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
Two C150 researchers pave the way for self-driving labs and a life-saving fentanyl vaccine
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is celebrating the completion of the Canada 150 Research Chairs program with a series of stories highlighting the accomplishments of the participants. Dr. Borries Demeler, a world-renowned expert in analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), joined ULethbridge in 2018 as one of 24 scientists across the country to receive funding under the seven-year program designed to attract the world's most talented researchers and scholars to Canada.
Among his many accomplishments at ULethbridge, Demeler established the Canadian Center for Hydrodynamics and has partnered with the University of Montana to use AUC in developing a fentanyl vaccine.
University of Lethbridge researcher receives Banting Discovery Award
Dr. Jessica Willi, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at ULethbridge, is one of 10 scientists to receive a 2025 Banting Discovery Award worth $30,000 and the first to receive the award at ULethbridge.
“I’m extremely grateful for this funding from the Banting Discovery Foundation,” says Willi. “Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to public health, and through my research, I want to help provide innovative solutions to this problem. This money will finance our lab’s supplies and employ student researchers here at ULethbridge. It’s the spark that will start a whole new branch of research for my team.”
Over $3 million awarded to U of L research projects
The Government of Canada has approved funding for a wide range of research initiatives at the University of Lethbridge (U of L).
In total, over $1.3 billion will support more than 9,700 researchers and projects in the country through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
That includes over $3 million to 18 projects at the U of L.
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
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!