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Chemistry (BSc)(BA)

Discover the building blocks of matter and their interactions.

Program Type
Bachelor
Faculty
Unit
Locations
Program Start
September and January
Program Options
Major
Minor

Why choose this program?

Chemical principles govern most aspects of life, from the food we eat to the technology we take for granted. Understanding chemistry helps us protect our environment and influence people’s daily lives. As a Dalhousie chemistry student, you’ll notice the dedication our award-winning faculty have to teaching and mentoring students.

Admission requirements

Minimum admission requirements

To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:

  1. Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
  2. Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
  3. Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).

Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Program-specific admission requirements

  • Minimum overall average: 75%

  • Academic English 12

  • Pre-calculus Math 12

  • Three additional academic subjects

Financial information

A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you. 

Program options

Dal Science offers a host of opportunities for you to explore interests and customize your degree. If you prefer smaller class sizes, some of our programs have the option of completing your first year on our Truro Campus. Whether you decide to enroll in the Integrated Science Program, get an honours degree, or pursue a combination of disciplines, our team of advisors will help you figure out how to tailor your degree to fit you perfectly.

From summer research awards, internships, working as a teaching assistant, or getting involved with SuperNOVA summer camps, there are many ways to gain hands-on experience during your degree. Many of our programs offer a co-op option that gives you real-world, paid experience in your field while making the connections you need to kick start your career. Science co-op students apply the latest theories to fields including biotechnology, conservation, agriculture, medicine, meteorology, and economics, and many more.


The following Chemistry program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  

  • BSc or BA (120 credit hour) Honours (Concentrated)*

  • BSc or BA (120 credit hour) Combined Honours*

  • BSc or BA (120 credit hour) Major*

  • BSc or BA (120 credit hour) Double Major*

  • BSc or BA (90 credit hour) Minor in Chemistry

  • Minor in Chemistry

What you will learn

Studying chemistry at Dalhousie involves training in the four major branches of chemistry: inorganic, organic, analytical and physical. Through courses and labs you’ll acquire a range of skills from organizing large bodies of information, to quantitative analytical skills. 

Sample courses may include:

  • Concepts in Chemistry I

  • Writing for the Sciences

  • Integrated Science I

  • Engineering Chemistry I 

  • Introductory Inorganic Chemistry

  • Introductory Analytical Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry I

  • Advanced Analytical Lab

  • Materials Science

  • Experiential Learning Chemistry

  • Chemistry of Living Systems 

  • Inorganic Materials Synthesis

  • Analytical Mass Spectrometry

  • Theory of Chemical Bonding

  • Electrochemistry 

Not only will you gain the skills you need to carry out research and apply classroom theory, but you’ll learn to describe your work clearly, both orally and in writing. You’ll learn how to reliably generate data, and assess the meaning of your results.

Careers

Chemistry is known as the central science, because its main theme is transformations of matter and energy that are at the core of many fields of science and engineering. Sound training in chemistry leads to employment not only as a chemist, but in many other fields. In addition to helping gain chemical knowledge, a chemistry degree helps develop your analytical, problem-solving and communications skills.

Future study possibilities are abundant with a degree in chemistry and may include graduate level programs such as a Master of Science (MSc) or a PhD. You’ll also have the foundation to pursue further studies in professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or education.