Chemistry (BSc)

Gain a solid theoretical foundation in chemistry and master experimental techniques in a program that balances innovative classroom experiences with time in the lab. This program is small, so there are many opportunities to interact with faculty and conduct research under their supervision and mentorship. Customize your degree by taking a concentration.

The Canadian Society for Chemistry has accredited the "With Thesis" version of this program.

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Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Extensive Lab Time
    There’s nothing like hands-on experience to solidify your learning and round out your resume, so laboratory experience is integrated into the curriculum, giving you a chance to spend lots of time in the lab.
  • Hands-On Research
    You’ll benefit from a research-intensive environment. Volunteer and paid opportunities for research exist in your first and second year, and research for credit (Directed Studies) can be done in your third year. 
  • Pathways to Med School
    We prepare you for a clinical career in Canada. Laurier students apply to med school with a competitive edge and gain preferential status with internationally accredited medical schools, including the American University of the Caribbean and St. George’s University.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!)

  • Honours Thesis Option
    In your fourth year, you'll have an option to complete a senior thesis research project. The thesis option will provide you with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment in a new and challenging area of biochemical research. The Canadian Society for Chemistry has accredited the with thesis version of this program.
  • Co-op
    Apply for co-op at the end of your first year to gain real-world experience before you graduate.
  • Science Maker Lab Experiences
    Take science entrepreneurship courses and explore the Science Maker Lab to gain practical experience and turn innovative ideas into reality.
  • Collaboration
    Add a Research or Instructional Assistantship to your resume and work closely with your peers and professors.

Courses, Options and Pathways

Courses

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

Program Options

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

This program will provide you with the practical and research skills needed to meet the demanding requirements of pharmaceutical and chemical companies, as well as government service laboratories.

Our program also provides a strong educational background for those interested in continuing their studies at the graduate level in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or other health science-related programs.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • analytical chemist
  • pharmaceutical chemist
  • brewmaster/winemaker
  • chemical safety officer
  • food and drug analyst
  • health care professional
  • pharmacist/pharmacologist
  • product tester/developer
  • technical science writer
  • toxicologist

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

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99%employment rate for co‑op students – 2024 / 2025

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Center for World University Rankings

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2024

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2024

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot. With more than 60 programs in arts, science, business and music, you can customize your degree, gain hands-on learning opportunities and join in the community beyond the classroom.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

students in a classroom

Delivered In Person

Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.

You can complete your program primarily through in-person courses where you will attend classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses. 

Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.  

Hear From Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?