Chemistry is the science of all matter - an area of study that is vast, fascinating, and related to everything in our material world. Chemistry touches on every aspect of our lives, and is essential for meeting our world's basic needs of food, health, energy, shelter, clothing, and clean air, water and soil.
The Chemistry Major in VIU's Bachelor of Science (BSc) program focuses on experiential learning in small classes and labs. Chemistry students, studying in the Major or Minor, have the opportunity to pursue undergraduate research with instructors who care about their success. Chemistry students can expand their learning with VIU's state of the art Applied Environmental Research Laboratories (AERL), where they can work on collaborative research projects with private sector and community partnerships.
B.Sc., Major in Chemistry: The goals of the program are to provide students the opportunity to pursue employment and post-graduate opportunities in Chemistry. The curriculum provides a molecular-level understanding of biological, chemical and physical processes and builds a strong appreciation for the underlying principles that govern structure reactivity, and bonding. The program builds foundational knowledge in the traditional sub-disciplines of chemistry, with a particular emphasis on the theory and practice of analytical and green chemistry. In the upper years, students can choose to specialize their Major in Chemistry by selecting electives in fields of Environmental Chemistry or Biological Chemistry. Students will gain an appreciation for the role of chemistry in many aspects of modern scientific enquiry, and all students will gain hands-on experience with modern chemical instrumentation and techniques.
The program has been designed to be at the forefront of teaching and learning in the chemical sciences by incorporating an emphasis on conceptual learning and the integration of inquiry-based learning experiences, computer assisted learning and undergraduate research opportunities. Chemistry is taught through a combination of lectures and laboratory exercises with close student - instructor interactions and mentorship being a hallmark of the program. Current issues such as the fate and distribution of chemical species in the environment and biological systems, bio-mimetics, environmental ecology, toxicology, molecular design and catalysis as well as development of modern instrumental methods are introduced. Critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills are emphasized throughout the program and refined in the integrated laboratory experience and independent student projects.
