Chemistry
Chemistry at Laurier
The Chemistry Department at Laurier offers degrees emphasizing the traditional divisions of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic and physical) as well as biochemistry/biotechnology and materials chemistry.
The relatively small size of our department means there’s plenty of opportunity for interaction between students and faculty in the classroom and the lab.Program highlights
- Modern facilities and state-of-the-art equipment (NMR, GSMS) as well as all instruments and equipment are available to students during weekly labs.
- Our undergraduates have received Summer Research Awards from the Natural Sciences ad Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
- Biochemistry and Biotechnology (BSc) and Biotechnology Technician Diploma: Combining Laurier’s Honours BSc in biochemistry and biotechnology with Conestoga College’s biotechnology technician diploma, this unique program allows students to complete both in only 5 years (it generally takes 6 years to complete both independently). Students explore the more theoretical education in foundations in biochemistry at Laurier while also gaining significant laboratory experience in biotechnology at Conestoga.
Courses offered
First year
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Introduction to Programming
- Mechanics
- Thermodynamics and Waves
- Introduction to Differential & Integral Calculus
- Intro to Linear Algebra
Popular courses
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Environmental Aquatic Chemistry
- Quantam Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
Admission requirements
Honours BSc Chemistry
| 4U Requirements | IB Requirements | Admission Range |
|
English at 60%; Advanced Functions at 60%; Chemistry at 60%* *Combined minimum average of 70% in 4U Math and Science courses |
HL or Sl English at 4; HL or SL Mathematics at 4; HL or SL Chemistry at 4 |
Mid 70s IB Minimum score: 28 |
Honours BSc Chemistry and Biology
| 4U Requirements | IB Requirements | Admission Range |
|
English at 60%; Chemistry at 60%; Advanced Functions at 60%; Biology at 70%* *Combined minimum average of 70% in 4U Math and Science courses |
HL or SL English at 4; HL or SL Biology at 4; HL or SL Chemistry at 4; HL or SL Mathematics at 4 |
Mid - high 70s IB Minimum score: 28 |
Honours BSc Chemistry and Mathematics
| 4U Requirements | IB Requirements | Admission Range |
|
English at 60%; Advanced Functions at 60%; Calculus & Vectors at 60%; Chemistry at 60%* *Combined minimum average of 70% in 4U Math and Science courses |
HL or SL English at 4; HL or SL Chemistry at 4; HL or Sl Mathematics at 4 |
Mid 70s IB Minimum score: 28 |
Careers
Laurier chemistry graduates can enter the workforce directly, or go on to professional programs (such s teaching, medicine or dentistry) or graduate studies.
Student Experience
When Greg Wentworth first visited Laurier, he was impressed by the sense of community on campus and in the Chemistry Department in particular.
“The Chemistry Department has a rare sense of community,” he says. “Since the department is small, the professors go out of their way to learn your name and engage you in learning. The smaller department has also allowed me to become good friends with my peers.” Wentworth has formed a strong bond with his fellow students. To celebrate graduation, he and four other chemistry grads planned a trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
In September, Wentworth will begin studying for his master’s in Environmental Chemistry at the University of Toronto. “My experience at Laurier was amazing,” he says, “and has prepared me for whatever challenges I face down the road.”
Faculty Experience
An organic chemist, Dr. Ken Maly teaches first-year chemistry (CH110) as well as advanced organic chemistry courses (Such as CH306 and CH404). “I find teaching very rewarding; it gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge of a fascinating subject, and challenges my understanding,” he says. “I also particularly enjoy guiding students in their learning, whether it be introductory chemistry or advanced laboratory research projects."
Dr. Maly's research focuses on using synthetic organic chemistry to prepare new materials such as liquid crystals and porous solids. His research program is funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund, and an Ontario Early Researcher Award.
