DEPARTMENT of PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Chemistry MAJOR

Understand what makes stain removers work. Make our environments more livable through the mitigation of pollutants. From the everyday to the exceptional, chemistry has a place in almost every aspect of our lives.

The chemistry major provides you with the theoretical knowledge and applied laboratory skills necessary to be successful in industry, academia or professional programs. You take introductory coursework in five chemistry subdisciplines (analytical, inorganic, physical, organic and biochemistry), followed by senior-level coursework in a diverse array of modern and collaborative chemistry fields, including industrial, environmental, geological, green, forensic, materials, and medicinal chemistry.

Theoretical knowledge is combined with a robust and practical laboratory program, providing you with relevant, hands-on skills and techniques used in modern academic and industrial settings. The requirement of either independent research or an industrial internship solidifies the practical learning experience for our students ensuring success upon graduation.

The highly practical chemistry major provides the courses you need to register for your designation as professional chemist (P.Chem.), preparing you to find a job in a variety of sectors, including oil and gas, food sciences, forensics, chemical testing, pharmaceutical, environmental protection, cosmetics production and much more.

What to expect

In the first two years of the program, you master the underlying concepts, principles and applications of the fundamental sub-disciplines of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, physical, organic and biochemistry. As you move through the program, you become steeped in the scientific method and, armed with this valuable knowledge, are equipped to make informed decisions about the implementation of new technologies or practices.

In senior-level coursework, you apply foundational principles learned in your first years to a diverse array of modern chemistry fields, including industrial, environmental, geological, green, forensic, materials and medicinal chemistry. Theoretical knowledge is combined with a robust and practical laboratory program, giving you relevant, hands-on skills and techniques used in modern academic and industrial settings. You learn to independently apply analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to address chemistry-related problems and demonstrate proficiency in the use of standard laboratory equipment and classical laboratory techniques.

In the fourth year of the program, you are required to conduct independent research or participate in an industrial internship. This experience allows you to effectively integrate and appropriately apply previous learning and knowledge to make and justify decisions in a real-world context outside of the classroom.

Courses and requirements

This major is open to students in the Bachelor of Science. Courses for your major are only one component of the degree requirements you need to graduate. To see all courses required for the major, check the program of study in the academic calendar.

Requirements can change from year to year. You will follow the program of study outlined in MacEwan University's Academic Calendar for the year you declare your major/minor or the year you are accepted into an honours program.

Courses & Requirements
Check the academic calendar to find the courses you need to take and the requirements you must fulfill to complete your program.
Academic Calendar
Declare your major/minor

Academic advisors in the Faculty of Arts and Science have prepared resources to help you understand how your major/minor fits within overall degree coursework. Consult the academic planning information to choose and enrol in courses and complete the major/minor declaration process.