Chemistry
Chemistry is the science that deals with the structure and transformations of material substances. It occupies a central place among the sciences because it takes the fundamental ideas of mathematics and physics, adapts them to chemical systems, and applies them in areas ranging from biotechnology to advanced materials to environmental science. Product development in areas such as pharmaceuticals and electronic materials depend on developments in chemistry, and chemistry is key in environmental and medical research.
Through appropriate course selection, students can specialize in analytical, bioinorganic, bioorganic, computational, inorganic, organic, physical and theoretical chemistry.
The four-year programs leading to a B.Sc. Honours or B.Sc. Four-year degree meet requirements for professional qualification as a chemist and membership in the Canadian Society for Chemistry.
Planning a Program
Students are expected to consult with a
faculty advisor in the Department of Chemistry (normally during the annual academic advising period in March - April).
Chemistry programs have changed extensively between 1999 and 2004, e.g., introductory CHEM courses were changed in 2002. Students with credit for CHEM 111.3 can take CHEM 115.3 and 250.3. Students with credit for CHEM 251.3 can take CHEM 255.3.
New degree requirements (distribution requirements 1-5) for Type C programs came into effect September 2005. Students currently in their third or fourth year of a Type C program may complete the old or the new degree requirements. Students commencing a Type C program in 2005 onward must follow the new Degree Requirements Chart and should refer to Distribution Requirements in the Arts & Science section of the Calendar for details.
B.Sc. Four-year Chemistry
A suggested sequence of courses is provided following the program requirements.
C1 Natural Science Requirement (minimum 15 credit units)
CHEM 112.3, 115.3; PHYS 115.3 and 117.3 or 115.3 and 125.3 (125.3 preferred) (formerly PHYS 111.6 and 121.6).
Remaining credit units to be selected from the following such that no more than 6 credit units are from any one area:
Computer Science ‑ CMPT 111.3, 115.3
Earth Science ‑ GEOG 120.3; GEOL 121.3, 122.3
Biological Science ‑ BIOL 120.3 and 121.3 (formerly BIOL 110.6)
C2 Humanities Writing Requirement (6 credit units)
6 credit units selected from the following: 100-level English, 100-level History, LIT 100.6, PHIL 120.3, PHIL 133.3.
C3 Social Science Requirement (6 credit units)
6 credit units from the Social Sciences
C4 Mathematics and Statistics Requirement (6 credit units)
MATH 110.3, 116.3 (or MATH 112.3 and permission of department)
C5 General Requirement (6 credit units)
6 credit units to be selected from the areas of Humanities, Fine Arts, Social Sciences, or Languages, such that no more than 6 credit units in C2, C3, or C5 are from any one subject
C6 Major Requirement (42 credit units)
CHEM 221.3; 231.3; 242.3; 250.3; 402.0
3 credit units from CHEM 380.3, 482.3 or 483.6 At least 27 credit units of additional chemistry courses, including at least 18 credit units chosen from CHEM 243.3, 255.3, 322.3, 332.3, 342.3, 354.3, 369.3, 429.3, 433.3, 439.3, including in turn at least 9 credit units chosen from CHEM 243.3, 255.3, 322.3 and 332.3. The following may be used in partial fulfillment of the requirement for 27 credit units of additional chemistry courses:
a) BMST 305.3 and 408.3.
b) Up to 6 credit units of BIOC courses chosen with the approval of a faculty advisor in the Department of Chemistry.
c) CHE 223.3. C7 Electives Requirement Required Cognate Courses (6 credit units) - BIOC 200.3; additional 3 credit units mathematics, statistics or computer science course chosen in consultation with a
faculty advisor in the Department of Chemistry
Open Electives - courses to complete the requirements for 120 credit unit Four-year program, of which at least 66 must be at the 200-level or higher.
B.Sc. Three-year Chemistry
C1 Natural Science Requirement (minimum 15 credit units)
CHEM 112.3, 115.3
Remaining credit units to be selected from the following such that no more than 6 credit units are from any one area:
Computer Science ‑ CMPT 111.3, 115.3
Physics & Astronomy ‑ ASTR 101.6; PHYS 115.3, 117.3 or 125.3 (formerly PHYS 111.6 and 121.6), 128.3
Earth Science ‑ GEOG 120.3; GEOL 121.3, 122.3
Biological Science ‑ BIOL 120.3 and 121.3 (formerly BIOL 110.6)
C2 Humanities Writing Requirement (6 credit units)
6 credit units selected from the following: 100-level English, 100-level History, LIT 100.6, PHIL 120.3, PHIL 133.3.
