Chemistry is the study of the composition and properties of matter, the transformations they undergo, and the associated energies. Chemistry is the essential science to the building blocks of life and spans all aspects of our lives, from health and nutrition to scientific discoveries and management of an environmentally sustainable world.
Chemists are at the forefront of unravelling the mysteries of the most complex chemical systems. If you are interested in understanding the structure of matter and how it behaves on a molecular level, you may be drawn to the field of chemistry. Chemical science plays a role in dealing with many challenges today, from pollution and the scarcity of fresh water, to food production and the development of vaccines and drugs.
The Chemistry Department at The University of Winnipeg is a nationally recognized program. Students graduating from our 4-year, Honours, and Joint (Applied) programs receive a formal accreditation certificate from the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC).
Our Chemistry Department is renowned for its high quality instruction and small class sizes. It also offers opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in cutting-edge faculty-led research programs. Other research opportunities are available through summer jobs and a “Research Projects in Chemistry” course.
This program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree (3-year, 4-year, or Honours). Students may also add a Business Stream, which provides them with the skills needed to succeed in industry and business.
SAMPLE CAREERS
Chemists are involved in many fields including environmental protection, pharmaceutical science, forensic science, toxicology, agricultural science, food science, education, geochemistry, biochemistry, materials science, biotechnology, oceanography, computer modelling, and plant management.
Graduates with a 3-year BSc may proceed to professional schools in a health-related area (such as pharmacy, medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry), or to careers such as education, library science, business administration, public administration, engineering and law. Graduates with 4-year or Honours degrees may proceed to employment or go on to graduate school to obtain an MSc or PhD.
As a “central science,” chemistry provides excellent preparation for a career in science as a teacher, technician, manager, consultant or research scientist in industry or government labs (such as hospital and forensics), or with pharmaceutical or chemical companies.
SAMPLE COURSES
Introduction to the Chemical Properties of Matter and Basic Principles of Chemical Reactivity are first-year courses that examine the principles of the four core areas of chemistry: organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical. Laboratory work introduces basic techniques.
Organic Chemistry I and II are second-year courses that introduce the chemistry of carbon and describe the nature of organic compounds and their behaviours. Nomenclature and stereochemistry are described, as well as methods for the synthesis and characterization of these compounds.
Intermediate Biochemistry I and II are two third-year courses that describe the structures of biologically important compounds and deal with chemical processes of living materials such as digestion, absorption, respiration, and metabolism.
