Chemistry (BSc)
Why study Chemistry?
Play with atoms. Make molecules. Explore the building blocks of matter that are at the root of all sciences. Peer into the microscope for an intimate look at the behaviour and energy of the tiniest elements in the universe. As a chemist, your mastery of chemical reactions could lead to the creation of environmentally friendly materials like compostable plastics or medications that fight disease.
Our Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry features state-of-the-art labs and equipment that introduce you to techniques used in the field. Small class sizes foster strong student–professor relationships. Both Chemistry and Biochemistry students follow a core curriculum and through labs, lectures and tutorials you will:
- Receive a solid foundation in carbon-based (organic) and non-carbon (inorganic) chemistry
- Learn to identify compounds, analyze the structures they form, and study the mechanics and energetics of chemical reactions
- Receive extensive training in research methodology
- Perform original research as an undergraduate (honours and specialization students only)
Our honours and specialization in Chemistry programs are accredited by the Ordre des chimistes du Québec.
Program highlights
- Honours and specialization in Chemistry programs are accredited by the Ordre des chimistes du Québec.
Special funding for out-of-province students
Up to $4000 for undergraduate programs.
Program structure
A Bachelor of Science degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90–120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Program options
- Honours in Chemistry (60 credits)*
- Specialization in Chemistry (60 credits)
- Major in Chemistry (45 credits)
- Minor in Chemistry (24 credits)
*Honours is a highly concentrated program, ideal for students planning to continue to graduate studies. If you are interested in Honours, speak with your program advisor in your first year of study at Concordia. Students applying to the University are able to apply to the major or specialization.
Courses
Each of our programs comprises a core component taken by all students. Specialization and honours students take additional courses at the intermediate and advanced levels.
Co-op program
The Chemistry Co-op program gives you the chance to complete paid work terms that last 12 to 16 weeks. As a Co-op student, you will work for firms where you may:
- Develop new chemical processes used to make drugs
- Extract, purify and perform quantitative analysis on metabolites in biological samples
- Conduct tests to predict long-term performance of adhesives
Note: The Co-op program is only available for the Specialization and Honours.
United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
Admission criteria
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec CEGEP:
Specialization: 25
Major: 23- Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 – Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism and Wave, Optics and Modern Physics – General Chemistry and Chemistry of Solutions – General Biology OR Natural Science DEC OR DEC intégré en sciences, lettres et arts.
- Additional information for CEGEP applicants
- High School:
Specialization: B overall, B in math / sciences
Major: C+ overall, C+ in math / sciences- Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- One math from Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or equivalent
- Two sciences (from Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma:
Specialization: 29 overall, 4 HL or 5 SL math, 5 HL science
Major: 26 overall, 4 math, 4 science- one math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or Analysis and Approaches SL)
- one science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology, either SL or HL)
- one of the science or math courses must be competed at the HL level
- Baccalauréat français:
Specialization: 13 overall, 13 in math / science
Major: 11 overall, 11 in math / science- Première: Spécialité mathématiques AND Spécialité physique-chimie
Terminale: Spécialité mathématiques (also accepted, Spécialité Physique-Chimie AND Mathématiques Complémentaires)
- Première: Spécialité mathématiques AND Spécialité physique-chimie
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels:
Specialization: At least two A-level exams CC, C in math, C in science
Major: At least two A-level exams CD, D in math, D in science
or - AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Students without math or science A-levels may be admissible based on AS-level or iGCSE/GCSE/O-Level exam results. Students should include all their exam results from iGCSE (or equivalent) onwards to support their application.
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- A-levels:
- University Transfers (internal/external):
Specialization: B overall, B in math / sciences
Major: C overall, C in math / sciences- Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Application deadlines
FALL TERM
March 1 is the deadline to apply for fall term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.
WINTER
November 1 is the deadline to apply for winter term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by September 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.
Not all programs are available for winter term entry. Please check program availability for the term, before you start your application.
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
Student stories
Scarlet Guy
Bachelor of Arts Honours History: Public History
Find out how Scarlet Guy discovers a world of interdisciplinary learning and community support in the Faculty of Arts and Science.
Other programs of interest
As a biochemist, you will study the chemical processes that occur within the cells of living organisms.
Department
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Faculty
Get inspired by life. Immerse yourself in the study of life at all levels: from the edge of biochemistry through cell biology and the physiology of multicellular organisms to the interactions between organisms and their environment.
Department
Faculty