C3 Social Science Requirement (6 credit units)
6 credit units from the Social Sciences
C4 Mathematics and Statistics Requirement (3 credit units)
MATH 110.3, 116.3 (or MATH 112.3 and permission of the department)
C5 General Requirement (6 credit units)
6 credit units to be selected from the areas of Humanities, Fine Arts, Social Sciences, or Languages, such that no more than 6 credit units in C2, C3, or C5 are from any one subject
C6 Major Requirement (24 credit units)
CHEM 221.3, 231.3, 242.3, 250.3, and a minimum of 12 credit units additional senior CHEM courses
C7 Electives Requirement Required Cognate Course (3 credit units) - BIOC 200.3
Open Electives - Courses to complete the requirements for 90 credit unit Three-year program, of which at least 42 must be at the 200-level or higher.
B.Sc. Honours Chemistry
A suggested sequence of Courses provided following the program requirements.
C1 Natural Science Requirement (minimum 15 credit units)
CHEM 112.3, 115.3; PHYS 115.3 and 117.3 or 115.3 and 125.3 (125.3 preferred) (formerly PHYS 111.6 and 121.6)
Remaining credit units to be selected from the following such that no more than 6 credit units are from any one area:
Computer Science ‑ CMPT 111.3, 115.3
Earth Science ‑ GEOG 120.3; GEOL 121.3, 122.3
Biological Science ‑ BIOL 120.3 and 121.3 (formerly BIOL 110.6)
C2 Humanities Writing Requirement (6 credit units)
6 credit units selected from the following: 100-level English, 100-level History, LIT 100.6, PHIL 120.3, PHIL 133.3.
C3 Social Science Requirement (6 credit units)
6 credit units from the Social Sciences
C4 Mathematics/Statistics Requirement (6 credit units)
MATH 110.3, 116.3 (or MATH 112.3 and permission of the department)
C5 General Requirement (6 credit units)
6 credit units to be selected from the areas of Humanities, Fine Arts, Social Sciences, or Languages, such that no more than 6 credit units in C2, C3, or C5 are from any one subject
C6 Major Requirement (48 credit units)
CHEM 221.3, 231.3, 242.3, 243.3, 250.3, 255.3, 322.3, 332.3, 402.0 6 credit units from CHEM 380.3, 482.3 or 483.6
At least 18 credit units of additional chemistry courses, including at least 6 credit units from CHEM 342.3, 354.3, 369.3, 429.3, 433.3, 439.3. The following may be used in partial fulfillment of the requirement for 18 credit units of additional chemistry courses:
a) BMST 305.3 and 408.3.
b) Up to 6 credit units of BIOC courses chosen with the approval of a faculty advisor in the Department of Chemistry.
c) CHE 223.3. C7 Electives Requirement Required Cognate Courses (6 credit units) - BIOC 200.3; additional 3 credit-unit mathematics, statistics or computer science course chosen in consultation with a
faculty advisor in the Department of Chemistry
Open Electives - courses to complete the requirements for 120 credit unit Honours program, of which at least 66 must be at the 200-level or higher.
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The following course sequence is recommended to allow completion of the Four-year or Honours degree within four years and allow maximum flexibility in the selection of chemistry electives:
Year 1: CHEM 112.3, 115.3, 250.3; MATH 110.3, 116.3; PHYS 115.3 and 125.3 or 117.3 (125.3 preferred) (formerly PHYS 111.6 and 121.6); and other Program Type C degree requirements.
Year 2: BIOC 200.3; CHEM 221.3, 231.3, 242.3, 243.3, 255.3; and other Program Type C degree requirements. Students entering 2nd year should consult with a
departmental advisor.
Years 3 and 4: Students entering 3rd or 4th year should consult with a
departmental advisor. Students should complete the remainder of the major and electives requirements and any outstanding Program Type C requirements. Since many 4th-year chemistry course (CHEM 420, 433, 439, 440, 455, 456, 460) are offered only in alternate years, students should include the 3rd year prerequisite courses in Term 1 for the 4th year courses they wish to take in Term 2.
Double Honours
A Double Honours program allows concentration in chemistry and a second subject of interest. Students are required to take CHEM 112.3, 115.3, 221.3, 231.3, 242.3, 243.3, 250.3, 255.3, 322.3, 332.3, 342.3, 402.0; 3 credit units chosen from CHEM 346.3, 353.3 and 354.3; and 36 credit units in the second area of concentration.
Students who wish to take a Double Honours Program must consult the departments concerned. Admission is based on departmental recommendation and College approval.
Minor in Chemistry
Students, who, in conjunction with a major in a different subject or an interdisciplinary program, take 18 credit units or more of Chemistry courses will receive a Minor in Chemistry. At least 3 credit units must be at the 300- or 400-level. Courses listed under the “C6 Major Requirement” of the student’s program Major cannot be used to meet requirements for the Minor.
Thorvaldson Professor
This professorship, assigned to a senior member of the Department for distinguished service, is named in honour of T. Thorvaldson, Ph.D., F.R.S.C. (1883-1965), a member of the Department 1914-1948 and Head of the Department 1919-1948.