Faculty of Arts & Science
Chemistry & Biochemistry

Chemistry is often called the central science as it deals specifically with the 112 elements that comprise all matter. Everything around us - the air we breathe, water we drink, food we eat, buildings we live in, cars we drive - our very bodies - are all made from these elements. There are five main branches of Chemistry:

• Analytical Chemistry - detection and measurement of chemical species used in fields like forensics
• Organic Chemistry - deals with carbon compounds, which are the main components of living matter

• Inorganic Chemistry - delves into all the remaining elements, most of which are found in the mineral world
• Physical Chemistry - is the study of the fundamental principles governing the behavior of matter
• Theoretical Chemistry - basic physical theories that provide frameworks within which all chemical phenomena is understood

The primary focus of the program is to provide you with extensive theoretical knowledge in all five branches of Chemistry, while enhancing your technical and practical skills with hands-on experience and research opportunities.

We offer BSc degrees with majors in Chemistry or Biochemistry. You can also select a General Science major and take Chemistry or Biochemistry courses as part of that major. If you already have your BSc we also offer MSc and PhD degrees.

The major in Chemistry for the 40-course BSc and BASc degree programs is accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry and fulfills the requirements for professional standing in chemistry in Alberta through the Association for the Chemical Profession of Alberta.

Congratulations - You’re a Chemistry or Biochemistry student at the UofL! What now?

First, you’ll need to decide what courses to take and make sure they are offered when you need to take them. You may find you need some help with this process and we are here to answer your questions and provide support as you complete your degree.

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry is located in University Hall, 8th floor in the E section and the central office is E866, so please stop by.

Another valuable resource is our Program Planning Guides, guidelines for determining what courses you need to take and when. Please download them below. For additional advice visit our department office at E866 or A&S Advising in SU060.

Chemistry PPG
Biochemistry PPG

While pursuing your degree at the UofL there are several opportunities to determine which area of Chemistry or Biochemistry best suits you. You can work in a research lab on an Independent or Applied Study, as a research assistant or even full-time as a Co-op student.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is home to many advanced instruments which enable cutting-edge research. These tools include nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infra-red, Raman, UVvisible, atomic absorption spectrometers, macromolecular x-ray diffractometer, isothermal titration calorimeter, and a surface plasmon resonance spectrometer. Students learn to use such instruments as a part of several undergraduate courses and during the research opportunities listed above. A list of our department members and their research is available here.

Visit the Current Student’s page for FAQs! Be sure to explore the site further for further information.

Why a degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry?

Chemistry is a major for the broad-minded individual who is interested in integrating both qualitative and quantitative aspects of knowledge. Knowledge of chemistry is required for all fields of scientific endeavor: engineering, physics, biology and medicine.

At the same time, chemistry makes use of the tools of math and physics. A thorough grounding in math is an essential requirement for success in chemical studies.

Chemistry and Biochemistry are exciting areas of science to study. There are many areas within each discipline to focus on. Chemistry and Biochemistry professors at the University of Lethbridge do research in:

• Biochemistry
• Computational and Theoretical Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry

As an undergraduate you will experience advantages such as:

• Small class sizes
• Personalized interaction with professors
• State of the art instrumentation in research labs

You can work in a research lab on an Independent or Applied Study, as a research assistant or even full-time as a Co-op student.

For more details about being a Chemistry major visit Prospective Students.

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