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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.
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Department Highlights
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.
Dr. Jessica Willi Advances Biochemistry Research at ULethbridge
Dr. Jessica A. Willi, a Swiss biochemist, brings her passion for synthetic biology to ULethbridge as one of the newest faculty members in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. Her research focuses on reprogramming biological systems to create new possibilities in medicine and technology.
Curious about her groundbreaking work and transparent teaching approach? Read the full Q&A to learn more about her journey and vision.
Empowering students to thrive, Dr. Stacey Wetmore earns Graduate Mentorship Award
With student success as her focus, Dr. Stacey Wetmore (chemistry and biochemistry) provides interactive and immersive mentorship in a supportive and compassionate environment, teaching her students the technical, communication, leadership and collaboration skills they need to become independent scientists in their chosen career paths. Wetmore will be recognized with the University of Lethbridge School of Graduate Studies Graduate Mentorship Award at 2025 Spring Convocation, Ceremony IV, on Friday, May 30, 2:30 p.m., in the Centre for Sport and Wellness gymnasium.
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
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!