Chair
Aibing Xia, BSc (Nankai), PhD (Kentucky), Associate professor
Chemistry is the study of matter; its composition, the changes it undergoes, and the accompanying changes in energy. Chemistry is often called the “central science”, because a basic understanding of chemistry is essential for the study of subjects like biology, physics and ecology.
The Department of Chemistry at the Mount challenges students to be both analytical and creative. Small class sizes and, in many cases, the opportunity to participate in research prepares undergraduate students for their future endeavours; graduate school, medicine, dentistry or pharmacy, to name a few.
Any student wishing to pursue a major or honours program in chemistry should consult the department chairperson, who will appoint an advisor to help the student plan an academic program. The department offers a Bachelor of Science with a major in chemistry and, in cooperation with Dalhousie University, a joint honours degree in chemistry.
Valid WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) certification is required of all students who wish to take CHEM laboratory courses. WHMIS training sessions will be provided. Please contact your instructor for details.
Admission RequirementsReview sections 2.1.5 Admission Requirements and 2.1.7 Additional Admission Requirements.
Major (20 Units) The degree with a major is intended for those students with a clearly focused interest who wish to gain knowledge in depth of a single discipline.
Students intending to complete the major degree must declare their intention to do so before they register for their sixth unit of coursework. Students who do not make this declaration within this time frame will not be permitted to register for further coursework.
Students must successfully complete 20 units with the following requirements: |
❏ | a minimum of 8.0 and a maximum of 10 units in the major as follows:
❏ CHEM 1011, 1012, 2101, 2201, 2301, 2302, 2401, 2402, 3101, 3102, 3401, 3402, 3501, 3502
❏ 1.0 unit of CHEM at the 3000 level or above
❏ 1.0 unit of PHYS (PHYS 1101 and 1102)
❏ 1.0 unit of MATH (MATH 1113 and 1114)
❏ 0.5 unit of MATH or CMPS. (excluding MATH 1102, 1103 1130, 2243 and 2245)
❏ a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in the required 8.0 units of CHEM |
❏ | a minor consisting of 3.0 units in a science field (Applied Statistics, Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and designated Applied Human Nutrition courses) as specified by the department offering the minor. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 3.0 units |
❏ | students may choose a second 3.0 unit minor in any area that offers a minor or up to 2.5 additional units of arts or science electives |
❏ | 1.0 unit from each core group A, B, and C listed under the Bachelor of Arts (General Studies)
(exclusive of the major):
❏ Core A - Sciences & Mathematics (1.0 unit)
❏ Core B - Social Sciences (1.0 unit)
❏ Core C - Humanities (1.0 unit) |
❏ | at least 9.0 units must be at the 2000 level or above |
❏ | Note: No more than 4.0 units from professional areas may be counted toward the degree. Courses included in the Applied Human Nutrition science minor will not be counted as professional electives. |
Special Studies
Students may count a maximum of 4.0 units of directed/independent/research studies courses towards the degree, with no more than 2.0 units in any single discipline.
Major Certificate
Students who have graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Science (General Studies) degree may apply to do a major certificate. Students must fulfill the requirements for the major degree listed above.
Joint Honours Degree
Bachelor of Science, Honours degree given jointly with Dalhousie University, may be obtained in those areas of chemistry which form part of the honours program at Dalhousie. This joint program is accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry.
Students wishing to register in the honours program should declare this intention as soon as possible, preferably within the second year of study. Approval of the department is necessary for a student to be accepted into the honours program.
Students must successfully complete 20 units with the following requirements: |
❏ | a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 12 units of CHEM
❏ CHEM 1011, 1012, 2101, 2201, 2301, 2302, 2401, 2402, 3301, 3402, 3501, 4990,
and Dalhousie CHEM 3201
❏ CHEM 3101 or 3102
❏ CHEM 3401 or Dalhousie CHEM 3304
❏ 0.5 unit of inorganic chemistry at the 3000 level or above
❏ 0.5 unit of analytical chemistry at the 3000 level or above
❏ 1.0 unit from the remaining CHEM courses
❏ MATH 1113, 1114 and 2210
❏ PHYS 1101 and 1102 |
❏ | a minor consisting of 3.0 units in a science field (Applied Statistics, Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics) as specified by the department offering the minor. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 3.0 units |
❏ | 4.0 units of electives from core groups A, B, and C listed under the Bachelor of Arts (General Studies). At least 0.5 unit must be a course in which written assignments in the English language are considered frequently and in detail |
❏ | obtain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a grade of at least C- in 10 of the required CHEM units |
❏ | achieve a minimum of B- in the honours thesis |
❏ | obtain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all courses counted for the degree beyond the first 5.0 units taken |
❏ | fulfilment of these general regulations governing honours degrees at both institutions |
❏ | Note: No more than 4.0 units from professional areas may be counted toward the degree. Courses included in the Applied Human Nutrition science minor will not be counted as professional electives. |
Note: First-class honours will be awarded to students who obtain a minimum GPA of 3.5 or better in 10 units in the honours subject and no grade below B- in all courses counted for the degree beyond the first 5.0 units taken.
Joint Honours Certificate
Students who have graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Science with a major in chemistry may apply to do a joint honours certificate. Students must fulfill the requirements for the joint honours degree listed above and meet the University regulations regarding honours certificates.
Concentration| To obtain a concentration in Chemistry, students must fulfill the following requirements: |
| ❏ | CHEM 1011, 1012 and 2401 |
| ❏ | 2.5 units of CHEM at the 2000 level or above, 1.0 unit of which must be at the 3000 level or above |
Minor
| To obain a minor in Chemistry, students must fulfill the following requirements: |
| ❏ | CHEM 1011 and 1012 |
| ❏ | 2.0 units of CHEM at the 2000 level or above |