Faculty of Arts & Science Chemistry
Start a chain reaction
Do you have a naturally inquisitive mind? Do you like to break objects down so you can see how they work on the inside? Do you enjoy contemplating new solutions to current issues using science and technology? Is making a difference important to you?
ulethbridge.ca/future-student
Chemistry studies the elements that comprise all matter. Everything around us — the air we breathe, water we drink, food we eat, cars we drive, even our bodies — are made from these elements.
There are five main branches of chemistry:
• Analytical - Focuses on the detection and measurement of chemical species used in fields like forensics.
• Organic - Deals with carbon compounds, which are the main components of living matter.
• Inorganic - Delves into all the remaining elements, most of which are found in the mineral world.
• Physical - Looks at the study of the fundamental principles governing the behaviour of matter.
• Theoretical - Starts by exploring basic physical theories like quantum mechanics to provide frameworks within which all chemical phenomena can be understood.
The primary focus of the program is to provide you with extensive theoretical knowledge in all five branches of the subject, in addition to enhancing your technical and practical skills with hands-on experience. Throughout the program, you will receive intensive laboratory instruction on the transformation and safe handling of chemical compounds. You will also receive hands-on training in advanced instrumental techniques such as elemental analysis, optical spectroscopy, magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry.
As a chemistry student, you will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities. These facilities provide the infrastructure to support the research interests of our award-winning faculty — your instructors — as they investigate diverse areas of the chemical sciences, including catalysis, nanomaterials and food chemistry. The knowledge and experience you gain in the program will provide an excellent stepping stone into a career in the field, whether you choose to continue your studies to a Master’s or Doctorate level or enter the working world.
Chemistry Degrees. The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry offers a major in chemistry for the 40-course Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Arts & Science (BASc) degree programs. You can also select a general major in the sciences and choose Chemistry as one of the three streams. Alternatively, you can declare chemistry as your BSc major for the Combined BSc/BEd or BSc/BMgt programs.
Your BSc in chemistry is accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry and fulfills the requirements for professional standing with the Association for the Chemical Profession of Alberta. (pchem.ca)
Chemistry Courses. All chemistry students must take a core set of courses in all five main branches, as well as introductory biochemistry. Additionally, the emphasis is placed on more specialized topics in classes like:
• Organometallic Chemistry
• Fluorine Chemistry
• Molecular Modeling
• Chemical Applications of Group Theory
• Industrial Food Chemistry
• Chemical Crystallography
• Computational Chemistry
• NMR Spectroscopy
Minors. Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Minors are not available in all programs. Learn more at ulethbridge.ca/artsci/minors.
Honours Thesis. If you are a motivated student, in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.
Learn more about chemistry at ULethbridge, visit ulethbridge.ca/chemistry
Our Faculty & Their Research
Faculty members are happy to involve undergraduate students in their research projects, using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Our faculty often collaborate with other departments, community members and employers on research projects — giving you the opportunity to get additional hands-on experience.
You may also participate in research exchanges or gain experience with agencies like the Animal Diseases Research Institute and Natural Resources Canada, as well as companies like NOVA Chemicals, Husky Energy, Syncrude or Nexen.
Current Research & Areas of Interest:
• Inorganic Fluorine Chemistry
• Synthesis of Extremely Reactive Compounds
• Unique Metal-Containing Molecules
• New Chemical Transformations & Catalysis
• Modeling of Chemical & Biochemical Systems
• Computational Studies of DNA Damage & Repair
• Solid State NMR of Polymers
• Electrochemistry & Electron Transfer Reactions
• Thermodynamics of Aqueous Systems
• Nanomaterials
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Our Community Involvement
Faculty members often give lectures and lab tours for visiting student groups. They also serve as judges in science fairs, answer questions from the public and give interviews to local, national or international media. The department is actively involved in local schools through chemistry shows, and the student-led Let’s Talk Science initiative. Finally, the department is involved in the annual Chinook Symposium for Chemistry & Biochemistry showcases student research projects at the undergraduate and graduate level, with significant prizes awarded to the winners.
Your Future Prospects
Skills Acquired. In addition to developing exceptional communication skills, you will develop critical and analytical problem-solving skills, research and information management capabilities and improve your attention to detail. You will leave the program with strong lab skills and techniques, the ability to summarize research findings and in-depth knowledge of scientific and environmental issues.
Related Fields. Here are just a few of the career options you may wish to pursue once you’ve earned your degree:
• Agricultural Chemistry
• Drug Development
• Food Technology
• Flavour Chemistry
• Chemical Analysis
• Technical Sales
• Soil Science
• Industrial Chemical Sales
• Polymer Chemistry
• Oil & Gas Industry
• Quality Control
• Consulting Firms
• Forensic Science
• Toxicology
• Environmental Science
• Research & Development
• Oil Sands Technology
• Pharmaceuticals
Graduate Studies. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs at the Master and Doctoral levels, spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at ULethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.
Professional Disciplines. Your undergraduate degree in chemistry provides an excellent foundation for medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacology, optometry, dentistry, education, patent law and academia.
Start a chain reaction in Chemistry.
“Chemistry at the University of Lethbridge has been an amazing experience. They give you opportunities to explore different areas of chemistry, and you gain hands-on lab experience. The teachers are great at guiding their students and encourage you to try new things. The U of L chemistry program helps you use your degree to solve real-life problems in the scientific world.”
- Michaela, Chemistry (Co-op)
Put Your Knowledge to Work
Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the opportunities outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career — whatever direction you decide to go.
Applied Studies
Earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or community service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.
For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies
Co-operative Education (Co-op)
ULethbridge is proud to offer you the chance to participate in co-op. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary. Completion of the program allows you to receive a co-op designation on your degree and, most importantly, a kickstart to your career the minute you graduate.
For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop
Academic Advising
Participate in Research
In addition to your regular courses, you can contribute to departmental research activities. For example, you can complete an independent study course or gain employment as a research assistant. If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies.
Contact your department to learn more!
Your decision to explore a university education is the first step toward a great future — now let us help you navigate your degree options at ULethbridge and set you on the road to success. Do you have questions about what field of study best suits you? Would you like help with program and registration planning and just can’t find the answers? If so, you should speak to an academic advisor today — advisors have the answers to these questions and many more.
To learn more about the support services available to you through our academic advisors, visit: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising