Chemistry Major
WHAT IS CHEMISTRY?
Chemistry is about creativity. Chemists design and create new molecules and explore their properties and reactivities. Putting this creative knowledge to work, chemists team up with biologists, pharmacologists, engineers, materials scientists and environmental professionals to reveal secrets of life’s building blocks. Students also have opportunities to conduct extensive laboratory research projects.
Available As A Major For:
4-Year Bachelor of Science
Available As a Concentration For:
3-Year Bachelor of Science
4-Year Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies
4-Year Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies
3-Year Bachelor of Arts
Available As A Minor For:
B.A. B.Com., B.Mus., B.Sc.
| 4-Year Chemistry Degree | ||
| General Education Requirements | at least 30 credits |
-English (6) -Theology (3) -History (3) -Philosophy (3) -I.S Seminar (3) -Fine Arts (3) -Social Sciences (3) -Others (6) |
| Biology Courses | at least 45 credits |
-Intro.(6) -Analytical (6) -Organic (6) -Seminar (2) -Inorganic (6) -Research (4) -Physical (6) -Others at least (9) |
| Cognates | at least 18 credits |
-Math (9) -Physics(6) -Math or Physics (3) |
| Elective Courses | to add up to 123 credits | An optional minor typically requires 18 credits. |
Scholarships & Awards:
We have a small population of students applying for a significant number of science scholarships including, but not limited to, the following:
- Chemical Institute of Canada Silver Medal
- Simona Maaskant Memorial Science Scholarship ($1,000)
- CRC Press 1st Year Chemistry Excellence Award
- Chemistry Award of Excellence ($1,500)
- Other scholarships may also be available
Courses Available Include:
(for full course descriptions, see the registry pages here)studies in organic chemistry, biochemistry and environmental chemistry
CHEM 200 - Introductory College Chemistry I
CHEM 201 - Introductory College Chemistry II
CHEM 290 - Concepts of Chemistry
CHEM 310 - Analytical Chemistry I
CHEM 311 - Analytical Chemistry II
CHEM 330 - Inorganic Chemistry I
CHEM 350 - Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 351 - Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 370 - Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 371 - Physical Chemistry II
CHEM 395 - Chemistry Seminar
CHEM 399 - Special Topics in Chemistry
CHEM 400 - Biochemistry I
CHEM 401 - Biochemistry II
CHEM 431 - Inorganic Chemistry II
CHEM 440 - Environmental Chemistry (Atmosphere/Environmental Organic)
CHEM 441 - Environmental Chemistry (Soils/Water/Waste)
CHEM 442 - Industrial Chemistry
CHEM 450 - Advanced Organic Chemistry
CHEM 460 - Synthesis, Purification, and Characterization
CHEM 470 - Advanced Physical Chemistry
CHEM 494 - Senior Independent Project
CHEM 495 - Chemistry Seminar
CHEM 497 - Senior Thesis
CHEM 499 - Directed Studies in Chemistry
Related Links
Course Schedule | Chemistry Department |Introductory College Chemistry I, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-3)
Chemical bonding and structure; the gaseous, liquid and solid states; solution chemistry, kinetics; thermochemistry and equilibria; electrochemistry; coordination chemistry, the relationship between electronic structure and reactivity; with emphasis on inorganic compounds. Prerequisites: Chemistry 30 or Science 30 (Students who intend to use Science 30 as a prerequisite must consult with and have the consent of the instructor.)
Introductory College Chemistry II, Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-3)
A continuation of CHEM 200.
Prerequisites: CHEM 200
Concepts of Chemistry, Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-3)
A survey of fundamental concepts central to chemistry, with emphasis on demonstrating the importance of chemical phenomena to the everyday experiences of the student. Examples will be drawn from the chemistry of the environment, the marketplace and living systems. This course meets natural science (with lab) breadth requirements for the B.A. but does not meet major/concentration requirements in chemistry.
Analytical Chemistry I, 2008-09, Fall 3(3-0-3)
This introduction to quantitative analytical chemistry particularly emphasizes the modern instrumental techniques of spectroscopy and chromatography important to both chemistry and biochemistry. Spectrophotometry, solvent extraction, liquid chromatography, high-pressure liquid chromatography, gaschromatography, and potentiometry utilizing ion-selective electrodes are among the methods studied. An introduction to questions of precision, accuracy and sampling will also be given.
