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Faculty of Science

Chemistry

Chemistry

Chemistry influences our daily lives from the tools we use and the materials which we surround ourselves with to the medicinal and personal products we use to maintain our health and fitness. Our professors are devoted to teaching and are very active in the forefront of research, and this cutting-edge program recognizes the most recent developments in chemistry such as proteomics and nanotechnology.

Chemistry offers Specialized Honours options, including a Specialized Honours stream in Pharmaceutical & Biological Chemistry explores the interaction between biological systems and chemicals such as protein folding and drug functionality. All Specialized Honours students will do a supervised research study in their final year, which can include original laboratory work and/or field investigations.

Chemistry provides excellent preparation for entrance to professional schools in the health sciences (including medicine, dentistry or pharmacy), graduate studies and research in all areas of chemistry, and career paths in the chemical or pharmaceutical sectors of industry, business and government.

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Bachelor of Science (90 credits, normally over three years)
A flexible, multi-disciplinary program offering you a broad range of studies in Chemistry and flexibility in your elective options.

Honours Bachelor of Science (120 credits, normally over four years)
A comprehensive program where you can build a strong foundation for a career in Chemistry.

Specialized Honours Bachelor of Science - Pharmaceutical & Biological Chemistry Stream (120 credits, normally over four years)
A focused Honours program that will prepare you for a career or further studies in Pharmaceutical and Biological Applications and related disciplines.

For a full description of possible degree paths, please reference the Academic Calendar

Honours Double Major
Combine your Honours studies in Chemistry with another major.

Honours Minor
Enhance your studies in another degree program with training in Chemistry.

Example First-Year Courses

Below are some courses you may take in your first year. Please note that this is only an example, your actual course schedule may be different.

  • Chemical Structure
  • Chemical Dynamics
  • Biology I & II (Pharmaceutical & Biological Chemistry stream)
  • Physics with Life Science Applications
  • Applied Calculus I & II
  • Popular Uses of History: An Introduction to Public History (or other approved Non-Science courses)

Careers

A degree from the Faculty of Science opens the door to many different pathways and opportunities. York Science offers an ideal learning environment to achieve your highest potential. Our programs are known for academic excellence, with professors who are committed to your success.

The Co-op and Career Centre at York offers support services to students looking to engage in experiential learning and career preparation, including co-op and internship workshops, resume help, interview prep, and much more.

Career Paths

  • Materials Chemist
  • Biochemist
  • Molecular Biologist
  • Cosmetic Chemist
  • Air/Water Quality Specialist
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Clinical Trial Coordinator
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Technical Writer
  • Forensic Lab Analyst
  • Occupational Health and Safety Officer
  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Food and Drug Analyst
  • Pollution Controller
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Education – elementary, high school, college, university
  • Professional Schools – Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Law, Business
  • Graduate Studies/Academic Careers