ELEMENTS. CHEMICALS. MINERALS. MOLECULAR. PHYSICAL.

Welcome to the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Chemistry studies the elements that comprise all matter. Everything around us - the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the cars we drive, and even our bodies - are made from these elements.
Biochemistry is the study of all living systems at the molecular level. It looks at the chemical and physical basis of life and how these living systems interact with their environments.

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.

Department Highlights

King Charles III Coronation Medals - Trushar Patel

10 Lethbridge residents honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medals

It was a night filled with smiles, laughs and even a few tears. Ten residents of Lethbridge, Alta., received King Charles III Coronation Medals for their lifetime achievements.

It was certainly true that many of the recipients were not looking for awards or a pat on the back. For example, when asked what it was like to receive a small token of gratitude after decades of hard work, Trushar Patel said it was the city that really did the work.

Snippet - By

2025-04-15 - Wayne Lippa

Photo's of the Week

Destination Exploration's recent STEM day hosted 40 Grade 6 to 9 students from local junior high and middle schools. The Arconic STEM Club, which is run by DE undergrad instructors, concludes with a STEM day at ULethbridge. Faculty and staff hosted hands-on activities, including Drs. Chad Povey and Mark Walton, Jenny Burke and Wayne Lippa (shouldn't he be wearing a wizard hat?) putting on a CHEM show.

The STEM day was made possible thanks to support from the Arconic Foundation and Kawneer.

Alberta researchers team up to study honey bee viruses

Alberta researchers team up to study honey bee viruses

 A team of Alberta researchers has received grants worth $400,000 to study honey bee viruses.

Drs. Trushar Patel, a Canada Research Chair and a professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Lethbridge, and Shelley Hoover, a ULethbridge associate professor in Biological Sciences and honey bee expert, are teaming up with Drs. Wade Abbott, a scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Lara Mahal, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Glycomics at the University of Alberta, to better understand how these honey bee-infecting viruses are transmitted and how they interact with their host.

Shining Student Uvindu Abeysekara: A journey of academic excellence, research, and community engagement at ULethbridge

With unwavering determination, creativity, and an outgoing nature, Uvindu Abeysekara's ULethbridge journey serves as an inspiration, urging us to seize opportunities and push beyond our comfort zones for a transformative university experience.
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From iGEM to innovating antibiotics: Sydnee Calhoun's inspiring journey at ULethbridge

From her early involvement in the iGEM competition to her research in the field of biochemistry, Sydnee Calhoun (MSc '23 (BSc Co-op '19)) has left an indelible mark on the University and …
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Shining Student Ty Dudas

Third-year neuroscience student Ty Dudas embraces ULethbridge’s liberal education philosophy and takes courses outside his major. This discovery led him to organic chemistry and research he hopes will be used to make …
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Career Bridge: Centre for Work-Integrated Learning and Career Development

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Career Bridge

Put Your Knowledge to Work

Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects on campus or by testing your knowledge in a real-life work setting, we can help! The University of Lethbridge is proud to offer you an exceptional opportunity to explore professional development through academic programs and services designed to give you a competitive edge in a fast-changing world.

You have a bright future — experience it via Career Bridge at uLethbridge!

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