Chemistry (BSc)
Bachelor of Science (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 details
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.
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 math, 5 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: At least two A-level exams CD, C 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
- 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.
You must meet Concordia’s minimum admission requirements.
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.
We consider complete applications year round and we give priority to applicants who apply by official deadlines. Late applications will be considered if places are still available for the fall term only.
| You've sent your application from: | Fall term deadline | Winter term deadline |
| Inside Canada | March 1 Certain programs have extended their deadlines. Please check program availability. |
November 1 Not all programs are available for this term. Please check program availability. |
| Outside Canada (International) | February 1 | September 1 |
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
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.
Full details of individual programs and course descriptions can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Sample Classes
- Nanochemistry
- Aquatic Chemistry
- Environmental Biochemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Computational Chemistry
- Structure and Function of Biomembranes
Each student will receive a package of information regarding the Registration process, which includes the registration dates. Students must see a Department Advisor who will help in choosing the courses and planning their programme. Unless you are a returning student it is mandatory to have an advisor approve your courses before Registration. You must make an appointment with an advisor:
Telephone: 514-848-2424, ext. 3355
Make sure you bring a copy of your academic record and your letter of admission when you meet the advisor.
The normal course load for a full-time student is 30 credits for the academic year (Note: enrolling in less than 24 credits in an academic year will make a student ineligible for many scholarships, bursaries and loans).
To request permission for a course overload, course substitution or to take a course without the required prerequisite, a student must obtain a Departmental Student Request form from SP-201.01. When the form has been filled in and the appropriate documents attached, it should be given to the Receptionist in room SP-201.01.
Please read the Undergraduate Calendar for deadlines and regulations regarding course changes, withdrawals, etc. Make sure that you understand the Degree Requirements and Academic Performance Regulations for the Faculty of Arts and Science.
A number of scholarships and prizes are available to students in the Department. Some of these are awarded before starting the program of study at Concordia, such as, Entrance Scholarships, while others are awarded during the course of studies, such as, In-Course Scholarships.
There are also Federal and Provincial Loans and Bursaries for eligible candidates. Further information is available in the Undergraduate Calendar.
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
Concordia University's Science College provides a unique forum where students interested in the sciences can prepare for a life of research, teaching or any challenging pursuit or profession in the sciences.
Founded in 1979, the Science College espouses the following well-defined, distinct, and important concepts of science education: student participation in laboratory research activities from the first year on and a curriculum emphasizing cross-disciplinary thinking as well as intensive student-faculty and student-student interaction.
Reactive Intermediates Student Exchange (RISE)
RISE is a summer student exchange program providing undergraduate students with opportunities to carry out original research and gain hands-on experience in the use of modern instrumental and other experimental techniques. The RISE Group is a collection of scientists at almost twenty institutions in Canada, whose research emphasizes the study of chemical or biochemical reaction mechanisms. Read more about the RISE program.
Inorganic Chemistry Exchange (ICE)
ICE offers summer employment opportunities to 12 qualified candidates from across Canada. The awards are for a summer research assistantship at an institution other than your own, in the laboratory of an ICE faculty member. Read more about the ICE program.