Chemistry | Academic Advising & Career Centre

Admissions Category: Physical & Environmental Sciences

Program Overview

Chemistry is the science that examines the building blocks of all matter; it attempts to explain the similarities and differences between substances and materials, and explains and theorizes how some substances react with others. Chemistry at UTSC is both a challenging intellectual pursuit and a powerful and practical tool for managing resources. The program includes four sub-disciplines: Analytic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry. Laboratory work is an integral component of the program. The labs are sized to offer a small student/demonstrator ratio (maximum 20), which allows for close interaction and positive teaching and learning experiences.

Complementary Programs:

Human Biology, Conservation and Biodiversity, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Neuroscience, Plant Biology, Health Studies

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

Document Controller in Manufacturing
Quality Control in Pharmaceuticals
Chemist
Policy Analyst in Government
Clinical Research in Hospitals
Clinical Sales in Medical Supplies
Quality Assurance
Scientific Writing

Further Education

Chemistry
Chemical engineering
Education
Medicine
Pharmacy

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

3.0 credits as follows: CHMA10H3, [CHMA11H3 or CHMA12H3], MATA30H3, MATA36H3, PHYA10H3, PHYA21H3.
Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
Use Degree Explorer and the UTSC Calendar to plan your courses and program.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Attend Facilitated Study Groups.
Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian for in-depth library research assistance.
Writing support is available at the Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL) Writing Centre.
Chemistry support is available at the Chemistry Help Centre.

Apply Theory to Practice

Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Join the Environmental and Physical Sciences Students’ Association (EPSA) and Chemistry Society (CSU) and get involved in their activities.
Volunteer in DSL’s 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 CLNx.
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU's Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

3.0 credits as follows: CHMB16H3, CHMB23H3, CHMB31H3, CHMB41H3, CHMB42H3, CHMB62H3.
Use Degree Explorer and meet with your Program Advisor to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Check the Research Catalogue and jobs on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
Drop by the Math & Statistics Learning Centre to have your course-related questions answered.
Consider doing a directed research course: PSCB90H3 - 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’s (ISC) Global Learning opportunities, such as the Summer Abroad, Explore, or Student Exchange Programs.
Participate in outreach events organized by EPSA and the Chemistry Society.

Plan for Your Future Career

Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.

Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely

2.5 credits in CHM of which at least 2.0 credits must be at the C- or D-level and 0.5 credit at the D-level. Of these C- or D-level credits 0.5 must include a laboratory component (taken in year 3 or 4).
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Volunteer in a research lab to gain experience for graduate or professional school.
Enter to win the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.

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 EPSA or the Chemistry Society or another campus club.

Plan for Your Future Career

Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.

Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN 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’s Partners in Leadership 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’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” 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.

Glossary

AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
CSU - Chemistry Society (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/programs/csu)
CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
EPSA - Environmental and Physical Sciences Students Association (https://www.myepsa.ca)
ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)