Chemistry

Chemists pursue the study of matter down to the level of individual atoms, and, in particular, focus on molecules, which are aggregates of elements that act as larger units. Knowledge of chemistry is required for all fields of scientific endeavor: engineering, physics, biology, and medicine. At the same time, chemistry makes use of the tools of mathematics and physics. A thorough grounding in math is an essential requirement of success in chemical studies.

Chemistry is a major for the broad-minded individual who is interested in integrating both qualitative and quantitative aspects of knowledge. In completing the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, students will focus on the following main branches of the discipline: analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. For related career options and job titles, please see ‘What can I do with a Major in Biochemistry.’

Students interested in Chemistry can complete:

Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
Bachelor of Arts and Science (Chemistry)
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)/Bachelor of Education (BEd)
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)/Bachelor of Management (BMgt)

The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.  

Program Planning Guides

Skills

Analytical
Aptitude for Accuracy of Details
Aptitude for Math
Communicate Ideas Clearly
Computer Knowledge
Creativity
Curiosity
Debate, Persuade & Mediate
Enjoy Synthesizing Data

Extensive Knowledge of the Scientific Method
Formulate Scientific Problems
Formulating & Modeling
Interpersonal
Laboratory Techniques & Experience
Learn New Information & Apply it to Professional Demands
Logical Thinker
Numerical Computation
Operate Scientific Equipment

Organizational
Organize & Interpret Scientific Data
Problem Solving
Research
Technical
Understand & Express Complex Technical Information
Versatility
Work Independently
Written & Oral Communication

Work Environment

Chemistry graduates are employed in a variety of sectors and industries, such as biotechnology firms, chemical or police labs, environmental protection agencies, food and agricultural companies, food and beverage companies, health protection agencies, inspection agencies, governmental organizations, manufacturing firms, medical labs and hospitals and metal firms. Graduates may pursue career options with natural resources organizations, oil and gas companies, pharmaceutical and medical research firms/suppliers, university/research institutions, professional publications, technical libraries, water processing plants and science museums.

Key Areas of Specialization:

Analytical Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Computational & Theoretical Chemistry

Career Possibilities

Entry Level

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

Biotech Analyst
Data Management Specialist
Entry Level Analytical Chemist
Entry Level Business Development Specialist
Entry Level Chemist
Entry Level Polymer Chemist/Engineer
Entry Level Scientist
Entry Level Study Technician (Animal Operations)
Fast Track Analyst (Pharmaceuticals)
Instrument Service Specialist
Junior Chemist
Junior Life Sciences Sales Specialist
Lab Analyst –Wet Chemistry
Lab Technician
Laboratory Technology Specialist
Manufacturing Chemist -Biotech
Natural Resource Specialist/Ranger
Oil Sample Laboratory Technician
Pharmaceutical Consultant
Pharmacy Customer Service Representative
Process Chemist
Quality Assurance Auditor
Quality Control Technician (Food Processing)
Regulatory Affairs Associate (Pharmaceutical)
Regulatory Data Specialist –Biotech
Research Assistant (Veterinary Microbiology)
Research Technologist
Scientific Recruiter
Seasonal Logistics Technician (Mining)
Stability Analyst
Technical Officer
Warehouse Coordinator –Narcotics Division

Related Job Titles

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

Agricultural Chemist
Agronomist
Analytical Chemist
Anesthetist
Astrochemist
Biochemist
Bioinformatics Specialist
Biomedical Engineer
Biotechnology Investment Analyst
Biologist
Biotechnologist
Botanist
Brewmaster
Cell Research Chemist
Chemical Analyst
Chemical Client Service Representative
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Equipment Operator
Chemical Plant & Systems Operator
Chemical Safety Engineer
Chemical Safety Sales Representative
Chemical Technologist/Technician
Chemist
Clinical Chemist
Clinical Research Coordinator
Combustion Engineer
Consultant
Cosmetics Developer
Crime Scene Analyst
Criminalist
Cytologist
Cytotechnologist
Drug Developer
Energy Asset Management Professional
Environmental Auditor
Environmental Project Manager
Environmental Scientist
Flavour Chemist
Food & Drug Analyst/Inspector
Food Technologist/Scientist
Forensic Lab Analyst
Forensic Chemist/Scientist
Geneticist
Hazardous Materials Expert
Health & Safety Officer
Industrial Chemical Salesperson
Inorganic/Organic Chemist
Lab Coordinator
Lecture Demonstrator
Magnetic Resonance Technologist
Manufacturing Supervisor
Marine Chemist
Medical Laboratory Technician
Metallurgist
Microbiologist
Oil & Gas Industry Technician
Nano Technology Researcher
Narcotics Investigator
Non-Destructive Testing Technician
Oil Sands Technologist
Organic Mass Spectrometrist
Paint Formulation Chemist
Parasitologist
Perfumer
Pest Control Technician
Pharmaceutical Salesperson
Pharmacologist
Plant Protection Inspector
Pollution Control Technician
Polymer Chemistry
Product Tester
Prosthetics Developer
Quality Control Technician
Radiologist
Regulatory Affairs Manager
Research Assistant
Scientific Translator
Soil Scientist/Tester
Specialty Chemicals Production Supervisor
Teacher
Technical Salesperson
Technical Writer/Editor
Textile Chemist
Tissue Technologist
Toxicologist
University Professor
Undergraduate Program Administrator
Veterinary Technician
Water Purification Specialist/Chemist
Water Quality Analyst

Thinking Outside the Box: Other Possible Job Titles

On average people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

Useful Resources

Royal Society of Chemistry http://www.rsc.org/
Chemical Institute of Canada http://www.chemistry.ca/
Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists http://www.cscc.ca/en/
Chemistry Industry Association of Canada http://www.canadianchemistry.ca/
College Chemistry Canada http://collegechemistry.ca/
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science http://www.csmls.org/
Canadian Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics http://pharmacologycanada.org/
Canadian Bioethics Society http://www.bioethics.ca/
BioTalent Canada http://www.biotalent.ca/
BIOTECanada http://www.biotech.ca/
Canadian Association of Science Centres http://www.canadiansciencecentres.ca/
Eco Canada –Environmental Careers Organization http://www.eco.ca/
American Chemical Society http://www.acs.org/

Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Connect with Others

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

Applied Studies

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Student Clubs and Leadership

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

Research Opportunities

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International Experience

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Community Involvement

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.

What can I do with a major in Chemistry