Undergraduate Chemistry Program

Whether we are taking a medication to treat a disease, driving a car, or listening to our battery-powered MP3 players, chemistry has an immense impact on all aspects of our daily lives. Chemistry, also known as the central science, is the study of materials at the atomic and molecular level, and in particular, their properties, composition, and reactions.

Since all materials are composed of atoms and molecules, a thorough understanding of chemistry is crucial to the understanding of all other physical and biological sciences, ranging from astronomy, to medicine, to zoology. Phenomena such as global warming, the health effects of trans fats, and the efficiency of hybrid vehicles, can all be explained by chemical principles. Accordingly, chemists contribute substantially to the discovery and development of new technologies, be they environmental, medical, or transportation, to name a few.

An undergraduate degree in chemistry is highly versatile and will provide a solid foundation for a wide variety of exciting careers. Chemistry graduates have found intellectually stimulating opportunities in industry, government, and the private sector. Graduates have also pursued advanced degrees, including medicine, law, business, education, and of course, research-based MSc and PhD programs in chemistry.

The chemistry program at Western is instructed by enthusiastic, award-winning faculty in an environment that is conducive to learning. With small classes, a friendly atmosphere, and state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, chemistry students also acquire important talents that are crucial in the today’s competitive job marketplace: problem-solving, critical- and creative-thinking, organizational, communications, and interpersonal skills.