Chemistry Major (HBSc)

Admissions Category: Physical & Environmental Sciences

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Program Overview

Chemistry is the science that examines the building blocks of all matter; it attempts to explain the similarities and differences between substances and materials, and explains and theorizes how some substances react with others. Chemistry at UTSC is both a challenging intellectual pursuit and a powerful and practical tool for managing resources. The program includes four sub-disciplines: Analytic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry. Laboratory work is an integral component of the program. The labs are sized to offer a small student/demonstrator ratio (maximum 20), which allows for close interaction and positive teaching and learning experiences.


Complementary Programs:

Human Biology, Conservation and BiodiversityComputer ScienceEnvironmental ScienceNeurosciencePlant BiologyHealth Studies



Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

Competencies & Skills

  • Engage in team-based research, analysis and problem solving
  • Design and conduct laboratory research including data collection, analysis and interpretation
  • Write technical reports and project proposals
  • Present scientific research in an organized and succinct manner for a wide variety of audiences

Careers for Graduates

  • Document Controller in Manufacturing
  • Quality Control in Pharmaceuticals
  • Chemist
  • Policy Analyst in Government
  • Clinical Research in Hospitals
  • Clinical Sales in Medical Supplies
  • Quality Assurance
  • Scientific Writing

Further Education

  • Chemistry
  • Chemical engineering
  • Education
  • Medicine
  • Pharmacy

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Complete 3.0 credits as follows: 


Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
  • Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
  • Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Complete 3.0 credits as follows: 


Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
  • Check the Research Catalogue and jobs on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
  • Drop by the Math & Statistics Learning Centre to have your course-related questions answered.
  • Consider doing a directed research course: PSCB90H3 - Physical Sciences Research Experience.

Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
  • Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
  • Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
  • Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.


Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Complete 2.5 credits in CHM of which at least 2.0 credits must be at the C- or D-level and 0.5 credit at the D-level. Of these C- or D-level credits 0.5 must include a laboratory component (taken in year 3 or 4).


Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
  • Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career

Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
  • Apply for the Academic Travel Fund through DSL to conduct research, present at a conference, or engage with the academic community internationally.

Apply Theory to Practice
  • Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
  • Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning into the work field or further education.

Plan for Your Future Career
  • Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
  • Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
  • Discuss grad school plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors; get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Glossary

  • AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
  • CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
  • CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
  • CSU - Chemistry Society (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/programs/csu)
  • CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
  • DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
  • EPSA - Environmental and Physical Sciences Students Association (https://www.myepsa.ca)
  • ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
  • SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)


Contacts


Departmental Contact

Dr. Lana Mikhaylichenko

E-mail: lana.mikhaylichenko@utoronto.ca

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/physsci/chemistry-programs-and-supervisors


Chemistry Librarian

Sarah Guay

E-mail: sarah.guay@utoronto.ca
Phone: 416-287-7497

https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/


Academic Advising & Career Centre

Location: Room AC213
Phone: 416-287-7561

utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/


Department of Student Life

Location: Room SL157
Phone: 416-208-4760

www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/


Environmental & Physical Sciences Students’ Association (EPSA)

E-mail: president@myepsa.ca
Location: EV264

https://www.myepsa.ca/

Did You Know?

EV building

You can participate in directed research while pursuing a chemistry major.