Bachelor of Science, Majors, Minors and Transfer
Chemistry
A Minor is offered
Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
Apply for Admission: Forms and Information
Note: VIU also offers a Bachelor of Arts, Minor in Chemistry.
General Description
The Bachelor of Science, Minor in Chemistry is designed to be taken as part of a Double Minor or as a Major and Minor combination for a Bachelor of Science. The program introduces students to the traditional sub-disciplines of chemistry, with a particular emphasis on analytical and environmental chemistry. The course selection is designed to maintain broad appeal and relevance to a variety of career objectives including teaching, environmental consulting, and academic research. Students will gain an appreciation for the role of chemistry in many aspects of modern scientific enquiry, including hands–on experience with modern chemical instrumentation and techniques.
The curriculum has been designed to focus on the underlying principles to provide an understanding of physical, chemical and biological processes. Courses develop critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills which are encouraged by close student–instructor interactions and student–student mentorship.
Research
The Applied Environmental Research Laboratory (AERL) is a state–of–the–art lab where pure and applied research in the environmental sciences is conducted in collaboration with public and private partners. The lab is fully equipped for foliar, soil and water analysis by both traditional and emerging methods. Some of the instrumentation is incorporated into upper-level chemistry lab courses. In the final year, students have an option to complete a one-semester directed research project, under the supervision of a faculty member. The AERL also provides year round employment opportunities for senior students to assist faculty with environmental sampling, chemical analysis, method development and data interpretation. Some research projects that have recently been conducted at the AERL include: the development of a novel technique for the rapid detection of volatile contaminants in air and drinking water; an investigation of the effects of variable retention logging practices on the water chemistry of small coastal streams; geochemical analysis of Gulf Island groundwater samples; bioaccumulation of heavy metals in marine mammal parasites; the role of photochemical and microbial processes in the biodegradation of woodwaste leachates; and an assessment of land use impacts on water quality in the Englishman River watershed.
Requirements for a Minor
Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
Research
The Applied Environmental Research Laboratory (AERL) is a state–of–the–art lab where pure and applied research in the environmental sciences is conducted in collaboration with public and private partners. The lab is fully equipped for foliar, soil and water analysis by both traditional and emerging methods. Some of the instrumentation is incorporated into upper-level chemistry lab courses. In the final year, students have an option to complete a one-semester directed research project, under the supervision of a faculty member. The AERL also provides year round employment opportunities for senior students to assist faculty with environmental sampling, chemical analysis, method development and data interpretation. Some research projects that have recently been conducted at the AERL include: the development of a novel technique for the rapid detection of volatile contaminants in air and drinking water; an investigation of the effects of variable retention logging practices on the water chemistry of small coastal streams; geochemical analysis of Gulf Island groundwater samples; bioaccumulation of heavy metals in marine mammal parasites; the role of photochemical and microbial processes in the biodegradation of woodwaste leachates; and an assessment of land use impacts on water quality in the Englishman River watershed.
Requirements for a Minor
Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
Years 1 & 2 * |
Credits |
|---|---|
Select one of the following: |
8 |
Select four courses from the following: |
12 |
* Students should check upper-level course prerequisites to guide second year course choices.
Years 3 & 4 |
Credits |
|---|---|
Minimum of 18 credits of Chemistry courses numbered 300 or above.* |
18 |
* Check individual course prerequisites.
Notes:
- CHEM 490 requires 9 upper-level CHEM credits and permission of a faculty supervisor; recommended in the fourth year.
- Not all courses are offered every year; please check the website (viu.ca/chemistry) to find out which courses are offered each year.
Updated December 3, 2009