Prerequisites: CHEM 201
Analytical Chemistry II, 2008-09, Winter 3(3-0-3)
A continuation of CHEM 310, this course focuses on the fundamental chemistry underlying quantitative analysis. Particular emphasis is given to the response of a chemical system at equilibrium to changes in various parameters and to the proper collection and treatment of analytical data. The focus in the laboratory is on gravimetric and volumetric techniques.
Prerequisites: CHEM 310
Inorganic Chemistry I, 2008-09, Fall 3(3-0-3)
This course discusses the chemistry of the main group (nontransition metal) elements of the periodic table. It deals with the structure and bonding of non-molecular solids, stereochemistry and bonding of main group compounds including electron deficient compounds as well as the systematic study of the chemistry of the main group elements and compounds.
Prerequisites: CHEM 201
Organic Chemistry I, Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-3)
The chemistry of carbon compounds. Structure-reactivity relationships, mechanism, stereochemistry, and spectroscopy are emphasized in the study of the main classes of organic compounds. Particular attention is paid to compounds of importance to biology and the chemical industry.
Prerequisites: CHEM 201
Organic Chemistry II, Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-3)
A continuation of CHEM 350.
Prerequisites: CHEM 350
Physical Chemistry I, 2009-10, Fall 3(3-0-3)
This course introduces the various aspects of modern physical chemistry. Introductory notions of both macroscopic (e.g. thermodynamic) and microscopic (quantum mechanics) are introduced as is their connection through statistical mechanics. This is followed by a detailed examination of thermodynamics of chemical systems, including both reacting and non-reacting systems, electrochemistry, and of the factors which affect the rates of chemical reactions.
Prerequisites: CHEM 201, MATH 205; PHYS 241, 243 are recommended.
Physical Chemistry II, 2009-10, Winter 3(3-0-3)
A continuation of CHEM 370.
Prerequisites: CHEM 370
Chemistry Seminar, Every Year, Full Year Course 1(0-1-0)
A weekly seminar through the entire academic year, exploring the contexts for the discipline of chemistry, including historical, methodological, ethical and societal dimensions, as well as current chemical topics of interest in basic research, industrial and environmental settings. Ethical and professional responsibilities for chemists in industrial, research and academic settings will be addressed, as well as other topics that explore the interface between chemistry and society. Students, faculty and visiting speakers will give presentations. This course will meet concurrently with CHEM 495, and from time to time with BIOL 395/495. It is required for third-year chemistry majors. First and second year students are strongly encouraged to attend presentations.
Prerequisites: Six credits in chemistry at the 300-level.
Special Topics in Chemistry, Subject to demand, 3(3-0-0)
A course on a topic or figure of special interest to a member of the chemistry faculty and offered on a non-recurring basis.
Prerequisites: CHEM 200, 201; some topics may have more specific prerequisites.
Biochemistry I, 2009-10, Fall 3(3-0-3)
This course is designed to introduce students to biochemistry. The focus of the lectures is on the structure and function of the chemical constituents of living organisms. The lectures cover such topics as the energetics of biochemical reactions, amino acids and peptides, protein structure and function, enzyme kinetics, bioenergetics, carbohydrates and carbohydrate metabolism. Same as BIOL 470.
Prerequisites: CHEM 351
Biochemistry II, 2009-10, Winter 3(3-0-3)
This course is a continuation of CHEM 400. The topics covered include electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation, lipids and lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, nucleic acids and their metabolism, photosynthesis, the chemical structure of genes and chromosomes, protein synthesis, and the structure and function of biological membranes. Same as BIOL 471.
Prerequisites: BIOL 470 or CHEM 400.
Inorganic Chemistry II, 2008-09, Winter 3(3-0-3)
This course, a continuation of CHEM 330, introduces the chemistry of the transition metal, lanthanide and actinide elements of the periodic table. Following discussions of theories of chemical bonding and reactivity as well as stereochemistry, the chemistry of representative elements is considered in depth with particular emphasis on organometallic and biological chemistry.
Prerequisites: CHEM 330.
Environmental Chemistry (Atmosphere/Environmental Organic), 2009-10, Winter 3(3-0-3)
This course is an introduction to the chemistry of the environment and chemical toxicology. A study of chemical processes occurring in the atmosphere, natural and wastewaters, and soils. Mechanisms for the introduction of pollutants to the environment and methods for the removal of pollutants are studied. The focus is on anthropogenic sources of pollutants and their speciation, transport, and interaction with natural processes.
Prerequisites: CHEM 201, 351 (pre- or corequisite).
