Chemistry(BSc) in Canada at VIU Canada

Program Overview for Chemistry(BSc) in Canada:

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). They can work on collaborative research projects with the private sector and community partnerships.

B.Sc., Major in Chemistry: The program's goals 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 in their Major in Chemistry by selecting electives in Environmental Chemistry or Biological Chemistry. Students will appreciate the role of chemistry in many aspects of modern scientific inquiry, 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 integrating 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, catalysis, and the 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.

Students graduating from the program have gained highly transferable employment skills. They will have a wide range of career opportunities in fields including secondary education, chemical forensics, chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, consulting, science communication, manufacturing, medical lab science, instrument development, and sales, food science, material science, pharmaceuticals, quality control, remediation, food security, academic and government research, science policy and government regulation.

The program provides a solid foundation for students who wish to further their studies in professional programs such as medical, dental, law, and pharmacy schools and graduate studies at the M.Sc. and Ph.D. level. Graduates with this degree will be qualified to apply for a 'Professional Chemistry' designation.

A Minor in Chemistry may also be obtained and used in combination with another science Minor for a general B.Sc. degree (double Minor) or augment another science, Major. The Minor in Chemistry will be of particular interest to students proceeding towards a career in Primary and Secondary Education, with plans for teaching a science curriculum. For additional information on the program, faculty, and undergraduate research, please visit the VIU Chemistry website.

UNDERGRADUATE

Undergraduate research allows students to integrate and reinforce their chemistry knowledge, develop their scientific and professional skills and become active participants in their discipline rather than passive observers.  Integrating research into the curriculum as early as possible increases the student’s interest in the field and understanding of how scientists think and work on real problems.  

Students at VIU have the opportunity to work with faculty members on a variety of chemistry-related projects and may enroll in an Undergraduate Research Project course (CHEM 491).

Projects support deep learning, promote critical thinking, provide experience with instrumental methods, and exposure to the chemical literature. The geographic proximity of VIU to coastal British Columbia provides unique opportunities to incorporate real-world field studies into the curriculum and research experience in both environmental and biological chemistry.

The Major in Chemistry is closely integrated with the internationally recognized Applied Environmental Research Laboratories (AERL), which provides authentic experiential learning opportunities with real-world outcomes. This facility provides hands-on experience and student-faculty engagement in part-time work, internships and summer research assistantships for undergraduate students.

AERL

These are the international student eligibility for the Chemistry(BSc) in Canada

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Proof of English language proficiency
• International students who are BC high school graduates must have a minimum “C” in English 12 for direct entry into an academic program.
• Official transcript of grades from high school (and post-secondary institutions where applicable).
• A minimum "C+" grade in one of Principles of Mathematics 11, Applications of Mathematics 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Pre-calculus 11, or equivalent. A mathematics assessment and placement examination is available for applicants without this admission requirement.

These are the domestic student eligibility for the Chemistry(BSc)

Canadian citizens and those with permanent residence status in Canada are eligible for admission to University Academic programs if they meet one of the following conditions:

• graduation from a B.C. secondary school, or equivalent, with a minimum “C” grade in either English 12 or English 12 First Peoples;
• visiting student from a college or university (a “Letter of Permission” from the home institution is required);
• a transfer student from a college or university (at least 24 transferable university-level credits completed);
• English 12 with a minimum "C+" grade or equivalent.
• A minimum "C+" grade in one of Principles of Mathematics 11, Applications of Mathematics 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Pre-calculus 11, or equivalent. A mathematics assessment and placement examination is available for applicants without this admission requirement.

These are the test eligibilities for the Chemistry(BSc) to qualify.

The international student tuition fees and costs for Chemistry(BSc) in Canada.

Chemistry is central to many scientific careers and provides a range of employment opportunities in the academic, commercial, and public sectors.

Trained chemists have important employment skills identified by the Conference Board of Canada, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, observational and communication skills, and knowledge of science, technology, and mathematics. The American Chemical Society Employment and Salary outlook/survey indicate continuing low unemployment trends and competitive salaries for skilled chemists.

Analytical chemists, in particular, have been identified as having growing job opportunities. Identified attributes that employers were looking for included; hands-on experience, particularly with mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, digital information retrieval and ability to apply knowledge to solve problems in novel ways, internship and research experience with instrumentation, experience, and coursework outside of the immediate discipline, most notably in biology, biochemistry and materials science.

In addition to continuing their education at the post-graduate level, graduates of the program will possess sufficient knowledge and skills to pursue the following careers;

• Chemical Analyst
• Lab Teaching Assistant
• Research Technician
• Secondary school chemistry and science educator
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry
• Chemical and chemical forensics
• Technical Sales and Service Representative
• Quality control and assurance specialist
• Environmental and Technical consultant
• Clinical Lab Technician
• Water/wastewater treatment technician/analyst
• Abatement and remediation professional
• Chemical Informatics
• Science writer and public policy consultant

Students graduating from the program will have career opportunities in secondary education, chemical forensics, chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, consulting, science communication, manufacturing, medical lab science, instrument development and sales, food science, material science, pharmaceuticals, quality control, remediation, food security, academic, and government research, science policy and government regulation.

The program provides a strong foundation for students who wish to further their studies in professional programs such as medical, dental, law, and pharmacy schools and graduate studies at the M.Sc. and Ph.D. level in Chemistry or related disciplines. Graduates with this degree will be qualified to apply for a 'Professional Chemist' designation.