Â鶹´«Ã½

Skip to main content

Chemistry Degree Planner

Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry at Â鶹´«Ã½ offers considerable training in the major branches of chemistry and degree options accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC).ÌýComplete 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.Ìý


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 Â鶹´«Ã½ and use the Ìý²¹²Ô»å to create their course plan.


Ìý< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

  • ÌýComplete 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*. MakeÌýsure you're on track with course requirements usingÌýDARSÌý
  • Apply for an honours degree ahead of your fourth year if you are considering graduate studies

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • In your final year, you should be taking 4-6 CHEM* courses
  • Complete any remaining requirements for a certificate, or minor, and check yourÌýdegree auditÌýto ensure you are on track to graduateÌý
  • Apply to graduateÌýby Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocationÌý

*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 withÌýprogram advisorsÌýfor course planning and any other questions related to your program.ÌýÌý

Ìý< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

  • Build connections by enrolling in aÌý like Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Science, Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Climate ChangeÌý
  • Sign up to beÌý

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • Gain teaching and communication skills by applying for a teaching assistant role or working with a science outreach organization like or
  • Attend career prep workshops or apply for graduate or professional programs
  • Don't forget to complete your Co-Curricular Record!

Ìý

Ìý< 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 – Â鶹´«Ã½ Undergraduate University Chemistry Society! Meet other like-minded students and participate in fun eventsÌý

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

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

  • You're about to join over 30,000 other grads all over the world as a Dal Science alumni!Ìý
  • Stay involved with your faculty and department and with our incredible network of alumni

Ìý

Ìý< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

  • Familiarize yourself with Â鶹´«Ã½'s many supports and reach out to advisors for guidance
  • Plan out your credits hours by navigatingÌý

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

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

TheÌýHonours BScÌýor Advanced MajorÌýis the expected professional requirement for a chemist and is accredited by the

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 areÌýnot limited to career paths in:Ìý

Medicine, law, government, business administration, biochemistry, oceanography, research, education, and geology,Ìý 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:Ìý

  • 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 transformedÌý
  • 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 settingÌý

Transferable skills:Ìý

  • 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.ÌýThese 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*Ìý
  • Chemical engineer*
  • Color development chemist
  • Drug application reviewer
  • Environmental chemist*
  • Food scientist*
  • Forensic chemist*
  • Geochemist*Ìý
  • Laboratory technician
  • Medicinal chemist*
  • Medical technologist*
  • Pharmacy technician
  • Product chemistÌý
  • Research assistant
  • Teacher/professor*
  • Quality control technician
  • Water purification chemist
An image of an alumni profile with an individual smiling, yellow text on black background