Program Overview

Welcome to Trinity Western University’s Chemistry Department which combines the personalized instruction and mentoring of a small college with the select expertise of a research university. Please follow the links on the right to learn more about education and research in our department.

Why Study Chemistry?

Chemistry plays an integral role in the professional preparation of the science student. Graduates of our Chemistry program have found many career opportunities, including advancement into management levels in technology-based industries. Chemistry is a basic foundation to careers in research, industry, the health sciences, and the environment. The Honours program and the program for graduate school preparation, both accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry, enable a student to continue to an advanced research degree. For industry, students should supplement their program with Business courses. For health sciences, the Chemistry major (Life Sciences Emphasis program) provides the prerequisite background. Within the individual Chemistry courses, there is ample opportunity for breadth of preparation in theory and practice. Following the introduction of general principles and laboratory skills, work is provided in analytical, organic, physical, and inorganic chemistry as well as biochemistry. Fourth year students may do independent projects in chemical problems encountered in testing, research, and development. The Chemistry Department, located in the Neufeld Science Centre, features new and up-todate laboratories and equipment. Advanced students are given opportunities to develop their teaching and leadership skills by acting as teaching assistants in first year laboratories under the supervision of a faculty member.

Purpose

Responsible scientific advancement requires men and women with sound ethical judgment in addition to scientific expertise. Chemistry students at Trinity Western University acquire the fundamental scientific, general, and biblical knowledge which equips them to make a positive scientific contribution in industry, research, teaching, or the health sciences.

Perspective

Natural Sciences students are challenged to live a Christ-centered life while developing a high degree of competence in their specialty. Students learn to apply biblical understanding to scientific issues of today, developing their own answers to many of the ethical issues facing our highly technological society. The Chemistry Faculty are capable and committed professors who teach their discipline and are held to high level of academic and personal rigour. They keep abreast of new scientific thought and discovery, and as teachers, are expected to continuously advance in their field of expertise.

Emphases of the Chemistry program include:

Scientific Awareness: Scientific investigation demands well-sharpened analytical, mathematical, observational, and laboratory skills. Faculty members help students develop an appreciation for the essentials of the scientific method and a disciplined approach to scientific investigation. Students are encouraged to approach science as a study of the intricate details of design and order inherent in creation and the resulting functional processes. The comprehensive nature of the program prepares students for entry into more advanced scientific studies at the graduate level.

The Scope and Limitations of Science: Careful attention is given to developing sound judgment as to the scope and limits of scientific enterprise. Upper level students are encouraged to expand their capacity to address the ethical issues inherent in scientific discovery.

Practical Application: Science teaches clear, logical thought and a rigorous, analytical approach to problems—valuable skills in any profession. Professors urge students to apply basic scientific principles to daily life, enabling them to adapt effectively to an increasingly technological world. Each major offers a fully integrated laboratory program.