Chemistry at University of Windsor at Main

Chemistry is the study of matter—anything that has mass and occupies space. Everything than can touched, held, smelled or tasted involves chemistry and chemicals. Chemists design new compounds, materials and processes to serve the needs of society: Some examples include new pharmaceuticals to fight disease, industrial catalysts for efficient manufacturing, and leading-edge nanotechnologies to change the world. Chemists study the relationship between the chemical structure of matter and its properties, and predict and explain how matter changes when it reacts to form new substances.

• The central science investigates the behaviour of compounds at a molecular or atomic level
• Involves the development of materials such as superconductors, luminescent materials and industrial catalysts
• Involves the development of synthetic methods, such as the pharmaceutical industry and novel, organized structures with the potential to be utilized as “nano-machines”
• Promotes undergraduate research with the unique Chemistry Research Internship Program (CRISP) scholarship

The BSc Chemistry is one of the University of Windsor's most flexible and applied Faculty of Science programs. The Honours Chemistry program provides a strong and rigorous background in chemistry while allowing students to pursue interests in various areas of science, including biology, physics, math, earth sciences and computer science. Students can choose the Materials Stream to gain more expertise in the chemistry of synthetic and bio-materials. Some courses are also available on-line that are part of an on-line Certificate in Materials Chemistry.

Students of all chemistry programs and streams can participate in the work integrated learning option that involves a paid 8-12-month internship at industry (pharmaceutical, agricultural, chemical, etc.) and organizations (governmental, communal, health, etc.).

The University of Windsor offers courses and extensive laboratory experience in the general sub-disciplines of chemistry:

• Organic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry
• Computational Chemistry

Expertise in all these sub-disciplines is important for successful careers as diverse as research scientist, forensic scientist, environmental scientist and consultant, laboratory technician, and chemical educator. As students advance in their studies, the borders between subdisciplines will fade and interconnections between them will become more obvious and important.