Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry at Dalhousie University offers considerable training in the major branches of chemistry and degree options accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC). Complete your undergraduate degree as a major, or consider completing an honours or co-op degree and/or earning one or more certificates if certain courses are taken as part of the program.
Your Major Map: Chemistry
The Chemistry Major Map highlights academic and co-curricular opportunities and provides an overview of how students can customize their degree. Students are encouraged to connect with advising supports at Dalhousie and use the Academic Calendar and Timetable to create their course plan.
< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Complete required introductory courses in Chemistry: CHEM 1011/1012 and in other subjects. See the first-year course planner worksheet for more information
- At the end of your first year, you can declare your major and register for second-year courses
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- You will start taking more core courses* in CHEM gaining knowledge and lab experience: CHEM 2101, CHEM 2201, CHEM 2301, CHEM 2304, CHEM 2401, CHEM 2402
- Consider combining your degree with another subject with a double major, minor, or certificate
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- Aim to take 4-6 CHEM courses*. Make sure you're on track with course requirements using DARS
- Apply for an honours degree ahead of your fourth year if you are considering graduate studies
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
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*Note that not all courses are offered each semester or year and that course requirements may vary according to your degree type (major, double major, minor, honours). Be sure to keep track of these by consulting the academic calendar.
*After declaring your major, we strongly encourage you to connect with program advisors for course planning and any other questions related to your program.
< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Build connections by enrolling in a first-year interest group (FIGS) like Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Science, Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Climate Change
- Sign up to be mentored by an upper-year student
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Explore the myCareer portal to browse through work and volunteer opportunities on and off campus
- Combine academic study and paid career-related work experience by enrolling in co-op
- Inquire about paid or volunteer research positions with the Deparment
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- There are 70 Faculty-coordinated summer research awards available each year that you can apply for on a competitive basis
- Other opportunities include science communication internships, science innovation and entrepreneurship through SURGE, and student society leadership roles
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
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< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Attend the Dal Science Welcome Party
- Attend the Faculty of Science Program Fair for help planning your next steps
- Consider joining DUUCS – Dalhousie Undergraduate University Chemistry Society! Meet other like-minded students and participate in fun events
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Reach out to the Department's many world-class researchers and faculty to join a research lab as a volunteer or apply for a summer research award
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- Consider running for a position with the Dal Science Society's Executive or with your student society
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
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< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
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30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Explore career paths and industries that spark your interest by attending an alumni panel discussion
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- See which scholarships and prizes might be available to you through the department, on a competitive basis
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
- Time to celebrate your achievements and graduate!
- Connect with the Bissett Student Success Success Centre career supports to get prepared for interviews, and more as your prepare to head out on the job hunt or to apply for graduate school
For any questions about your major, enrolling in a minor or certificate, summer research, or honours, speak with a program advisor!
Where your degree can take you
The Honours BSc or Advanced Major is the expected professional requirement for a chemist and is accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry.
A BSc degree in Chemistry provides great preparation for a variety of careers. The skills and knowledge acquired through this program can be applied, but are not limited to career paths in:
Medicine, law, government, business administration, biochemistry, oceanography, research, education, and geology, Many industries such as chemicals, oil, paint, pharmaceuticals, food additives, analysis companies, agrichemical, mining, energy, battery, defense, breweries, and health agencies, among many others need chemists.
Core competencies gained
Discipline-level skills:
- A background in basic sciences and various applications in mathematics, statistics, physics, and biology
- Knowledge of the composition and properties of matter, as well as the manner in which substances are transformed
- Training in all the major branches of chemistry, such as organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and biological chemistry
- Exploration of the complex ways in which periodic table elements combine, both theoretically and within a laboratory setting
Transferable skills:
- Academic writing and presentation skills
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Numeracy skills
- Time/project management
- Leadership and teamwork
- Basic statistical analyses
- Research skills
- Data analysis
- Laboratory techniques
Possible careers and employment
Chemistry Alumni can be employed within a variety of industries and have multiple career path options. These are influenced by the student's elective courses, experiential learning choices, and certificates. Some of the options below will typically require additional or graduate-level training*, while some can be pursued following the completion of baccalaureate program only.
- Art conservator
- Analytical chemist*
- Bench chemist
- Biochemist*
- Chemical engineer*
- Color development chemist
- Drug application reviewer
- Environmental chemist*
- Food scientist*
- Forensic chemist*
- Geochemist*
- Laboratory technician
- Medicinal chemist*
- Medical technologist*
- Pharmacy technician
- Product chemist
- Research assistant
- Teacher/professor*
- Quality control technician
- Water purification chemist