Environmental Chemistry (Soils/Water/Waste), 2008-09, Fall 3(3-0-3)
This course is an introduction to the chemistry of the environment with an emphasis on water, soil and waste. Natural and contaminated surface and ground water will be covered as well as oceans. Soil chemistry will include a discussion of the chemical and physical properties of soil and will include discussion of the fate of and transport of both inorganic and organic pollutants. Chemical aspects of the generation, fate and disposal of wastes including domestic, industrial and nuclear will also be included.
Prerequisites: CHEM 350.
Industrial Chemistry, 2009-10, Fall 3(3-1.5-0)
An introduction to the major industrial chemical processes and chemicals. Emphasis will be given to processes and chemicals important in western Canada such as: heavy inorganic chemicals, petrochemical, forestry, agricultural, metallurgical, electronics and polymer industries. Resource persons from industrial research and development departments will participate extensively in the course and field trips to various facilities will be included.
Prerequisites: CHEM 351.
Advanced Organic Chemistry, 2009-10, Fall 3(3-0-3)
The correlation between structure and reactivity of complex organic molecules is studied through reaction mechanisms. Concepts important to theoretical organic chemistry are introduced and applied. Laboratories focus on synthetic organic chemistry and physical organic techniques. Microscale organic techniques are utilized in the laboratory, as well as computer modelling of organic structures.
Prerequisites: CHEM 351.
Synthesis, Purification, and Characterization, 2009-10, Winter 3(2-0-4)
An advanced, integrated laboratory course utilizing synthetic methods from organic, inorganic and biochemistry. Students will perform a series of multi-step syntheses, followed by product purification and characterization, using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods extensively. Synthetic techniques will include solid-phase synthesis and work with air-sensitive materials.
Prerequisites: CHEM 351, CHEM 431 (pre- or corequisite).
Advanced Physical Chemistry, 2008-09, Winter 3(3-0-1.5)
Classical theories of physics are incapable of dealing adequately with the properties of atoms and molecules and it is necessary to utilize quantum mechanical approaches. This course will commence with an introduction to the ideas underlying quantum mechanics and will lead to the development of seminal ideas such as uncertainty principle, wave mechanics, and Schrodinger's equation. The Schrodinger equation will be solved for a number of simple and simplified systems, including a hydrogen atom, a harmonic oscillator, and a rigid rotor. Applications to more complex atomic and molecular systems will also be explored, using a variety of tools including modeling and computer algebra systems.
Prerequisites: CHEM 371 and MATH 300. PHYS 300 is recommended.
Senior Independent Project, Every Year, Fall and Winter 2(0-1-3)
In this course students conduct an independent project, designed in consultation with the instructor. This project may be an independent research project in the laboratories at the University College, a cooperative project with a public agency, or a chemical literature research project. Other ventures are possible. Before the work commences, the student is required to submit a detailed proposal. Upon completion of the project, the results must be presented in the form of a paper and a seminar. This course is only open to students registered in the 3-year B.A. or B.Sc. chemistry degree program and students in the environmental studies chemistry degree program.
Prerequisites: Six credits in chemistry at the 300-level.
Chemistry Seminar, Every Year, Full Year Course 1(0-1-0)
A weekly seminar through the entire academic year, exploring the contexts for the discipline of chemistry, including historical, methodological, ethical and societal dimensions, as well as current chemical topics of interest in basic research, industrial and environmental settings. Ethical and professional responsibilities for chemists in industrial, research and academic settings will be addressed, as well as other topics that explore the interface between chemistry and society. Students, faculty and visiting speakers will give presentations. This course will meet concurrently with CHEM 395, and from time to time with BIOL 395/495. It is required for fourth-year chemistry majors. First and second year students are strongly encouraged to attend presentations.
Prerequisites: Six credits in chemistry at the 300-level.
Senior Thesis, Every Year, Full Year Course 4(0-0-4)
Independent full-year research project, carried out under the mentorship of a faculty member. This project may be an independent research project in the laboratories at the University College or a cooperative project with another laboratory or agency. Upon completion of the project, the results are presented in the form of a senior thesis and a seminar. The CHEM 497 thesis research can also be carried out in a summer of full-time research work at The King's University laboratories or as an intern.
Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor.
Directed Studies in Chemistry, Every Year, Fall and Winter 1 to 3 (varies)
An opportunity to do advanced study of a special topic of particular interest to a student. Students work with a member of the chemistry faculty. Students must apply in advance to a member of the chemistry faculty.
Prerequisites: Six credits in chemistry at the 300-level, and consent of instructor.