Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

1. In addition to the Honours Chemistry program, the Department offers two specializations, beginning at Level III. The Honours program consists of a specified set of basic requirements and a wide choice of electives, allowing for interdisciplinary studies or the opportunity to complete a Minor. Alternatively, upon completion of Level II Honours Chemistry, students may wish to complete one of the following specializations which are more appropriate for graduate studies in Chemistry:
   • Advanced Materials
   • Molecular Science

Students interested in registering in a specialization must contact the Departmental Undergraduate Advisor by April 30 for consideration for the following Fall/Winter session.

Honours Chemistry and Honours Chemical Biology are also available as five-year co-op programs, with entry beginning at Level III.

2. The structure of McMaster’s Honours Chemistry program is unique in that the laboratory experience in the conventional sub-disciplines of organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry is obtained through four integrated laboratory courses that are distinct from the lecture courses - CHEM 2LA3  and 2LB3  in Level II and CHEM 3LA3  and 3LB3  in Level III. The Level II laboratory courses stress the development of fundamental and advanced skills in the synthesis and characterization of organic and inorganic molecules and materials, chemical analysis, and the measurement of physical properties; together they provide in excess of 55 hours of “Organic Chemistry” laboratory experience. The Level III courses focus on more advanced skills in a project/inquiry-based format.
3. All options in Honours Chemistry fulfill the academic requirements of the Canadian Society for Chemistry.
4. For those considering postgraduate studies in Chemistry, it should be noted that 18 units of Level IV Chemistry or related subjects are required for consideration for admission at McMaster and most graduate schools in Canada. CHEM 4G09 A/B  is strongly recommended.
5. In some cases there are Level II and III prerequisites for Level III and IV courses. The prerequisites should be considered when choosing your Level II and III courses.
6. BIOCHEM 2EE3  is an acceptable alternative to BIOCHEM 3G03  (3G03  is preferred). Other Biochemistry courses that have Biology prerequisites are also permitted.
7. CHEM 2PC3  is recommended for all Chemistry students, but not required for students who complete MATH 1B03  (or 1ZC3 ) in either Level I or II and who complete one of MATH 1AA3 , 1LT3 , 1XX3  (or 1ZB3 ) in Level I.
8. CHEM 3QA3  provides the opportunity for students to integrate a summer work/research experience into an elective academic course. Registration in the course will take place in Term 1 of the Fall/Winter session immediately following the work-place experience. Further details may be obtained from the Undergraduate Advisor, in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.
9. CHEM 4G09 A/B  cannot be taken concurrently with CHEM 3LA3  or 3LB3  given the time commitment required for the Senior Undergraduate Thesis.   
10. Students are encouraged to seek academic advising from the Departmental Undergraduate Advisor (email: advisor@chemistry.mcmaster.ca). 
11. Certain Level IV courses are offered in alternate years. Students are advised to consider course offerings carefully in planning their course selection for Levels III and IV.

B.Sc. Three-Level Degree

A three-level program with a Chemistry orientation is available through the B.Sc. in Chemical and Physical Sciences .