Chemistry
We are the Department of Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry at the University of Alberta provides an outstanding environment for studies in chemistry, is among the most research-active departments in Canada and is regarded as being among the top three in the country. The department is one of the best equipped and funded in North America and has a faculty renowned internationally for its excellence in teaching and research. We have a shared commitment to the health and safety of our community and value the transformational ideas that our students bring.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Studies
The undergraduate chemistry programs at the University of Alberta are designed to provide a broad background in the theory and practice of chemistry.
For the high school graduate, there are three chemistry programs in the Faculty of Science, all of them a minimum of four years long.
Graduate Programs
Our department provides an outstanding environment for advanced studies in chemistry, providing a MSc or PhD designation.
Our graduate degrees require both course work and thesis research, and you’ll be supported during your studies by our welcoming staff and faculty members.
Immersive pre-lab simulation aims to prepare students for success
A new teaching initiative, LabCast 2.0 will transform lab preparation with a suite of immersive digital tools, including a 360° lab walkthrough. The tool will allow students to explore the physical space in advance, identify safety stations and become familiar with equipment and workflows — reducing student anxiety, enhancing safety and making the most of face-to-face mentorship time in the lab.
ID Chem
Reducing barriers for underrepresented students — including female, rural, BIPOC, socio-economically disadvantaged, and first-generation students — to access learning resources, experiential opportunities, and mentorship support. This program ensures they experience an inclusive environment that recognizes the value of their perspectives, develops skills to continue advancing on their career path, and builds a network for future employment.
Highlights
Teaching
Our teaching focuses heavily on experiential learning opportunities and we offer a diversity of research courses at all levels (CHEM 299, 399, 401/403/499).
Facilities
Our state-of-the-art instrumentation laboratories support our teaching and research programs, and are some of the largest and most well-equipped in Canada.
Unlimited Research
Our faculty members are interested in both traditional and interdisciplinary areas of chemistry, from analytical and physical to bioanalytical and medicinal.
Message from the chair
Welcome to the Department of Chemistry at the University of Alberta!
We are home to a thriving community of faculty, instructors, staff, post-doctoral scholars, as well as graduate and undergraduate students. Our department houses state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities providing the resources for foundational educational opportunities, including experiential learning, and engagement in world-class research. Our department excels across and between the many broad disciplines of chemistry: analytical, chemical biology, computational, environmental, inorganic, materials, organic and physical.
We invite you to visit us virtually or in-person to find out more!
Alex Brown
Professor and Department Chair
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization Statement
The department believes strongly that improving EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) at all levels is of critical importance. While there is ample evidence that diversity improves science and creativity, that is not the basis of our support. We support EDI because it is a matter of equality and justice. Our commitment as an educational institution is to provide a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment.
As part of our commitment to these beliefs, the department has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at increasing EDI and fostering an environment that supports all of our members including those traditionally underrepresented in the field of chemistry. We recognize that addressing all forms of racism and discrimination is an evolving, ongoing challenge. These initiatives will evolve and be augmented by additional measures.
Learn about our initiatives Inclusivity and Diversity in Chemistry (ID Chem)
News + Events
Lara Mahal Named to Royal Society of Canada: Uncovering the unexpected role of sugars in biology
Acclaimed for her pioneering work in glycomics and chemical biology, Lara Mahal, a professor in the Department of Chemistry, director of the Glycomics Institute of Alberta and Canada Excellence Research Chair in Glycomics, has opened up new avenues in biomedical research.
Giving
Leave a Legacy
Your donation supports new learning opportunities and experiences for students, funds research and builds spaces for innovation and education.