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.

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• Admission requirements - entry to the university
• Your first year
• Admission requirements - admission to the major
• Sample courses
• Career opportunities

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.

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Admission requirements - entry to the university

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. You are encouraged to apply by:

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.

Important to know: You cannot choose chemistry as your major at the time of application. Admission into the major requires the completion of university level courses. Follow the information listed below under your first year and admission to the major for further details.

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Your first year

Have a look at a sample schedule of 10 courses you may need to take before declaring the chemistry majors, including computational chemistry and chemistry (biological).

This is a sample only. Meet with an academic advisor to create a plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals.

1. Students completing Mathematics 1090 in the fall semester are advised to take Mathematics 1000 or 1006 in the winter semester and Mathematics 1001 in the spring semester in order to enable chemistry majors to take Chemistry 2301 in the fall semester of their second year.
   
   
2. Chemistry 1010 is a preparatory course for students who could not take Chemistry 3202 in high school or who achieved less than 65 per cent in Chemistry 3202. For the 2022-2023 academic year, students are permitted to register for Chemistry 1050 if they achieved a grade of at least 50% in Chemistry 3202. Students who take Chemistry 1010 in the fall semester should take Chemistry 1050 in the winter semester and Chemistry 1051 in the spring semester. Students who wait until the fall semester of their second year to take Chemistry 1051 can still complete a chemistry major in four years but will require careful planning of their program with the assistance of their faculty advisor.
   
   
3. Students can complete any of the following combinations of first year physics courses: Physics 1020 and 1021, Physics 1050 and 1051, Physics 1020 and 1051 and Physics 1050 and 1021. Students who complete the major in computational chemistry or the joint honours in physics and chemistry must complete Physics 1050 and 1051. Students registered in Physics 1050 must also be registered in (or have credit for) Mathematics 1000. Students registered in Physics 1051 must also be registered in (or have credit for) Mathematics 1001.
   
   
4. Students are required to complete six credit hours in Critical Reading and Writing (CRW) courses, including at least three credit hours in English courses. Students attending Grenfell Campus will normally complete English 1000/1001 in their first year.
   
   
5. Students wishing to major in computational chemistry should take Computer Science 1001 in the fall semester and Computer Science 1510 in the winter semester. Students wishing to major in chemistry (biological) should take Biology 1001 in the fall semester and Biology 1002 in the winter semester.

Further assistance

For assistance with course selection, contact the Academic Advising Centre.

For additional information, visit the Department of Chemistry or email Academic Program Officer.

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Admission requirements - admission to the major

Current Memorial students

In order to declare a 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.

Declare your major

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.

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Sample courses

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

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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.

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