Honours Degree in Chemistry

The following information about programs of study in Chemistry has been taken from the University Calendar. While every attempt has been made to ensure that it is accurate, you should refer to the current edition of the University Calendar for the most reliable and complete information about program requirements and course list.

*This degree is accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry.*

Students wishing to take Honours should consult the sections of the Calendar dealing with Regulations for the Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science.

Please see the recommended timetable for the Honours Degree in Chemistry

  • Chemistry 1050 and 1051 (or 1200 and 1001), 2100, 2210, 2301, 2302, 2400, 2401, 3110, 3210, 3211, 3303, 3411, 490 A/B, and 12 credit hours selected from the remaining 4000-level Chemistry courses.

  • Biochemistry 2201 and 2901.

  • Physics 1050 (or 1020 and 1021) and 1051.

  • Mathematics 1000, 1001, 2000, and 2050.

Those courses in which a grade of B or an average of 75% or higher are required, as specified in Regulations for the Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science, Academic Standing , clause a., are the courses beyond first year used to satisfy clause 1. under Required Courses above.

A thesis based on a selected research topic carried out under the supervision of a member of the Department is to be submitted in the final year.

Chemistry 490A/B will normally require the equivalent of nine hours per week for two semesters. Registration in Chemistry 490A/B is restricted to those students who have honours standing. The Honours dissertation will be assessed by a committee comprising the supervisor and one other faculty member.

With approval of the Heads of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Departments prior to registration, a number of courses in Biochemistry may be substituted for a like number of Chemistry courses.

Prospective Honours students in Chemistry in their first year should take

Chemistry 1050 and 1051 (or 1200 and 1001)
Physics 1050 and 1051 or 1020 and 1021
Mathematics 1000 and 1001
Six credit hours in Critical Reading & Writing (CRW) courses including at least 3 credit hours in English. 
Six credit hours in other courses.

The Honours Chemistry program is a four year program. Students should consult the Undergraduate Student Handbook for timetabling details.

Students completing first year requirements for any of Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics via the three course options (i.e. Chemistry 1010, 1050, 1051 (or 1010, 1011, and the former 1031), Mathematics 1090, 1000, 1001, Physics 1020, 1021, 1051) instead of the two course options (Chemistry 1050, 1051, Mathematics 1000, 1001, Physics 1050, 1051) will require the corresponding number of extra credits to obtain an Honours degree.

Arrangements for subsequent years will depend on the other science subjects being studied and should be made in consultation with the Faculty Advisor.

Certain advanced courses may only be offered in alternate years. Candidates therefore should consult the Head of the Department before registration.

Certain of the Graduate courses may be taken in the final year of the Honours Program with the permission of the Head of the Department.

Details of Joint Honours programs with Biochemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Physics are outlined under Joint Programs.

Details of the Environmental Science (Chemistry Stream) Major or Honours are outlined under the Grenfell Campus section off the Calendar.

Course Restrictions

Students should be aware of a number of credit restrictions. For further information see the Chemistry course descriptions section found at the end of the Faculty of Science section in the Calendar under Course Descriptions, Chemistry.