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To view the current Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar.html.
Chemistry Major
Students intending to specialize in Chemistry
The point at which a high school or regional college student enters the chemistry program is governed by the student's subject knowledge. CHEM 110 and 111 are not required for the BSc degree but are available as electives to those with no chemistry knowledge or who are starting from BC high school chemistry 11. Those with BC high school chemistry 12 (or equivalent) normally start with CHEM 121. Major and honours students must fulfil program requirements below. Whether majoring in chemistry or not, students may not enrol in any CHEM course for which a D grade was obtained in any prerequisite.
Students are encouraged to complete the Department of Physics' standard stream (PHYS 120, 121, 132, 133) or advanced stream (PHYS 125, 126, 132, 133). Students may also choose to complete the studio physics stream (PHYS 140, 141). Students who complete the life sciences stream (PHYS 101, 102, 130, with a minimum B grade), which has a BISC 100 or 101 or 102 corequisite, should have sufficient preparation for the major program.
The following statements clarify and standardize the minimum requirements that a student must fulfil to complete a chemistry course as well as those to pass a combination lecture/laboratory course.
Course non-completion
The following will constitute non-completion of the required material in a chemistry course.
- not writing the final examination or its equivalent
- not completing the required minimum number of experiments in a laboratory course or the laboratory component of a course
- not completing additional or alternative material specified by the instructor
The letter grade N will be awarded in these cases.
Students must pass both the lecture and laboratory components individually to obtain a passing grade in lecture/laboratory combination courses.
Continuance Requirement for Chemistry Majors
After a student has completed 20 units in Science, a Science cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of not less than 2.20 is required for continuance as a Chemistry Major. Students whose Science CGPA falls below 2.20, will be sent a warning letter and, if after the subsequent term of study the Science CGPA remains less than 2.20, the students shall be withdrawn from the Chemistry Major. This does not preclude re-entry to the program if the CGPA subsequently recovers. If, after completing 90 or more units, a student’s Science CGPA falls below a 2.20, but remains above 2.00, the student will be allowed to complete the Major.
Program Requirements
Students complete 120 units, as specified below.
Mathematics and physics courses should be completed as early as possible.
For an example of a typical program schedule, visit .
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete 56-57 units, including all of
Atomic and molecular structure; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; elements; periodic table; gases liquids, solids, and solutions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: Chemistry 12 with a minimum grade of C, or CHEM 109 or 111 with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CHEM 120 or 125 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Chemical equilibria; electrochemistry; chemical thermodynamics; kinetics. Students who intend to take further laboratory courses in chemistry should take CHEM 122 concurrently with CHEM 126. Prerequisite: CHEM 120 or 121 with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CHEM 124 or CHEM 180 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Hogan Yu |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D109 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D110 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Experiments in chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, qualitative analysis, electrochemistry and chemical kinetics. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: CHEM 122. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Garry Mund |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Garry Mund |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Garry Mund |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Garry Mund |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Garry Mund |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Garry Mund |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
The chemistry of the elements and their inorganic compounds in terms of fundamental concepts of periodicity of properties, valence, ionization potential, electron affinity, electronegativity, stability of oxidation states, bonding, structure and stereochemistry. Co-ordination complexes and organometallic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 with a minimum grade of C-. Students who expect to take further courses in inorganic chemistry should take CHEM 230 concurrently with CHEM 236W. Quantitative.
An introduction to the synthetic and spectroscopic techniques used in the preparation and characterization of both main group and transition metal compounds. Prerequisite: CHEM 126 with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: CHEM 230. Students with credit for CHEM 236 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.
Elements of physical chemistry from the molecular point of view. Introduction to quantum chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, and spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHEM 122, MATH 152, and PHYS 121, 126 or 141 (or PHYS 102 with a minimum grade of B), all with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: MATH 232. PHYS 285 will be accepted in lieu of CHEM 260. Quantitative.
Fundamental principles of experimental physical chemistry from the microscopic perspective. Modern experiments in atomic and molecular spectroscopy and structure. Prerequisite: CHEM 260 with a minimum grade of C-.
Structure, bonding, physical and chemical properties of simple organic compounds. Introduction to spectroscopy. Kinetics and mechanisms of organic reactions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: CHEM 122. Students with credit for CHEM 280 or CHEM 285 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
An advanced treatment of Organic Chemistry II. Topics include dienes and their reactivity, conjugation and aromaticity, aromatic substitution reactions, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, ketones and aldehydes, biological molecules, radical reactions, organometallic reagents, pericyclic reactions and planning multi-step synthesis. Prerequisite: CHEM 281 with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CHEM 282 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Vance Williams |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
Riemann sum, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, definite, indefinite and improper integrals, approximate integration, integration techniques, applications of integration. First-order separable differential equations and growth models. Sequences and series, series tests, power series, convergence and applications of power series. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151, with a minimum grade of C-; or MATH 154 or 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 155 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Vijaykumar Singh |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
OP01 | TBD |
Rectangular, cylindrical and spherical coordinates. Vectors, lines, planes, cylinders, quadric surfaces. Vector functions, curves, motion in space. Differential and integral calculus of several variables. Vector fields, line integrals, fundamental theorem for line integrals, Green's theorem. Prerequisite: MATH 152 with a minimum grade of C-; or MATH 155 or MATH 158 with a grade of at least B. Recommended: It is recommended that MATH 240 or 232 be taken before or concurrently with MATH 251. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Steven Ruuth |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Jamie Mulholland |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
OP01 | TBD | ||
OP02 | TBD |
The structure, function and synthesis of proteins, RNA and DNA and their interrelated biological functions within the cell. An introduction to molecular biology techniques and methods of protein purification and analysis. Prerequisite: or Corequisite CHEM 281.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Irina Kovalyova |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
and one of
Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Topics as for Math 151 with a more extensive review of functions, their properties and their graphs. Recommended for students with no previous knowledge of Calculus. In addition to regularly scheduled lectures, students enrolled in this course are encouraged to come for assistance to the Calculus Workshop (Burnaby), or Math Open Lab (Surrey). Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B+, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B-, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 151, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 150 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Seyyed Aliasghar Hosseini |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
OP01 | TBD |
Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, inverse functions. Limits, continuity, and derivatives. Techniques of differentiation, including logarithmic and implicit differentiation. The Mean Value Theorem. Applications of differentiation including extrema, curve sketching, Newton's method. Introduction to modeling with differential equations. Polar coordinates, parametric curves. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least A, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 151 for further credit. Quantitative.
