Chemistry and Physics (BSc)

Focus on the chemical and physical properties of materials at the bulk and the nanoscale. This program is experiential with experimental and computational labs in chemistry and physics. Learn how to design new materials with unique mechanical, optical, electronic or magnetic properties. Be prepared to apply new-found skills in fields ranging from chemistry and physics to computing and medicine.

The Canadian Society for Chemistry has accredited the with thesis version of this program.

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Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Honours Thesis Option: In your fourth year, you'll have an option to complete a senior thesis research project. The thesis option will provide you with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment in a new and challenging area of biochemical research. 
  • Pathways to Med School: We prepare you for a clinical career in Canada. Laurier students apply to med school with a competitive edge and gain preferential status with internationally accredited medical schools, including the American University of the Caribbean and St. George’s University.
  • Hands-on Research: You’ll benefit from a research-intensive environment. Volunteer and paid opportunities for research exist in your first and second year, and research for credit (Directed Studies) can be done in your third year.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!)

Courses, Options and Pathways

First-Year Core Courses

  • Calculus I
  • Calculus II
  • General Chemistry I
  • General Chemistry II
  • Intro to Linear Algebra
  • Mechanics
  • Thermodynamics and Waves
  • 1.5 elective credits

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Introduction to Programming
  • Unifying Life Processes

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Quantum COmputing
  • Optical Networks
  • Introduction to Nanomaterials
  • Polymers and Soft Matter
  • Introduction to Modern Materials

Options and Minors

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Computer Science Minor
  • Mathematics Minor
  • Minors in other science, social science or humanities disciplines

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

Management Option

The Management Option is for students interested in adding management-specific education to their degree. This is a direct-entry, 4.0-credit option that includes courses covering all the core pillars of business and economics. Apply directly to Chemistry and Physics with Management Option on OUAC.

Pathways

The following opportunities allow you to pursue additional, related qualifications from another postsecondary institution (either before or after your time at Laurier):

Check out the pathways to and from Laurier.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term)
  • OUAC code: UCP; UNC (Chemistry and Physics with Management Option)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get set up for a meaningful career.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • analytical chemist
  • biochemist
  • health care professional
  • pharmacist/pharmacologist
  • product tester/developer
  • toxicologist
  • computational physicist
  • industrial hygienist
  • light and optics specialist
  • nuclear medical technologist
  • system/software engineer

Explore more careers for Chemistry and Physics graduates.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

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98%employment rate for co‑op students – 2023 / 2024

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?