Chemistry (BSc)

Gain a solid theoretical foundation in chemistry and master experimental techniques in a program that balances innovative classroom experiences with time in the lab. This program is small, so there are many opportunities to interact with faculty and conduct research under their supervision and mentorship. Customize your degree by taking a concentration.

The Canadian Society for Chemistry has accredited the "With Thesis" version of this program.

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Apply Your Learning

Make the most out of your university career by taking advantage of all that Laurier has to offer you. Volunteer work, campus clubs, leadership programs, studying abroad, work experience – there are so many ways you can extend your classroom experience into the real world.

Here are just a few examples of the experiences you’ll have access to in the Chemistry program:

  • Apply to live in the Faculty of Science Residence Living Learning Community and take what you are learning in the classroom into your everyday life.
  • Apply for co-op at the end of your first year to gain real work experience to your resume.
  • Participate in hands-on lab sessions, tutorials and seminars as part of your coursework.
  • Add a Research or Instructional Assistantship to your resumé and work closely with your peers and Chemistry & Biochemistry professors.
  • Apply for an NSERC or Faculty of Science Undergraduate Student Research Assistantship (USRA), the directed studies course, and/or the honours thesis research course for the opportunity to do research in an area that interests you.
  • Attend the Southern Ontario Undergraduate Student Chemistry Conference (SOUSCC) or the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) Conference.
  • Take science entrepreneurship courses and explore the Science Maker Lab for additional hands-on learning experiences.

Check out the Chemistry Experience Guide.

 

2022 graduates who secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies

 

Laurier ranks in the top 6 percent of universities worldwide*

 

students who gained hands-on learning experiences at Laurier in 2022

*Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

Admissions

Format: full time or part time      Duration: four years     Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)    OUAC code: UHC

Your Path to Medical School

students in lab

Get one step closer to your medical school dreams at Laurier!

Our pathway agreement with American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) means you’re automatically granted an admissions interview to the AUC School of Medicine if you meet all academic requirements. Upon graduation, you’ll have the opportunity to write exams to practice medicine in Canada, the UK or the United States.

Program Options and Courses

Concentrations

Concentrate in one of the following areas to focus on an area that interests you:

  • Bio-organic Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Materials and Applied Physical Chemistry

Alternatively, choose senior chemistry electives from across subdisciplines to broaden your knowledge base. 

Options and Minors

In addition to selecting an area to concentrate in your studies, consider adding one of our popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Entrepreneurship Core Option
  • Management Option
  • Sustainability Option
  • Minors in science, social science or humanities disciplines

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

First-Year Courses

  • General Chemistry I
  • General Chemistry II
  • Calculus I for the Natural Sciences
  • Introductory Calculus for the Natural Sciences
  • Mechanics (for the Life Sciences)
  • Thermodynamics and Waves (for the Life Sciences)
  • 2.0 elective credits

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Environment, Sustainability and Society
  • Unifying Life Processes
  • Biological Diversity and Evolution

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Introduction to Modern Materials
  • Environmental Atmospheric Chemistry

Similar Programs

Co-op

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

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Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

This program will provide you with the practical and research skills needed to meet the demanding requirements of pharmaceutical and chemical companies, as well as government service laboratories.

Our program also provides a strong educational background for those interested in continuing their studies at the graduate level in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or other health science-related programs.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • analytical chemist
  • biochemist
  • brewmaster/winemaker
  • chemical safety officer
  • food and drug analyst
  • health care professional
  • pharmacist/pharmacologist
  • product tester/developer
  • technical science writer
  • toxicologist

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Interested in More Info?

Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.