Chemistry (BSc)

Play with atoms. Make molecules. Explore the building blocks of matter that are at the root of all sciences. Peer into the microscope for an intimate look at the behaviour and energy of the tiniest elements in the universe. As a chemist, your mastery of chemical reactions could lead to the creation of environmentally friendly materials like compostable plastics or medications that fight disease.

Our Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry features state-of-the-art labs and equipment that introduce you to techniques used in the field. Small class sizes foster strong student–professor relationships. Both Chemistry and Biochemistry students follow a core curriculum and through labs, lectures and tutorials you will:

• Receive a solid foundation in carbon-based (organic) and non-carbon (inorganic) chemistry
• Learn to identify compounds, analyze the structures they form, and study the mechanics and energetics of chemical reactions
• Receive extensive training in research methodology
• Perform original research as an undergraduate (honours and specialization students only)

Our honours and specialization in Chemistry programs are accredited by the Ordre des chimistes du Québec.

A Bachelor of Science degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90–120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.

Program options

• Honours in Chemistry (60 credits)
• Specialization in Chemistry (60 credits)
• Major in Chemistry (45 credits)
• Minor in Chemistry (24 credits)

Courses

Each of our programs comprises a core component taken by all students. Specialization and honours students take additional courses at the intermediate and advanced levels.

Co-op program

The Chemistry Co-op program gives you the chance to complete paid work terms that last 12 to 16 weeks. As a Co-op student, you will work for firms where you may:

• Develop new chemical processes used to make drugs
• Extract, purify and perform quantitative analysis on metabolites in biological samples
• Conduct tests to predict long-term performance of adhesives

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

• Quebec Cegep:
  Honours: 28
  Specialization: 25
  Major: 23
  • Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 – Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism and Wave, Optics and Modern Physics – General Chemistry and Chemistry of Solutions – General Biology OR Natural Science DEC OR DEC intégré en sciences, lettres et arts.
  • Additional information for Cegep applicants
• High School:
  Honours: B+ overall, A- in math / sciences
  Specialization: B overall, B in math / sciences
  Major: C+ overall, C+ in math / sciences
  • Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
    • One math from Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or equivalent
    • Two sciences (from Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
  • ACT or SAT is NOT required
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
• University Transfers (internal/external):
  Honours: B+ overall, B+ in math / sciences
  Specialization: B overall, B in math / sciences
  Major: C overall, C in math / sciences
  • Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• Baccalauréat français:
  Honours: 14 overall, 15 in math / science
  Specialization: 13 overall, 13 in math / science
  Major: 11 overall, 11 in math / science
  • Première: Spécialité mathématiques AND Spécialité physique-chimie
    Terminale: Spécialité mathématiques  (also accepted, Spécialité Physique-Chimie AND Mathématiques Complémentaires)
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma:
  Honours: 31 overall, 5 math, 6 science
  Specialization: 29 overall, 4 math, 5 science
  Major: 26 overall, 4 math, 4 science
  • one math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or Analysis and Approaches SL)
  • one science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology, either SL or HL)
  • one of the science or math courses must be competed at the HL level

Honours programs: Students applying directly to an honours program should list it as their first choice. If not admitted to honours, they will automatically be considered for the next highest program (i.e. specialization or major).

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

An undergraduate degree in chemistry also paves the way for future graduate studies or can lead to a career in environmental science, pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, biotechnology or government testing laboratories or chemical industries.