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Fire up the Bunsen burners in one of Canada’s top 10 chemistry programs. You’ll study everything from biochemistry and inorganic chemistry to polymer chemistry, nanoscience, and more.
Specialize in bio-based chemistry and learn how to synthesize chemicals from renewable resources such as ethanol, corn, or cellulose. You'll focus on designing chemical products that are biodegradable. Or 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 modeling 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.
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.
When you graduate with your Chemistry degree, 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.
A Chemistry degree balances theory and practical work. Follow your interests by choosing to focus on areas such as analytical, organic, and polymer chemistry.
Qualify for membership in the Chemical Institute of Canada
Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Honours Chemistry
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
Admission averages: Low 80s
We recommend completing the Admission Information Form once you've applied.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
Apply to Physical Sciences and choose Chemistry as your major.
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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.
CHEM 381 – Bioorganic Chemistry
CHEM 357 – Physical Biochemistry
CHEM 340 – Introductory Computational Chemistry
CHEM 356 – Introductory Quantum Mechanics
Add a specialization in Bio-based Chemistry or 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.
Apply to Physical Sciences and select Chemistry as your major
Offered through the Faculty of Science
Available as a major and minor
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your Chemistry degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your interests evolve.
Graduates with a Chemistry degree typically pursue careers in industrial research and development, bio-based materials, the food industry, pharmaceutical or agricultural companies, energy and the environment, or with universities and research institutions.
Learn about the future of careers in science.
Available as a