Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of the makeup of the world around you. In this program you’ll learn everything from chemistry basics to the latest scientific discoveries.
Potential careers
What can you do with a chemistry degree? Here are a few jobs and fields that relate to the program:
- clinical research associate
- analytical chemist
- research associate
- lab analyst
- industrial chemistry
- food and beverage science
- health science
- pharmacology and medicinal chemistry
- environmental scientist
- agricultural scientist
- materials scientist
- petroleum scientist
- waste management scientist
- teacher or instructor
Some of these roles may require post-graduate studies or training.
Find a career that fits you
- Explore your career options at an appointment with a career educator.
- Attend career development workshops as you search for work.
- Enrol in the Your Career Starts Here course to generate career ideas and plan your next steps.
Experience & connections
Opportunities in the chemistry program
- With the Co-op Program you can alternate study with paid work.
Opportunities outside your program
- With a work study position you can develop skills during your study term.
- Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while you build skills.
Networks you can connect to
Here are a few professional associations related to chemistry:
Hands-on learning opportunities
These courses in the chemistry program offer extensive hands-on learning.
Co-op
Co-op work terms
Alternate academic study with paid work terms to gain workplace experience
Lab
CHEM 260 - Synthetic Chemistry Laboratory
Learn experimental techniques in synthetic chemistry
CHEM 361 - Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
Build on expertise, emphasizing instrumental analysis
CHEM 362 - Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
Achieve independence in the lab, emphasizing synthetic techniques
CHEM 363 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Practice techniques applied to synthetic problems in an organic lab
CHEM 364 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory
Experiment with physical chemistry, data collection and analysis
Research project
CHEM 298 - Research Experience
Gain experience in experimental chemical research
CHEM 398 - Research Experience
Advance your experience in experimental chemical research
CHEM 399 - Research Experience
Conduct a research project under the direction of a faculty member
CHEM 405 - Professional Development and Societal Engagement for Chemists
Develop skills by interacting with stakeholders
CHEM 499A - Honours Thesis I
Begin an honours thesis under the direction of a faculty member
CHEM 499B - Honours Thesis II
Research, write and orally defend a graduating honours essay
Work experience
Work experience work terms
Take part in a modified co-op program requiring one or two work experiences
These courses are not always offered as described.
What you'll learn
Every student at UVic builds skills all employers look for. At UVic Co-op & Career we call these "competencies". This is what you’ll learn in the chemistry program.
Chemistry knowledge
- understand the major systems of nomenclature used in chemistry
- understand bonding and electronic structure and how they relate to the shape and reactivity of chemical compounds
- understand how bonding and electronic structure impact the chemical, physical and electronic properties of molecules
- understand thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and reaction mechanisms
- create new compounds based on your knowledge of inorganic and organic chemical reactions
- understand how to separate, detect and measure chemical compounds
- understand how to use quantitative and qualitative evaluations to analyze compounds or materials
Scientific method
- use experimental techniques to solve problems
- search and assess scientific literature
- use inductive reasoning and deductive methods to develop a testable, falsifiable hypothesis and predict expected results
- design quantitative approaches and experiments to test and evaluate hypotheses
- gather evidence through observation and experimentation
- understand research and propose steps to further the goals of an experiment
- communicate results and ideas in scientific reports, papers and oral presentations
Lab skills
- use safe and careful practices
- keep lab records
- analyze, make, purify, modify and characterize compounds, samples or devices
- use lab instruments
- calibrate, maintain and troubleshoot instruments
- follow standard methods and procedures for lab experiments
- take accurate measurements and identify potential sources of error
- troubleshoot and optimize methods and techniques
- develop methods and procedures
- assess lab data
Computer skills
- use scientific software
- use computer modeling as a proxy for physical experiments
- create and modify scientific software
- develop and use computational methods to analyze large data sets
Education and training
- teach chemistry and science at a level appropriate to the audience
- assess achievement of learning outcomes
- train and supervise others to perform scientific or lab procedures
Field work
- observe behaviour or properties of subjects and phenomena
- measure subjects or phenomena or their environment
- identify and collect samples for analysis
- use field equipment, tools and machinery