. Project planning, management and effective teamwork are emphasized throughout.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 3318 and CENV 3341
• COMM 2135^‡ (^‡ must be taken concurrently)

This course consists of two week full-time practicums at participating companies which will provide students with the opportunity to work in industries related to chemical and environmental technology. Potential industries include: assaying, laboratory analysis, chemical processing, environmental consulting and testing, material sciences, metallurgy, mineral processing, research and development, technical sales and waste treatment. In the unlikely event that a suitable industry placement cannot be made for a student, the student will be given the opportunity to undertake an equivalent assignment under the direction of a faculty member.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 3318 and CENV 3341

The following topics are discussed: air pollution meteorology, air pollution chemistry and toxicology, air sampling methods, classical and instrumental techniques for measuring atmospheric contaminants (i.e., hydrogen sulfide, mercaptan, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, various organic contaminants, and heavy metals in air), particulate counting and sizing. Principles and techniques used in water pollution microbiology and stage I and Stage II site assessment are also discussed. Laboratory sessions cover contemporary methods and techniques used for sampling and analysis of ambient and indoor air, microorganisms, and groundwater.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 3348

This course introduces inorganic instrumental analysis techniques in a format that simulates the ways analytical instruments are utilized in industry. Emphasis is placed on the selection and utilization of suitable instrumental techniques for meeting analytical demands commonly encountered in extractive metallurgy, pulp & paper industry, engineering materials testing, industrial chemical processing, environmental control and monitoring, food and mining related activities. Both theoretical and practical principles involved in the operation of instruments commonly found in industry are discussed in detail.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 3318

This course is a continuation of CENV 3341, Chemical Engineering Technology 1, and deals with the chemical engineering topics of psychrometry, heat transfer, distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, gas absorption and evaporation.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 3341

This course covers the principles and practice of modern instrumental methods of organic chemical analysis. Major topics include ultraviolet, visible and infrared spectroscopy; chromatography (gas, liquid and supercritical fluid) and electrophoresis. Hyphenated techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) will also be covered in detail. Extraction techniques such as liquid-liquid extraction, headspace sampling, solid phase extraction and solid phase microextraction that are commonly used in instrumental organic analysis will be discussed. Specific emphasis will be given to the correct operation and troubleshooting of all instruments used in this course.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 3318 and CHEM 3409

This course teaches the communication skills students need to plan, manage, and complete their Term-4 project reports in Chemical and Environmental Technology. Students learn how to prepare a variety of project-related documents, including project proposals and work plans, progress reports, and written and oral final project reports. They also acquire the teamwork, meeting, and interpersonal communication skills they need to collaborate effectively on a team project. Students also write job application letters and resumes and practice job interviews.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMM 1135
• CENV 4400^‡ (^‡ must be taken concurrently)

Solve elementary differential equations involving separation of variables and first and second order equations with constant coefficients. Determine solutions by numerical methods and perform system modeling with applications to mixing and dilution, heat and pressure changes. Use of computer software to solve relevant chemical sciences applications using optimization (simplex), curve fitting, systems of linear equations, algebraic and transcendental equations and numerical integration.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 2416