often referred to as the “central” science, chemistry focuses on what happens to matter at the molecular and subatomic levels. in other words, it is the study of how virtually everything in the world really works. students in our department receive hands-on education in our new, modern laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation. many of our students also have the opportunity to conduct research projects in canada’s only synchrotron, which is conveniently located on the u of s campus. our dynamic undergraduate program encompasses all areas of chemistry, ranging from research on dna and proteins to modern materials. students can select courses that focus on all aspects of chemical science, including: analytical, inorganic, organic, physical and theoretical chemistry. in the last two years of study, undergraduate chemistry students have the opportunity to conduct hands-on, personalized research projects under the direct supervision of our distinguished faculty members. those who graduate from the four-year or honours programs automatically qualify as a professional chemist and can become members in the canadian society for chemistry.