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.

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Apply Your Learning

Make the most out of your university career by taking advantage of all that Laurier has to offer you. Volunteer work, campus clubs, leadership programs, studying abroad, work experience – there are so many ways you can extend your classroom experience into the real world.

Here are just a few examples of the experiences you’ll get in the Chemistry and Physics program:

Check out the Chemistry Experience and Career Guide and Physics Experience and Career Guide.

 

2022 graduates who secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies

 

Laurier ranks in the top 6 percent of universities worldwide*

 

students who gained hands-on learning experiences at Laurier in 2022

*Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

Admissions

Format: full time or part time      Duration: four years     Start: September (fall term)     OUAC code: UCP

Your Path to Medical School

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Get one step closer to your medical school dreams at Laurier!

Our pathway agreement with American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) means you’re automatically granted an admissions interview to the AUC School of Medicine if you meet all academic requirements. Upon graduation, you’ll have the opportunity to write exams to practice medicine in Canada, the UK or the United States.

Program Options and Courses

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.

First-Year Courses

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

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Data Communication and Networks
  • Fibre Optics
  • Optical Networks
  • Introduction to Nanomaterials
  • Polymers and Soft Matter
  • Introduction to Modern Materials

Co-op

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.

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.

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"As someone with an interest in both chemistry and physics, it was a tough choice to pick between the two coming into Laurier in first year.  This program gave me the chance to develop my interests in both at the same time."

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

This program will provide you with the practical and research skills needed to meet the demanding requirements of a variety of careers in chemistry, physics, computing, medicine and related fields. Our program also provides a strong educational background for those interested in continues their studies in chemistry and physics at the graduate level

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.

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.

"It's interesting to see how the two disciplines — chemistry and physics — complement each other. For example, I found that having taken the Thermodynamics and Waves course helped me better understand material in the Physical Chemistry course. And taking the Analytical Chemistry course helped me improve my understanding of some of the concepts I learned in previous Physics labs."

Interested in More Info?

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