Chemistry

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Chemists study what already exists, and also create new substances and materials at the molecular level.

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Degree

Bachelor

Length

4 years

Faculty/School

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science

Why study Chemistry at UBC Okanagan?

Get your UBC degree in chemistry and learn how to control matter. Chemistry can be used to make smart materials that can monitor your life signs, to analyze parts per trillion of environmental contaminants, and design nanostructured materials that can efficiently convert water into fuel.

Chemistry can turn enzymes into microscopic industrial machines, producing life-saving pharmaceuticals or eating up pollutants.

Your UBC Okanagan chemistry degree can open doors to medical, dental, osteopathic or veterinary school, and many other careers in health-related professions.

Degree Options

At UBC Okanagan, you can complete a BSc degree with a major, minor or honours in chemistry. You also have the opportunity to become an undergraduate research scholar with support through prestigious research awards.

Sample Courses

These are examples of courses you can enrol in during your studies. To plan your academic journey, please visit undergraduate student resources.

CHEM 111 - Principles of Chemistry I
PHYS 111 - Introductory Physics for the Physical Sciences I
CHEM 121 - Atomic and Molecular Chemistry
CHEM 123 - Physical and Organic Chemistry

CHEM 201 - Introduction to Physical Chemistry
CHEM 203 - Introduction to Organic Chemistry
CHEM 211 - Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 220 - Atomic Structure and Molecular Bonding

CHEM 301 - Aqueous Environmental Chemistry
CHEM 333 - Spectroscopic Techniques in Organic Chemistry
CHEM 337 - Coordination Chemistry

CHEM 424 - Organometallic Catalysts
BIOC 304 - Molecular Biochemistry I
CHEM 403 - Enzymology
CHEM 412 - Methods in Bioanalytical Chemistry

Plan your academic journey by exploring the first-year planning guides designed for Bachelor of Sciences students.

Explore customized Program Plans designed to support your journey to graduation and beyond.

Careers and Outcomes

UBC degrees are respected by employers around the globe. Program graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in a variety of fields like,

  • Agricultural scientist
  • Analytical chemist
  • Biochemist
  • Chemistry teacher
  • Chemical engineer
  • Chemical information management specialist
  • Chemistry research technologist
  • Consultant
  • Consumer product chemist
  • Environmental chemist
  • Food scientist/technologist
  • Forensic chemist
  • Formulation chemist
  • Geochemist
  • Hazardous waste management specialist
  • Laboratory manager
  • Occupational safety specialist
  • Oil and petroleum chemist
  • Medicinal chemist
  • Patent agent
  • Pharmaceutical chemist
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Pollution control technologist
  • Process chemist
  • Quality assurance technician
  • Quality control manager
  • Science writer/journalist
  • Soil scientist
  • Technical writer
  • Technology transfer officer
  • Toxicologist
  • Water/wastewater treatment analyst

Admission, Fees, Applying

You could soon be studying at one of the world’s top universities. Be sure to review the content below to prepare for attending UBC Okanagan.

Experiential Learning

Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

Learn more about Co-op, Go Global and Undergraduate Research Awards opportunities at Experiential Education.

ACCESS TO PROFESSORS

Visit profs for advice on your courses, career mentorship, or to just talk science. Get involved in cutting-edge research projects designing new catalysts that turn biomass into refined fuels, using super computers to help find cures to heart disease, or finding new pharmaceuticals in plants—just a few of the topics renowned UBC faculty researchers are exploring.

RESEARCH POTENTIAL

Profs at UBC’s Okanagan campus are publishing their discoveries in the top scientific journals around the globe. Students are a big part of the research culture on campus and often have their work published, too. Instead of just reading about science, be the one who makes the discoveries that go into textbooks.

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 5% university while studying in a close-knit learning community. 50% of graduates, from all across the globe, choose to stay in the region.

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

UBC's Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.