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Chemistry is often called the "Central Science" as it impacts on virtually all scientific disciplines and is an essential part of many new technological developments. The science of chemistry is concerned with understanding the detailed behavior of matter at the atomic and molecular level. What happens when two substances come together in a reaction vessel or in the human body? What is the arrangement of atoms in a molecule and what is the shape of the molecule? Basic knowledge of this type is extremely valuable. It helps to satisfy our curiosity about ourselves and our environment and makes the world a better place in which to live, for example, by furthering medical research. In the manufacturing sector, products ranging from pharmaceuticals to polymers and electronic materials all depend on developments in chemistry. Chemists have been at the forefront in developing techniques to sequence DNA which are essential for the human genome project. Ultra-trace chemical analysis supports the production and insures the reliability of micro-electronic components that find use in every facet of modern life. In a project at the edge of technological capability such as the space shuttle, classic inorganic chemistry reactions (i.e., solid rocket fuel) launch the shuttle into orbit while state-of-the-art materials developed by chemists help glide it safely back to earth. Teaching in the Department The Department of Chemistry at the University of Alberta is internationally recognized for its strong programs in both teaching and research. Good teaching is important and the Department is committed to high quality instruction. Evidence of excellence in teaching comes from scores of the student evaluations of courses. For the Chemistry Department, these are among the highest in the Faculty of Science. Several members of the faculty have won national and University awards for their outstanding contributions to our teaching program. There is a stimulating atmosphere in the Department, evident even in a large first-year class, which is a direct result of the rich variety and internationally recognized quality of the research of the teaching staff. Laboratory teaching is done by graduate teaching assistants, many of whom have been recognized as excellent teachers by the award of Graduate Student Teaching Awards. They are supervised by a very dedicated group of Laboratory Coordinators. The excellence of the undergraduate chemistry programs is widely recognized. A graduate from the honors chemistry program or from the specialization program with a strong grade point average can move into some of the top graduate schools in North America to complete M.Sc. or Ph.D. degrees. The undergraduate chemistry programs attract outstanding students and our graduates hold academic and key industrial positions in many countries of the world. Research Highlights The research interests of the Faculty range from applied chemistry which impacts all our lives to basic theoretical investigations which lead to a greater understanding of the world around us. Examples of the research currently being conducted by members of our teaching faculty include:
As you continue your studies in the honors or specialization chemistry programs there are many opportunities for you to spend the summer months working in a research group of one of the faculty. This allows you to be directly involved in these intriguing areas of research. Watch your e-mail for notices about applying for summer studentships from the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). Application forms are available in late December from the Chemistry General Office, E3-44, and are usually due in early January. Careers with a Degree in Chemistry What do you do with a degree in Chemistry? The job market for chemists is very broad and currently very strong. Some traditional areas include the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, plastics and polymers, and metallurgical industries. In addition, almost every manufacturing sector of the economy utilizes chemical techniques and methods to ensure the quality, safety and integrity of their products. Chemists are employed in all areas of health-related industries and in support laboratories of health providers. All levels of government require chemists in research, testing and monitoring positions and many small companies in the areas of environmental and waste management employ chemists. Recently, graduates from our honors or specialization chemistry programs have found employment with Dow Chemical Canada in Fort Saskatchewan, Raylo Chemicals, the National Centre for Upgrading Technology at Devon. Graduates from these programs have gone on to post graduate study at, for example, the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, Scripps Institute and the University of Texas. Examples of Edmonton area firms and government laboratories in which chemists work include Northern Forest Research Laboratory, Alberta Agriculture Food Laboratory, Biomira, AMOCO Canada's Edmonton Ethane Plant, City of Edmonton Waste Water Treatment Laboratory, Raylo Chemicals, Alberta Occupational Health and Safety, Alberta Environmental Protection, Dow Chemical Canada, Inland Cement Ltd., AT Plastics Polyethylene Plant, MAXXAM Laboratories Alberta, Sherritt International, Westaim, Celanese Canada, Syncrude Canada, Alberta Research Council, Norwest Labs, the Alberta Medical Examiner's Office and the R.C.M.P. Forensic Laboratory. Teaching in high schools, junior colleges and universities is a career which many chemists find rewarding and challenging. High school teaching requires additional study in the Faculty of Education, while having an M.Sc. or Ph.D. degree in chemistry is required for teaching at more advanced levels. The professional training obtained in the undergraduate chemistry programs can serve as a foundation upon which a career in another profession may be built. The first two years of the chemistry specialization program can be modified so that they satisfy the requirements for admission to the Faculty of Medicine. Graduate study and employment in biochemistry, physics, microbiology, agriculture, pharmacology, soil science, food science and many other disciplines are open to the chemistry graduate. A major in chemistry can be a good start to a second degree, perhaps in law, which can, for example, result in a career as an environmental lawyer, or a business degree, leading to company management. Chemists work in sales for chemistry related companies. The starting salaries for chemistry graduates are competitive with other professional salaries requiring a similar period of training.
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What in the World Isn't Chemistry?