You + Waterloo = great chemistry
Fire up the Bunsen burners in one of Canada’s top five chemistry programs (Academic World Ranking of Universities 2023). You’ll study everything from organic chemistry and analytical chemistry to polymer chemistry, nanoscience, and more.
You can specialize in computational chemistry to study the fundamental properties of atoms, molecules, and reactions using quantum mechanics and thermodynamics. You'll learn to solve chemical problems using computer modelling and simulations.
Meanwhile, you can gain 20 months of paid work experience through Waterloo's co-op program, allowing you to explore possible career paths while earning money to help pay for your education. If you’re eyeing a career in teaching or academia, hone your instruction skills as a teaching assistant.
What courses will you take in Chemistry?
First-year courses
Programs/majors in the Faculty of Science start right in first year. To select your program with confidence, here’s some handy info to get you started.
This a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
Most of the classes you’ll take will be Chemistry courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
View a list of all the courses required for your degree.
Types of courses you'll take
This is a general guideline. The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.
Skills you'll develop with this major
- Technical laboratory skills, including designing experiments and manipulating DNA
- Critical thinking
- Data analysis
- Teamwork
- Time management
This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills a Chemistry major can provide.
Your experience will be unique, and the skills you develop will depend on your goals; which courses you take; and your involvement with any clubs, jobs, or research projects.
Customize your Chemistry degree
Add a specialization in Computational Chemistry to focus your studies or choose one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students to include additional areas of interest.
Faculty:
Faculty of Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
Yes
Grab your lab goggles. With 20+ laboratory courses to choose from, you’ll log more than 200 hours at the bench by the end of your second year. In your final year, you can delve into the world of research with your own year-long project.
Get professional credentials. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible for a professional chemist membership from the Chemical Institute of Canada and be ready to create the future of fuels, plastics, drugs, foods, and other consumer products.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Brewing analytical technician
- Chemical technologist
- Science tutor
- Discovery analyst (pharmacology)
- Quality assurance technician
- Pharmacist assistant
- Product developer
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2027).
Chemistry admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, or Physics
Admission averages: Low 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply to Physical Sciences and choose Chemistry as your major.
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact our Faculty of Science recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.