About Us

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Lethbridge has a vibrant community of students, alumni, faculty, and staff who collectively contribute to its success. The students are passionate and dedicated, pursuing their studies with enthusiasm. At the same time, accomplished Alumni serve as exemplars of the department's success, making significant contributions to chemistry and biochemistry fields worldwide. The esteemed faculty members are experts in their respective areas and dedicated mentors who nurture the next generation of scientists. The supportive staff behind the scenes ensure that every aspect of the department runs smoothly. Together, this community forms the backbone of our department, fostering a culture of innovation, research excellence, and academic achievement.

Chemistry is often called the central science as it deals specifically with the 112 elements that comprise all matter.

Everything around us - the air we breathe, water we drink, food we eat, buildings we live in, cars we drive - our very bodies - are all made from these elements. There are five main branches of Chemistry:

  • Analytical Chemistry - focuses on the detection and measurement of chemical species used in fields like forensics
  • Organic Chemistry - deals with carbon compounds, which are the main components of living matter
  • Inorganic Chemistry - delves into all the remaining elements, most of which are found in the mineral world
  • Physical Chemistry - is the study of the fundamental principles governing the behavior of matter
  • Theoretical Chemistry - starts from basic physical theories like quantum mechanics in order to provide frameworks within which all chemical phenomena can be understood

The primary focus of the program is to provide you with extensive theoretical knowledge in all five branches of Chemistry, in addition to enhancing your technical and practical skills with hands-on experience.

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 microcosms interact with their environments.

It is a demanding field that combines expertise in biological sciences, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Versatility and intense curiosity are the hallmarks of successful biochemists, as they draw on knowledge from a variety of fields to investigate the molecules that facilitate life.

From the structure, function and dynamics of molecular machines, to the complex regulation of metabolic pathways and biological processes, Biochemists study the extraordinary molecules that are produced and utilized by living systems. As a consequence, many of the most spectacular advances in the sciences are often driven by discoveries in Biochemistry.

The biochemistry program will help you develop a strong background in the basic sciences and extensive laboratory skills while emphasizing the chemical and physical basis of life. As a biochemistry student, you will gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and technology used in chemistry, physics and biological sciences, such as molecular biology, protein crystallography and advanced biophysics. You will also develop skills in molecular techniques like DNA sequencing, gene cloning and enzymology.

Additionally, you will have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities. These facilities support the research interests of our award-winning faculty - your instructors - as they investigate diverse areas such as cancer research, toxicology, crystallography, bioinformatics and molecular modelling, as well as applied research in medicine, disease research and food development.