Chemistry Specialist (HBSc)
Admissions Category: Physical & Environmental Sciences
Are you a prospective student applicant?
You can enter the to accelerate your career in a health care profession
Program Overview
This program offers students a deep theoretical and practical learning experience in all aspects of modern chemistry. The first year of the program emphasizes learning fundamentals across various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, and math. As students progress into upper years, this knowledge is applied to specialized courses focusing on the sub-disciplines of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and environmental chemistry. Students in this program will have the opportunity to contribute to the creation of scientific knowledge by participating in a directed research project in their fourth year. This program is ideally suited for students who wish to pursue graduate studies in chemistry or a related discipline, or to work in chemistry-related industries.
The chemistry specialist program is accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC). It meets the national standards of education required by the CSC, ensuring that graduating students possess skills in both the core chemical concepts and practical laboratory skills that are necessary to thrive in today鈥檚 workforce. Graduates of these programs will receive a certificate stating that they have completed a nationally accredited chemistry program.
Complementary Programs:
Minor Program in , , , Food Studies, Health Humanities,
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Engage in team-based research, analysis and problem solving
- Design and conduct laboratory research including data collection, analysis and interpretation
- Write technical reports and project proposals
- Present scientific research in an organized and succinct manner for a wide variety of audiences
Careers for Graduates
- Quality Analyst in Product Development
- Scientific Affairs Liaison in Food Packaging
- Sales Representative in Manufacturing
- Drug Safety Assessor in Pharmaceuticals
- Scientific Analyst/Regulator in Government
- Junior Environmental Scientist in Engineering
- Associate Product Manager in Medical Supplies
- Quality Control Chemist
- Junior Environmental Technician in Energy Production
- Technical Marketing Associate in Chemicals
Further Education
- Graduate Programs in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Chemical Engineering, etc.
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete 4.0 credits from the following:
- or
- ,
- ,
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend Facilitated Study Groups.
- Schedule an appointment with your for in-depth library research assistance.
- Writing support is available at the Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL) .
- Chemistry support is available at the .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
- Start building your (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join the (EPSA) and (CSU) and get involved in their activities.
- Volunteer in DSL鈥檚 Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on .
- Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete 4.0 credits from the following:
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Check the Research Catalogue and jobs on for possible research opportunities.
- Drop by the Math & Statistics Learning Centre to have your course-related questions answered.
- Consider doing a directed research course: - Physical Sciences Research Experience.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Check out Global Research Abroad opportunities through the International Student Centre (ISC) to gain valuable international and research experiences.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Look into International Student Centre鈥檚 (ISC) Global Learning opportunities, such as the , Explore, or Student Exchange Programs.
- Participate in outreach events organized by and the .
Plan for Your Future Career
- Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC鈥檚 Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete 3 credits from the following:
- or
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Volunteer in a research lab to gain experience for graduate or professional school.
- Enter to win the UTSC Library or .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Run for an elected position in or the or another campus club.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
- Check for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete 3.0 credits from the following:
and 0.5 credit in any C-level or 300-level CHM course not already taken
and 2.0 credits in any D-level or 400-level CHM course including one of the following:
, ,
- Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
- Use to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Register your 鈥淚ntent to Graduate鈥 on by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Apply for the Academic Travel Fund through DSL to conduct research, present at a conference, or engage with the academic community internationally.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in the AA&CC鈥檚 program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning into the work field or further education.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Attend the AA&CC鈥檚 Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
- Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course鈥 and for access to full-time job listings.
- Discuss grad school plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors; get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.