PROGRAM INFORMATION
Campus: St. John's	Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department: Chemistry	Honours available: Yes
Degree(s): Bachelor of science; Joint arts and science degree
Length: Four years
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Chemistry is the science of the composition, structure, properties and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems. The synthesis of new drugs, the production of novel materials and the monitoring and improvement of our environment all involve the science of chemistry. The modern-day subject of chemistry is a dynamically-changing science that is about cutting-edge discoveries and the use of state-of-the-art techniques and technologies that impact almost every aspect of human life and almost every aspect of the development of human society. It is easy to understand why the field of chemistry is often described as the central science.

Chemistry at Memorial

The Department of Chemistry has state-of-the-art spectroscopic and other analytical instrumentation as well as high performance computer facilities such as ACEnet.

In addition to the major, minor and honours options in chemistry, joint programs are offered in:

• applied mathematics/chemistry (B.Sc. honours)
• chemistry/Earth sciences (B.Sc. honours)
• chemistry/human biosciences (B.Sc. honours)
• chemistry/physics (B.Sc. honours)

Chemistry majors and honours students have the option to complete a minor in applied science (process engineering) through the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.

Admission requirements

You may apply for admission into the Faculty of Science by indicating bachelor of science as your program choice on the undergraduate application for admission.

Direct entry into the Faculty of Science from high school is subject to meeting the general admission requirements for Memorial University, including appropriate courses in mathematics and a laboratory science.

Admission to the major

In order to declare the chemistry major, you must complete 30 credit hours (10 courses), including the following:

• six credit hours in chemistry
• six credit hours in mathematics
• six credit hours in physics (recommended) or six credit hours in another science other than mathematics
• six credit hours in critical reading and writing (CRW) courses, including at least three credit hours in English

You are expected to achieve a 65% average or better in your first-year chemistry, mathematics and physics courses.

Upon completion of these courses, you must contact the Department of Chemistry to declare the major. You are encouraged to complete these courses in your first two semesters. Exceptional students may be accepted as chemistry majors after one semester.

Sample first year

Wondering what courses you would take in your first year? Check out a sample program of suggested courses for chemistry students.

Sample courses beyond first year

CHEM 2301 - Thermodynamics and Kinetics
CHEM 2302 - Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy
CHEM 3211 - Inorganic Chemistry

Career opportunities

A bachelor of science degree, with a major in chemistry, prepares students for a variety of careers including:

• art conservationist
• brew master
• chemical laboratory technician
• school/university educator
• patent lawyer
• clinical chemist
• forensic chemist
• chemistry teacher

Note: some of these careers may call for supplementary education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential learning or professional courses and exams.