chemistry is the study of the properties of the fundamental building blocks of matter, ranging in size from single hydrogen atoms to complex aggregates of biologically important species. chemists prepare new compounds and study their composition and structure. this activity, coupled with studies of the way in which chemical reactions occur, allows theories on chemical bonding and reaction to be formulated.

chemistry can provide the foundation for interesting careers in medicine and medical laboratory work. it can also lead to a career in pharmaceutical design and innovation, or genetic research. chemistry provides the strong background needed to research and develop discoveries in countless real-world materials, from plastics to foodstuffs to modern materials used in housing, transportation, and computer technology.

the chemistry program is available as a major, double major, minor or honours option as part of a four-year bachelor of science degree. the faculty of science is one of the university’s oldest faculties and was established when unb was founded in 1785. the faculty has an outstanding reputation, both nationally and internationally, and students will be able to benefit from its stellar accomplishments in research and for its acclaimed graduate and nationally-accredited undergraduate degree programs. the impact of their research has led to four of the faculty members being placed in the world's top one per cent of chemists most cited in scientific papers.