BSc Chemistry at Vancouver Island University

Programme overview

Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. It helps us understand the world around us, from the food we eat and the medicines we use to the technologies that shape modern life. If you want to work in a field that addresses the climate crisis, food security or green energy, a chemistry major could be right for you.

Faculty: Science, Engineering and Technology | Duration: 4 years | Study mode: full-time | Intake: The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June. | Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Courses include Physics for the Physical Sciences II, Physics for the Life Sciences II, Chemistry Fundamentals I Laboratory, Chemistry Fundamentals II Laboratory, Calculus for Engineering and Physical Sciences I, Calculus I, Calculus for Engineering and Physical Sciences II, Calculus II.

Career pathways

You can enter directly into the workforce after completing your degree and find work in the sciences. Your VIU Chemistry degree also provides a foundation for a wide range of professions. Roles include bioanalytical chemistry; environmental monitoring; environmental consulting; science communication; instrument development and sales; food science and food security; materials science; medical laboratory science.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

General admission requirements apply.; A minimum "B" grade in either Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12.; Notes on Admission; Courses in first year have different prerequisites. To satisfy all first year course prerequisites, students must complete all of the following B.C. Secondary School course requirements:A minimum grade of "C" in English 12; A minimum grade of "C+" in each of Chemistry 11 and 12 and Physics 12 (Principles of Physics 12)*; and,; A minimum grade of "B" in Mathematics 12 (Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12).; *Some seats are available for students who have only completed Chemistry 11 and/or Physics 11 (Principles of Physics 11) with a minimum "C+".; A minimum grade of "C+" in either Biology 11 or 12 is required for students wishing to take first year biology (BIOL 121 or 123, or BIOL 121A with BIOL 121L or BIOL 123A with BIOL 123L). BIOL 123...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Most programmes start in September; January intake is offered for some bachelor's degrees and other programmes; many programmes offer alternative start dates throughout the year.

The deadline to apply for most undergraduate programs that begin in September is March 31; deadlines for other start dates vary by program.

Extended deadline of August 16, 2026 for Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science; Business Management Certificate, Event Management Certificate, Education Assistant and Community Support Certificate, Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care, Health Care Assistant Certificate and Practical Nursing Diploma list ongoing deadlines.

Applications for most academic programs open October 1 in the year before the program start date (applications for programs beginning September 2027 open October 1, 2026); deadlines vary by program.

Application fee: domestic undergraduate $46.98, domestic graduate $121.86, international all programs $156.06 (non-refundable); no application fee for Adult Basic Education.

Apply through the official page: https://www.viu.ca/apply

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