Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
ELEMENTS. CHEMICALS. MINERALS. MOLECULAR. PHYSICAL.
Chemistry is often called the central science as it deals specifically with the 112 elements that comprise all matter. There are five branches of chemistry: analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry and theoretical chemistry. The primary focus of the program is to provide you with extensive theoretical knowledge in all five branches of chemistry while enhancing your technical and practical skills with hands-on experience and research opportunities.
The Departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Biological Sciences jointly offer a multi-disciplinary major in biochemistry for the 40-course Bachelor of Science (BSc). You can also select a general major in the sciences and choose biochemistry courses as options. Biochemistry will help you develop a strong background in the basic sciences and extensive laboratory skills. Thereby, it provides background for a diverse range of careers in the life sciences, including professional programs such as medicine and veterinary medicine.
The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry is home to many advanced instruments which enable cutting-edge research. These tools include nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infra-red, Raman, UVvisible, atomic absorption spectrometers, macromolecular x-ray diffractometer, isothermal titration calorimeter, and a surface plasmon resonance spectrometer.
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Department Highlights
Dr. Stacey Wetmore wins prestigious Montréal Medal
Computational chemist Dr. Stacey Wetmore has been awarded the Montréal Medal by the Chemical Institute of Canada. The Montréal Medal is presented annually to an individual from among the thousands of chemists and chemical engineers across the country as a prestigious mark of distinction and honour for significant leadership and outstanding contributions to the chemistry profession.
“My first reaction was disbelief,” Wetmore says. “If you look at the list of previous recipients, they have been from big universities or companies. The fact that I could achieve everything here at the University of Lethbridge and have the support to do so speaks volumes about the university. It was really humbling on one hand and rewarding on the other to know you can have an impact on a field, no matter where you are.”
Dr. Greg Patenaude named 2026 Board of Governors Teaching Chair
An excellent instructor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Dr. Greg Patenaude has a proven record of leadership in advancing teaching practices and supporting fellow academics while going beyond expectations to create challenging, meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students.
Patenaude is being recognized for his dedication to student learning and advancing teaching across the institution by being named the 2026 Board of Governors Teaching Chair.
The Board of Governors Teaching Chair recognizes teaching excellence and the scholarship of teaching and learning at ULethbridge. Patenaude will be recognized at Fall 2026 Convocation.
Leading hydrodynamics researcher, Dr. Borries Demeler, earns Speaker Research Award
A research scientist of the highest calibre, Dr. Borries Demeler established the Canadian Center for Hydrodynamics at the University of Lethbridge, a world-leading research institute for the study of nanoscale materials, while excelling as an exemplary educator, researcher and mentor to students from high school to post-secondary levels.
Demeler has been named the winner of the 2026 University of Lethbridge Speaker Research Award. “Dr. Demeler’s arrival as a Canada 150 Research Chair was a massive win for the University and opened an entirely new area of expertise within our research program,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge Vice-President (Research)."
Demeler will be presented with the Speaker Research Award at Spring 2026 Convocation, Ceremony I, on Thursday, May 28, at 9 a.m. in the Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness gymnasium.
Dr. Borries Demeler is regarded as a world leader in the field of hydrodynamics, excelling as a distinguished professor, researcher and mentor whose contributions to biophysics, analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) and computational biology are unparalleled.
Shining Student Uvindu Abeysekara: A journey of academic excellence, research, and community engagement at ULethbridge
From iGEM to innovating antibiotics: Sydnee Calhoun's inspiring journey at ULethbridge
Shining Student Ty Dudas
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