Overview
The general purpose of studies in chemistry is to increase our understanding of the structure and behaviour of the matter of our environment. A knowledge of chemistry is important to the solution of problems in important areas of the environment, medicine, and the utilization of resources.
Accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study chemistry at Mount Allison?
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry emphasizes experiential learning — you will graduate with 600 to 1,200 hours of lab experience, developing important analytical and presentation skills along the way.
The program is designed to provide students with an education in the main branches of the subject, namely:
- analytical
- organic
- inorganic
- physical
- computational
Chemistry is available as:
- BSc major (63 credits)
- BSc honours (81 credits)
- Minor in any degree (24 credits)
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
Master of Science (MSc) in Chemistry — our Master of Science program offers the opportunity to pursue a Master's degree in a small, intimate environment.
Program highlights
Undergraduate research
Research is a key component of the department's approach. You will be encouraged to take advantage of faculty-supervised independent research, job opportunities as summer research assistants, and chances to contribute to faculty research projects, which often leads to co-authoring a paper with your professor for publication.
Graduate research
91Â鶹offers a Master of Science degree in Chemistry in which both the course and research components may be completed on campus. Graduate students are paid a stipend by the Department, while exceptional students may also be eligible for a Rice Memorial Fellowship.
In first year, the program is designed to consolidate and elaborate on students' previous background in chemistry and biochemistry.
In second and third year, students explore the core areas of analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry in depth. These courses usually have small class sizes and often incorporate an hands-on laboratory component.
In fourth year, students are offered some choice and flexibility in course selection. The curriculum covers advanced courses in a variety of areas of chemistry and biochemistry. In addition, students can embark in research-based courses such as independent study or honours specializations.
The interdisciplinary nature of chemistry means you may also take courses in biology, physics, environmental science, mathematics, and psychology.
CHEM 1001 — Introductory Chemistry I
This course presents chemical concepts that are required for a fundamental understanding of the physical and life sciences. It explores the qualitative aspects of matter with such topics as: atomic structure, the periodic table and periodic trends; Lewis, valence bond and molecular orbital bonding models; bond polarity and intermolecular interactions; nomenclature of organic compounds, functional groups, and common organic reactions; and characterization of chemical compounds using spectroscopic methods. It briefly reviews nomenclature of inorganic compounds, dimensional analysis, chemical equations, stoichiometry, empirical and molecular formula, percent mass, and other foundational concepts. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours, regular tutorials)
CHEM 2411 — Analytical Chemistry I
This course covers the following topics with an emphasis on problem solving: the treatment of errors and statistics of measurements; aqueous solutions, complex equilibria (including acid/base and buffer systems); electrochemistry theory; redox, electrode potentials (ion selective electrodes), and electrogravimetry. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Laboratory 3 Hours)
CHEM 2511 — Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
This course introduces environmental chemistry to students in a life sciences program. The subject matter primarily deals with the chemistry of the atmosphere and hydrosphere at an introductory level, with an emphasis on problem solving skills.
CHEM 3161 — Experiential Synthetic Chemistry
This course examines the planning and conducting of multi-step reaction sequences involving a range of synthetic organic and inorganic reactions and techniques, including those required for the manipulation of air-sensitive materials. It emphasizes purification of synthesized compounds and their characterization by a variety of spectroscopic and physical methods. (Format: Integrated Lecture and Laboratory, 6 Hours)
CHEM 3271 — Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
This course examines the changes in physical and chemical properties that arise when systems are confined to nanoscale dimensions and discusses applications in electronics, photonics, and biotechnology. Topics may include: quantum confinement, scanning probe techniques, localized surface plasmon resonance, self-assembled monolayers, nanoparticle synthesis, and biological applications.
CHEM 4903 — Current Advances in Chemistry
This is a course for Honours students in Chemistry which critically evaluates a wide range of topics from the current literature in all branches of Chemistry. Students are expected to deliver seminars on topics outside of their thesis area and to present preliminary thesis results.
What can I do with a chemistry degree?
Through extensive lab experience, faculty-supervised research, and close mentorship, students develop practical skills and critical thinking abilities valued by employers and graduate programs.
Recognized by Maclean's as Canada's top undergraduate university, Mount Allison's strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Many go on to top graduate and professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine, while others move directly into careers in research, healthcare, and beyond.
Popular career paths for Chemistry graduates include:
- medical doctor
- dentist
- pharmacist/pharmaceutical chemist
- forensic lab analyst/pathologist
- quality assurance/control chemist
- industrial chemist
- research chemist
- environmental chemist
- product tester/developer
- chemical and drug sales representative
- water quality analyst/technician
- brewmaster
- pulp and paper chemist/paper product developer
- food scientist
- teacher/professor
- patent agent/lawyer
- science policy analyst/lawyer
- consulting agent
Alumni Spotlight
Heidi Pickard ('15)
Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Lead consultant with expertise in PFAS and emerging contaminants at Ramboll, a global architecture, engineering, and consultancy company
» Honours analytical chemistry graduate Heidi Pickard's path to Harvard
What is it like to study at Mount Allison?
The Chemistry & Biochemistry Department at MtA does an incredible job at offering science students a polished interdisciplinary education that established in them the necessary tools and skills to pursue graduate positions or research jobs right out of undergrad. I would recommend this program to any prospective student in a heartbeat.
The chemistry program at Mount A provided me with invaluable hands-on research experience and a strong foundation in both fundamental and advanced chemistry. The smaller program size fostered a close-knit community, allowing me to build meaningful relationships with professors and peers who share my passion for the subject. This supportive environment and practical training have prepared me well for future success in the field.