and one of
Linear equations, matrices, determinants. Introduction to vector spaces and linear transformations and bases. Complex numbers. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalization. Inner products and orthogonality; least squares problems. An emphasis on applications involving matrix and vector calculations. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or MACM 101, with a minimum grade of C-; or MATH 154 or 157, both with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 240 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Justin Chan |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
OP01 | TBD |
Linear equations, matrices, determinants. Real and abstract vector spaces, subspaces and linear transformations; basis and change of basis. Complex numbers. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalization. Inner products and orthogonality; least squares problems. Applications. Subject is presented with an abstract emphasis and includes proofs of the basic theorems. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or MACM 101, with a minimum grade of C-; or MATH 154 or 157, both with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 232 cannot take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Shuxing Li |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and all of
A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12 or PHYS 100 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. This prerequisite may be waived, at the discretion of the department, as determined by the student's performance on a regularly scheduled PHYS 100 final exam. Please consult the physics advisor for further details. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154. Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 132. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 125 or 140 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or 125 or 140, with a minimum grade of C-, or PHYS 101 with a minimum grade of B. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155. Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 133. Students with credit for PHYS 102, 126 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sarah Johnson |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Introduction to experimental physics with an emphasis on measurement and experimental design. Includes elementary experiments in mechanics designed to support and enrich conceptual learning. Corequisite: PHYS 101 or 120 or 125. Students with credit for PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 132 for further credit. Quantitative.
Introduction to experimental physics with an emphasis on measurement and experimental design. Includes elementary experiments in electromagnetism and optics designed to support and enrich conceptual learning. Prerequisite: PHYS 132 or 140 or ENSC 120 (no substitutions), with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: PHYS 102 or 121 or 126. Students with credit for PHYS 141 may not take PHYS 133 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Simin Bagheri Najmi |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 2:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
or all of
An enriched course in mechanics for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Special relativity and classical topics such as translational and rotational dynamics and conservation laws will be given a much more sophisticated treatment than in our other first-year courses. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. Corequisite: MATH 151. Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 132. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 120 or PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 125 for further credit. Quantitative.
An enriched course in electromagnetism for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Classical topics such as waves, electricity and magnetism, as well as wave particle duality and the birth of Quantum Mechanics, will be given a much more sophisticated treatment than in our other first year courses. Prerequisite: PHYS 125 or permission of the department. Corequisite: MATH 152. Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 133. Students with credit in PHYS 102, 121 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Introduction to experimental physics with an emphasis on measurement and experimental design. Includes elementary experiments in mechanics designed to support and enrich conceptual learning. Corequisite: PHYS 101 or 120 or 125. Students with credit for PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 132 for further credit. Quantitative.
Introduction to experimental physics with an emphasis on measurement and experimental design. Includes elementary experiments in electromagnetism and optics designed to support and enrich conceptual learning. Prerequisite: PHYS 132 or 140 or ENSC 120 (no substitutions), with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: PHYS 102 or 121 or 126. Students with credit for PHYS 141 may not take PHYS 133 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Simin Bagheri Najmi |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 2:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
or both of
A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12, or PHYS 100 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154. Students with credit for PHYS 125 or 120 or 101 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or PHYS 125 or PHYS 140, with a minimum grade of C-, or PHYS 101 with a minimum grade of B. Corequisite: MATH 152 or MATH 155. Students with credit for PHYS 126 or 121 or 102 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Upper Division Requirement
Students complete 34 units, including all of
Elements of physical chemistry from the macroscopic point of view. Thermodynamics, and its applications to chemical equilibrium. Chemical kinetics and reaction rate theories. Prerequisite: CHEM 260 with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: MATH 251. MBB 323 will be accepted in lieu of CHEM 360. Quantitative.
and an additional 15 units of upper division credit in CHEM, MBB or NUSC courses (maximum of three units MBB and three units NUSC), including at least six units of 400 division CHEM courses. A maximum of 5 units from the research courses CHEM 481, 483 and 484 may be used to satisfy the aforementioned 15 units of upper division credit and six units of 400 division CHEM courses.
Electives
In addition to the above, students complete 29-30 elective units, including
- courses chosen to fulfil the WQB requirements
- upper division courses chosen from any faculty to total a minimum of 44 upper division units
- electives at any division from any faculty to provide 120 units as is required for the degree.
Specialization in physical or theoretical chemistry requires more mathematics and physics courses than specified above, and a computer programming course.
University Degree Requirements
Students must also satisfy University degree requirements for degree completion.
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV within the student’s major subject | |
Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division | |
B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth | Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division 6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc 6 units Humanities: B-Hum 6 units Sciences: B-Sci |
6 |
Additional Breadth | 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements) Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.