Chemistry


Chemistry studies the composition of substances, the ways in which their properties are related to their composition, and the interaction of substances to produce new materials.

Overview

Chemistry studies the composition of substances, the ways in which their properties are related to their composition, and the interaction of substances to produce new materials.

The general purpose of studies in chemistry is to increase our understanding of the structure and behaviour of the matter of our environment. A knowledge of chemistry is important to the solution of problems in important areas of the environment, medicine, and the utilization of resources.

Accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry

At a Glance

Degree options
Bachelor of Science (BSc), major or honours
Minor

Curriculum

At Mount Allison, the Chemistry program is designed to provide students with an education in the main branches of the subject.

Namely:

  • analytical
  • organic
  • inorganic
  • physical
  • computational

In upper years, students are offered some choice and flexibility with a curriculum that covers advanced courses, including:

  • advanced organic chemistry
  • physical organic chemistry
  • nanoscience and nanotechnology
  • physical chemistry: statistical thermodynamics, computational chemistry
  • inorganic chemistry: organometallics, physical aspects, bioinorganic, structure and bonding in main group chemistry
  • advanced quantum mechanics
  • environmental chemistry

The interdisciplinary nature of chemistry means you may also take courses in biology, physics, environmental science, mathematics, and psychology.

Chemistry is available as:

  • BSc major (63 credits)
  • BSc honours (81 credits)
  • Minor in any degree (24 credits)

Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?

Master of Science (MSc) in Chemistry — our Master of Science program offers the opportunity to pursue a Master's degree in a small, intimate environment.

Careers

Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your Mount Allison degree will stand out.

Mount Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.

With experiential learning and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.

Popular career paths for Chemistry graduates include:  

  • medical doctor
  • dentist
  • pharmacist/pharmaceutical chemist
  • forensic lab analyst/pathologist
  • quality assurance/control chemist
  • industrial chemist
  • research chemist
  • environmental chemist
  • product tester/developer
  • chemical and drug sales representative
  • water quality analyst/technician
  • brewmaster
  • pulp and paper chemist/paper product developer
  • food scientist
  • teacher/professor
  • patent agent/lawyer
  • science policy analyst/lawyer
  • consulting agent

Alumni Spotlight

Travis Osmond ('15)
Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Co-founder, President and CEO at Kasis Environmental

» Mount Allison alumnus, professor establish company with focus on environmentally-friendly mining alternatives

Testimonials

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The Chemistry program at Mount Allison offers unparalleled hands-on research opportunities as early as first year. The close-knit nature of the program means professors provide continual support and guidance throughout your academic journey. If you’re passionate about science and are seeking to better understand the world around you, I highly recommend this program.


Katherine
Reiss
'19
Honours Chemistry, minors in Computer Science and Biochemistry (Rhodes Scholar)
Vancouver, BC
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Having the chance to gain one-on-one experience with professors and lab instructors gives students the chance to make their learning more personal. As an upper year student, you also have the opportunity to serve as a mentor for younger students as a TA, tutor, or even in the lab. These opportunities aren’t common in many undergrad degrees and are just a small part of what makes Mount Allison so special!


Keely
McGill
'19
Chemistry, minor in Religious Studies
Charlottetown, PEI

Extras

Experiential learning

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry emphasizes experiential learning — you will graduate with 600 to 1,200 hours of lab experience, developing important analytical and presentation skills along the way.

L.H. Cragg Resource Centre

Generously donated by the Mount Allison Class of 1949, the L.H. Cragg Resource Centre plays an integral part in research done by Science students by providing computing facilities and software to help analyze and present data collected during research.

Undergraduate research

Research is a key component of the department's approach. You will be encouraged to take advantage of faculty-supervised independent research, job opportunities as summer research assistants, and chances to contribute to faculty research projects, which often leads to co-authoring a paper with your professor for publication.

Graduate research

Mount Allison offers a Master of Science degree in Chemistry in which both the course and research components may be completed on campus. Graduate students are paid a stipend by the Department, while exceptional students may also be eligible for a Rice Memorial Fellowship.

/current-students/department-chemistry-and-biochemistry

Bachelor of Science
Master of Science

Admission Requirements

Our admissions decisions are based on your academic record, leadership skills, a high level of commitment, and the potential for personal growth. The drop down menus below will help you find information on what pre-requisites are recommended for a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science.

Academic Awards

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Mount A is #2 in student awards


Maclean’s ranks Mount Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 Mount Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.

Next Steps

Be part of Canada's best undergraduate university