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ELEMENTS. CHEMICALS. MINERALS. MOLECULAR. PHYSICAL.
Welcome to the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Chemistry studies the elements that comprise all matter. Everything around us - the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the cars we drive, and even our bodies - are made from these elements.
Biochemistry is the study of all living systems at the molecular level. It looks at the chemical and physical basis of life and how these living systems interact with their environments.
Chemistry is often called the central science as it deals specifically with the 112 elements that comprise all matter. There are five branches of chemistry: analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry and theoretical chemistry. The primary focus of the program is to provide you with extensive theoretical knowledge in all five branches of chemistry while enhancing your technical and practical skills with hands-on experience and research opportunities.
The Departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Biological Sciences jointly offer a multi-disciplinary major in biochemistry for the 40-course Bachelor of Science (BSc). You can also select a general major in the sciences and choose biochemistry courses as options. Biochemistry will help you develop a strong background in the basic sciences and extensive laboratory skills. Thereby, it provides background for a diverse range of careers in the life sciences, including professional programs such as medicine and veterinary medicine.
The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry is home to many advanced instruments which enable cutting-edge research. These tools include nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infra-red, Raman, UVvisible, atomic absorption spectrometers, macromolecular x-ray diffractometer, isothermal titration calorimeter, and a surface plasmon resonance spectrometer.
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Department Highlights
Kudos
Congratulations to Dr. Michael Gerken, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, on receiving the 2024 Distinguished Service Award from the Fluorine Division of the American Chemical Society!
Women in STEM fields celebrated for their efforts
“I remember my first lab I ever had at the U of L. I put on my lab coat and it was like putting on a superhero cape. I was like, ‘this is where I’m meant to be,'” said Audra Lutterotti, master’s student at the University of Lethbridge.
“I know there’s a struggle with women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) because not a lot of girls get into it right away. I definitely was more musically inclined, I thought I was going to end up in music.
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STEM conference highlights work of women
The University of Lethbridge hosted their annual Women in STEM conference on Tuesday to bring together women across all STEM disciplines at the university and showcase their work and connect with others in the field.
STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and the event featured poster sessions, a keynote address, a panel discussion, and family-friendly STEM activities.
Alejandra Pulido-Guzman – LETHBRIDGE HERALD
Shining Student Uvindu Abeysekara: A journey of academic excellence, research, and community engagement at ULethbridge
With unwavering determination, creativity, and an outgoing nature, Uvindu Abeysekara's ULethbridge journey serves as an inspiration, urging us to seize opportunities and push beyond our comfort zones for a transformative university experience.
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From iGEM to innovating antibiotics: Sydnee Calhoun's inspiring journey at ULethbridge
From her early involvement in the iGEM competition to her research in the field of biochemistry, Sydnee Calhoun (MSc '23 (BSc Co-op '19)) has left an indelible mark on the University and …
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Shining Student Ty Dudas
Third-year neuroscience student Ty Dudas embraces ULethbridge’s liberal education philosophy and takes courses outside his major. This discovery led him to organic chemistry and research he hopes will be used to make …
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Career Bridge: Centre for Work-Integrated Learning and Career Development
Put Your Knowledge to Work
Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects on campus or by testing your knowledge in a real-life work setting, we can help! The University of Lethbridge is proud to offer you an exceptional opportunity to explore professional development through academic programs and services designed to give you a competitive edge in a fast-changing world.
You have a bright future — experience it via Career Bridge at uLethbridge!