Chemistry

Overview

Chemistry students from Vancouver Island University , 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), where they can work on collaborative research projects with private sector and community partnerships.

B.Sc., Major in Chemistry: The goals of the program 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 their Major in Chemistry by selecting electives in fields of Environmental Chemistry or Biological Chemistry. Students will gain an appreciation for the role of chemistry in many aspects of modern scientific enquiry, and all students will gain hands-on experience with modern chemical instrumentation and techniques.

Career Opportunities

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

In addition to continuing their education 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