Major map:
Chemistry
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - View all program options
Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.
Chemistry, the central science, provides a molecular-level understanding of the world through chemical synthesis and structure-property studies of natural and novel materials. Chemists are at the forefront of fundamental scientific discovery and applications in materials science, drug design, diagnostics, energy, crop protection, nanotechnology, sustainability and the environment.
Not a USask student?
Learn more about studying chemistry at USask and apply for admission.
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all major requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
CHEM 112.3 | Structure, Bonding and Properties of Materials
CHEM 115.3 | Chemical Processes
You choose
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Explore information about your major in the course and program catalogue
- Meet with an academic advisor for help choosing your courses and planning your degree
- Visit the student Learning Hub for help developing your academic skills
- Visit the Chemistry Help Centre to meet with faculty in a one-to-one/group setting for support on course content (see faculty advisor for additional information)
- Attend the chemistry open house to learn more about program information on chemistry
What will I learn?
- Fundamental molecular insight underlying every modern science
- Hands-on experience in chemical synthesis
- Use of modern instrumentation for the detection and measurement of molecules such as environmental contaminants
- Experience in scientific writing, presenting, and communication needed for a successful career
- Choice of independent research project in a professor's laboratory or local research centre like the Canadian Light Source
Gain relevant experience
- Consider enrolling in an experiential learning class
- Enroll in a First Year Research Experience (FYRE) course to have a meaningful research, scholarly, or artistic experience
- Consider a study abroad experience to earn credit toward your degree
Create local and global connections
- Visit the USask Community Centre to make connections and build community
- Get involved in your campus community through student groups, campus rec, and USask events
- Before you register in your first-year courses, sign up to be a part of a Learning Community
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
- Join the Chemistry Students Society and Women In Chemistry
Get career ready
- Meet with a Career Coach at Career Services to explore your career possibilities
- Take a career assessment to learn more about your strengths, personality, interests, and values
- Create your résumé and cover letter to take advantage of part-time and summer job opportunities
- Develop your LinkedIn profile to begin building your professional brand
Featured courses
- CHEM 255.3 Bio Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 369.3 Synthetic Chemistry Practicum
- CHEM 375.3 Environmental Chemistry
- CHEM 377.3 Industrial Chemistry
- CHEM 483.6 4th Year Research
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all major requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
CHEM 221.3 | Analytical Chemistry I
CHEM 231.3 | Inorganic Chemistry I
CHEM 242.3 | Thermodynamics and Kinetics
CHEM 250.3 | Introduction to Organic Chemistry
You choose
- Three courses (9cu) from different sub-disciplines of chemistry
- Additional electives in chemistry or related subjects
Academic tips
- Check DegreeWorks or meet with an academic advisor to ensure your degree is on track
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries
- Declare your major in the PAWS Arts and Science channel
- Apply for awards and scholarships offered by the Department of Chemistry
- Learn about current research from within the Department of Chemistry related to your courses by attending the Seminar Series
Add to your major
Choose from a variety of minors to complement your major.
Gain relevant experience
- Explore undergraduate research opportunities
- Meet with the Study Abroad Coordinator or an ISSAC International Education Officer to explore your study abroad options
- Become a peer mentor with the College of Arts and Science, Student Learning Services, or Peer Health
- Sign up for a Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
- Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship
- Consider joining a Level-UP Learning Community
- Talk to professors and graduate teaching assistants about getting involved in research and summer research opportunities
Create local and global connections
- Engage with your community through volunteering and Co-Curricular Record activities
- Meet with new people and grow your cultural understanding through Building Bridges and the Global Connections Network
- Attend the College of Arts and Science USRA events (see Arts & Science Events Calendar for details)
Get career ready
- Discover job opportunities, explore career options, and meet professionals at Career Services events and career fairs
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- Expand your professional network on LinkedIn
- Get a better understanding of your career possibilities through career informational interviews
- Conduct occupational research through Job Bank, LinkedIn and myBlueprint
- Attend the Spinks Seminar Series to meet eminent scientists and engineers in the field of chemistry
Career readiness competencies
Career Readiness Competencies are transferable skill sets that will prepare you for the world of work and include the top attributes that employers are looking for:
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all major requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
CHEM 402.0 | Chemistry Seminar
You choose
- 6cu of independent research (one full-year or two half-year courses)
- Additional electives in chemistry or related subjects
Academic tips
- Take specialized courses to learn about how your knowledge can be applied to modern problems (e.g., CHEM 483.6 - 4th Year Research, etc.)
- Learn about applications and scholarships for graduate school, medical school, and other professional programs
Gain relevant experience
- Consider running for a leadership position with the Arts and Science Student Union (ASSU) or the USask Students' Union (USSU)
- Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship
- Pursue independent research in your favourite area of chemistry
- Become a leader of the Chemistry Students Society or Women in Chemistry
Create local and global connections
- Join the USask Alumni and Friends community
- Learn about the Association of the Chemitry Profession of Saskatchewan (ACPS) and the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC)
- Attend the annual Western Canadian Undergraduate Chemistry Conference to present your research and meet chemists from other universities
Get career ready
- Update your résumé, cover letter and CV to apply for jobs
- Meet with Career Services to prepare for your interview
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- If you are new to Canada, take time to learn about how to search for a job in Canada
Career readiness competencies
Career Readiness Competencies are transferable skill sets that will prepare you for the world of work and include the top attributes that employers are looking for:
Possible destinations
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.
Career paths
- 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
Graduates of the USask chemistry program have the opportunity to leverage their knowledge and expertise to help companies such as ZYUS Life Sciences Inc.
Strength in bioorganic and medicinal chemistry is fundamental to ZYUS' science-backed approach.
—Brian Jahns, VP Global Marketing, ZYUS Life Sciences Inc.
Where do USask alumni work?
- 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.
Explore Canadian salaries for various occupations using the Job Bank Career Planning Tool
"What I most enjoy about chemistry is the never-ending pursuit of knowledge...There is always something new to learn or discover, and research courses have given me the exciting opportunity to try experiments no one else has ever done before."
—Richard, chemistry honours student
"Chemistry really opened doors for me. The small class sizes, friendly professors, and ample research opportunities allowed me to build a competitive application for professional colleges."
—Zachary, Bachelor of Science '17 in chemistry, now a USask medical student
"The chemistry program nurtures an independent, self-driven work ethic that supports leadership, collaboration, and entrepreneurial skill development."
—Grace, chemistry honours student