Chemistry is a rewarding intellectual pursuit and a dominant force in shaping our civilization. Chemistry places a strong emphasis on an understanding of the structures and properties of individual atoms and molecules, and on using this understanding to interpret and predict the behaviour of matter. Many of the concepts of physics, and the methods of mathematics, are basic to chemistry. Chemistry is of fundamental importance to many other subjects including astrophysics, biological sciences, environmental science, geology, materials science, and medical sciences. These and other aspects of the subject are reflected in the undergraduate courses and programs offered by the Department.
The Department has made extensive changes to its course and program offerings in the last few years. These changes included a revision of first-year course delivery, modifications to later-year courses, and the refreshment of all six specialist programs in Chemistry, Biological Chemistry, Materials Science, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Synthetic & Catalytic Chemistry, and Chemical Physics. In addition, a brand new Environmental Chemistry major has been launched. Students enrolled in any specialist or major program can select a Focus in Green Chemistry or a Focus in Practical Chemical Analysis as part of their undergraduate experience to highlight their acquired knowledge and skills to potential employers. Students enrolled in any of the six specialist programs are eligible to participate in the Arts & Science Internship Program stream.
Environmental chemistry is the study of the chemical impacts of humankind's activities on the soil, air, and water. This program focuses on the development of fundamental skills in instrumental and mechanistic chemical analysis that are required to understand the sources, fate, and impacts of both organic and inorganic contaminants in soil, air, water, and biological tissues. It involves a solid foundation in chemistry with specialized courses in environmental and analytical chemistry and contains flexibility for students to select additional courses in areas of study of most interest to them. Students may be interested in combining an Environmental Chemistry Major with other major programs such as Environmental Science, or programs in the life sciences offered by departments including Cell & Systems Biology and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology.
