卡爾頓大學

As a student interested in chemistry, you can enroll in programs and courses in all the main areas of chemistry, including analytical, inorganic, organic, physical and environmental chemistry. If you wish, you can choose to pursue a concentration in Nanotechnology where you will study the atoms and molecules used to create computer chips and other devices that are the smallest permitted by current technologies. Co-op education and extensive lab experience are offered, helping you to round out your studies with practical experience.

If you are planning to attend graduate school and your goal is to become a professional chemist, you should consider the four-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) program. This program offers the following options:

• Chemistry
• Chemistry, co-op stream (including 12 months of work terms)
• Chemistry, with a concentration in Nanotechnology

It is also possible to complete a four-year Combined Honours degree in:

• Chemistry and Physics
• Chemistry and Earth Sciences

You can also choose to study Chemistry as a three-year General program. You can change from a BSc (General) to a BSc (Honours) program by taking additional credits and maintaining a certain Grade Point Average (GPA).

Required courses in your first year include chemistry, physics, calculus and algebra. Electives can include one of biology, earth sciences or computer science, and one course in arts or social sciences. You will begin to concentrate more on chemistry in second year with physical, organic and analytical chemistry courses, and computational chemistry as an option. Mathematics and a non-science course are also recommended.

In your third year, you can begin to specialize. You can also take optional courses in computational, industrial, biochemical, nano, and environmental chemistry. In the final year of the Honours program, you will undertake a research project with a faculty member that will help prepare you for independent work in graduate studies or employment upon graduation. This is a feature of our honours programs that is very attractive to potential employers.

Concentration in Nanotechnology

Students in the Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours program in Chemistry can choose to pursue a concentration in Nanotechnology. Nanotechnology techniques involve the synthesis and characterization of new materials containing only a few atoms deposited on a surface or a self-assembly of molecules. Applications of nanotechnology have already given rise to a host of novel materials with enhanced strength and flexibility for the aerospace industry.

In medicine, new methods of drug delivery via controlled time release and new treatments for cancer have come about from nano-technological advances. Undoubtedly, future applications of nanotechnology will be visible in many areas including the development of microchips for the electronics industry.

Future opportunities

A Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry opens the door to a variety of careers. Chemists are needed in both the private and public sectors in jobs ranging from research to marketing. Companies hire Carleton graduates to conduct research on drugs, paints, petrochemicals and mineral extraction. Government laboratories hire our chemists for research on pollution control, drugs, water quality, crime detection and a host of other areas. The Combined Honours stream prepares you for careers in chemistry, physics or geology, depending on the program you choose.