Environmental Chemistry

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Learn how the environment works, with scientific training in chemistry, biology, and the many processes such as human activity that affect natural places.

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Degree

Bachelor

Length

4 years

Faculty/School

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science

Why study Environmental Chemistry at UBC Okanagan?

The UBC degree in environmental chemistry provides students with a solid education in the four key areas of chemistry—analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry—along with core courses in environmental chemistry and other fields such as biology and earth and environmental science.

Learn how the environment works, as chemistry is the basis of all life. You will learn how to analyze parts per trillion of environmental contaminants and how to monitor environmental impacts on the environment.

Degree Options

At UBC Okanagan, you can complete a BSc with a major or honours in environmental chemistry. The BSc degree in environmental chemistry can also be used as stepping stone to medical, dental or veterinary degrees.

BSc

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
CHEM 123 - Physical and Organic Chemistry
MATH 100 - Differential Calculus with Applications to Physical Science and Engineering
BIOL 116 - Biology for Science Majors I

CHEM 201 - Introduction to Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 203 - Introduction to Organic Chemistry
CHEM 211 - Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 220 - Atomic Structure and Molecular Bonding
EESC 111 - Earth Science

CHEM 302 - Atmospheric Environmental Chemistry
CHEM 311 - Instrumental Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 330 - Advanced Organic Chemistry
EESC 309 - Global Biogeochemistry
EESC 323 - Geochemistry

CHEM 412 - Methods in Bioanalytical Chemistry
CHEM 461 - Advanced Analytical Chemistry Lab
EESC 423 - Tracers of Natural Processes
CHEM 449 - Honours Thesis in Chemistry
CHEM 422 - Special Topics in 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,

  • Brewery laboratory analyst
  • Chemical product developer
  • Chemical technologist
  • Chemistry research assistant
  • Consumer protection specialist
  • Corrosion analyst
  • Cytotechnologist
  • Dangerous substance inspector
  • Environmental chemist
  • Food and drug inspector
  • Forensics specialist
  • Formulation chemist
  • Gene technologist
  • Geochemist
  • Health and safety inspector
  • Hydrometric technologist
  • Industrial chemist
  • Laboratory analyst/coordinator
  • Molecular modeller
  • Occupational safety specialist
  • Pathology assistant
  • Perfumer
  • Pharmaceutical chemist
  • Pollution control technologist
  • Product tester/analyst
  • Public or industrial health hygienist
  • Quality assurance technician
  • Science writer/translator
  • Soil conservationist/scientist
  • Toxicologist
  • Wastewater treatment chemist

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, Undergraduate Research Awards and other opportunities at Experiential Education.

ACCESS TO PROFESSORS AND RESEARCH

Enjoy the advantage of working in a small department where you get to know your professors as well as your fellow students. Get involved in research projects such as natural neurotoxins produced by cyanobacteria found in our lakes, and plant research. Find out about mine waste treatment, Earth’s carbon cycle, global warming and more.

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.