The undergraduate program in Chemistry distinguishes itself from the rest of the Faculty of Science, offering 6 different streams, focusing on different areas in chemistry. Each discipline shares many of the same required core classes, however becoming more specific in the last few semesters of the program. The core classes cover the basis of all the major areas of chemistry: organic, physical, inorganic, and analytical.

Bio-Organic Chemistry

The Bio-Organic Chemistry program has a strong focus on the chemistry of biological systems. This program offers a strong understanding of core chemistry concepts with an application to the study of different biological mechanisms. Bio-Organic Chemistry provides a strong basis for students interested in DNA and RNA research and applications to industry. Complimentary courses are offered by the departments of biology, microbiology and immunology. Refer to the Major or Honours program for more information.

Materials Chemistry

Materials Chemistry is another extremely important, and marketable area of undergraduate study. Again sharing the same core chemistry classes, students in this discipline are exposed to all the fundamentals of chemistry, while being able to apply chemistry concepts to complimentary material science classes. The program develops the understanding of materials science by offering complimentary classes at the 400 and 500 level, specific to the wide range of concepts in materials chemistry, as well as courses offered by the Department of Mining and Materials Engineering. This program prepares students for careers in research and industry. Refer to the Major or Honours program for more information.

Atmospheric and Environmental Chemistry

The Atmospheric and Environmental Chemistry program provides students with a strong understanding of fundamental chemistry principles, with a focus on the chemical applications to the studies of the atmosphere. Students are required to take the core chemistry classes, but have the opportunity to take complimentary classes offered by the departments of atmospheric and oceanic sciences and earth and planetary sciences. This degree prepares students well for a variety of graduate degrees, as well as careers in industry or government. Refer to the Major or Honours program for more information.

Measurement

The Measurement stream is a math and physics based specialization in chemistry. Students enrolled in this discipline cover the core classes as well as more math and physics courses than other streams. This specializations prepares students extremely well for a career path in research in physical chemistry. Refer to the Major or Honours program for more information.

Biophysical Chemistry

The Biophysical Chemistry program is the most interdisciplinary of all the specializations offered. This stream covers a smaller selection of core chemistry classes, compared to the other streams, however has a significant math component as well as a strong focus on biology and biophysics. This focus is seen in higher level complimentary courses in chemistry as well courses offered by the department of biology. Refer to the Major or Honours program for more information.

General

The General Chemistry program offers a strong basis of all the fundamental concepts in chemistry, while also allowing students enrolled to tailor the program to their taste. This program is ideal for students who want have the flexibility in choosing their 400 and 500 level chemistry classes, without the restriction that other specializations may have on course selection. Students are able to choose from a list U3/Graduate level classes that they find interesting. This program prepares students for a wide range of research areas, as well as careers in varying industries. Refer to the Major or Honours program for more information.