About
Chemistry focuses on what happens to matter at the molecular and subatomic levels. In other words, it is the study of how virtually everything in the world really works. Chemists are at the forefront of scientific discovery in a wide variety of fields such as medicine, drug discovery, nanotechnology, new material design and the environment.
- Three or four year degree
- Full or part-time program
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
What you will learn
You will learn how molecules interact, how and why chemical reactions occur and how to control these processes. You will learn how to find answers to important questions such as: how do we harvest light to make energy, how do we build molecules that cure disease and how do plants protect themselves from pathogen attack? Through appropriate course selection, you can specialize in analytical, bioorganic, computational, inorganic, organic, organometallic, physical or theoretical chemistry.
A first-year schedule sample
Here’s what a typical first-year schedule might look like:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
Fall Term |
|
| CHEM 112a | General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials |
| MATH 110b | Calculus I |
| ENG 113c | Literature and Composition Reading Narrative |
| PHYS 115a | Physics and the Universe |
| INDG 107d | Introduction to Canadian Indigenous Studies |
Winter Term |
|
| CHEM 115a | General Chemistry II Chemical Processes |
| CHEM 250a | Introduction to Organic Chemistry |
| MATH 116b | Calculus II |
| PHYS 117 or PHYS 125a | Physics for the Life Sciences or Physics and Technology |
| HIST 155c | History Matters Science and Environment |
a Required course for the major
b One of the course options to complete the Quantitative Reasoning Requirement
c One of the course options to complete the English Language Writing Requirement
d One of the course options to complete the Indigenous Learning Requirement
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
CHEM 242: Thermodynamics and Kinetics
The study of the structure of matter and the changes it undergoes. Topics include properties of materials, thermodynamics, chemical equilibria and chemical kinetics. The laboratory provides experience with the use of physical-chemical equipment and problem solving skills.
CHEM 332: Inorganic Chemistry II
An introduction to transition metal chemistry including molecular symmetry coordination chemistry, electronic structure and properties of d-metal complexes, characterization techniques in inorganic chemistry and organometallic chemistry of the d-block. The laboratory work includes experiments on the preparation, characterization and applications of transition metal compounds.
CHEM 450: Selected Topics in Organic Chemistry
Selected topics that are not dealt with or are covered only at an elementary level in other organic chemistry courses offered by the department. Possible topics include organic synthesis, organic reaction mechanisms, natural products, organometallic chemistry, heterocyclic chemistry, carbohydrate chemistry and organic photochemistry.
Hands-on experience
In the last two years of study, you will have the opportunity to conduct hands-on, personalized research projects under the direct supervision of our distinguished faculty members.
Facilities
You will receive hands-on education in our new, modern laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation. Many of our students have the opportunity to conduct research projects in Canada’s only synchrotron, which is conveniently located on the U of S campus.
Careers
People with a chemistry degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.
- Agricultural Chemist
- Brewmaster
- Chemical Engineer
- Chemical Safety Officer
- Chemical Technician
- Chemist
- Energy Researcher
- Environmental Chemist
- Food Chemist
- Food Safety Auditor
- Forensic Lab Analyst
- Industrial Chemist
- Materials Scientist
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Organic Chemist
- Pest Control Technician
- Petroleum Chemist
- Pharmaceutical Chemist
- Pulp and Paper Chemist
- Quality Control Specialist
- Research Assistant
- Teaching/Education
- Technical Writer
- Textile Chemist
- Toxicologist
- Wastewater Operator
- Water Purification Chemist
- Water Quality Analyst
- Aurora Cannabis Inc.
- BASF Canada
- Bayer Crop Science
- Cameco Corporation
- Canadian Armed Forces
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- Canadian Light Source Inc.
- Canadian Natural Resources Limited
- Gilead Sciences
- Health Canada
- Plains Midstream Canada
- Saskatchewan Health Authority
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic
- Saskatchewan Research Council
- SaskPower
- The Mosaic Company
- University of Saskatchewan
- ZYUS Life Sciences Inc.
According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, recent graduates with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry earn from $40,659 to $77,216 across Canada.
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,919 | $38,328 |
| Student fees | $1,121 | $1,121 |
| Books | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | $10,540 | $40,949 |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.
Program options
These Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Chemistry degrees are offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science:
- Bachelor of Science Four-year
- Bachelor of Science Three-year
- Bachelor of Science Honours
- Bachelor of Science Double Honours
You should consult with an academic advisor in the college when you begin your studies to decide if you want a four-year, three-year or honours degree.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
A non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD is required before your application will be processed.
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