Pursue Undergraduate Program in
Chemistry
Do you wonder how life originated on Earth four billion years ago? Do you puzzle over finding an environmentally responsible way to provide stable, cost-effective energy? Have you questioned whether nano-machines can be constructed at the molecular level? Then Chemistry is for you.
Chemistry sometimes is called the "central science" because it connects sciences to each other, such as biology, physics, geology and environmental science. At York, our chemistry program spans the traditional to the new: analytical, physical and organic chemistry to nanomaterials and biological chemistry. We offer a stream in Pharmaceutical & Biological Chemistry that combines knowledge of the biological, medical and physical sciences in the study of molecular-level biological process such as protein folding and drug functionality.
Offered as an optional study plan within the honours program, Materials Chemistry is centered on the rational synthesis of novel functional materials using a large array of existing and new synthetic methods. Similarly, the Analytical Chemistry option focuses on the fundamental tools and methods of chemical analysis and separation including instrumentation, miniaturization and computerization in a range of settings.
It is our goal to help you succeed in whatever field of Chemistry you choose to explore.
There are several areas of study from which to choose including:
Pharmaceutical & Biological Chemistry
This fast-growing field looks at how biological and chemical systems interact. For example, how do you design drugs to target a specific problem in the biological system? If you’re interested in the life and health sciences, this option provides solid grounding in both chemistry and the basics of biological science. Pharmaceutical & Biological Chemistry is an official stream of study and will be reflected on your transcript.
Materials Chemistry
This program is designed for students with an interest in polymers, electronic materials, optical materials, magnetic materials, surface chemistry, biosensors, biomaterials, crystallography and other aspects of chemistry related to the preparation, characterization and use of specialized solid state materials. This stream will provide you with a solid grounding in Chemistry as well as a specialized exploration of the chemistry of solid-state substances, their preparations and properties.
Analytical Chemistry
In the Analytical Chemistry stream, you will receive training in the fundamentals of chemical analysis and separation. As a graduate from this stream, you will be highly desirable to industry and government agencies.
What can you do with a Chemistry degree?
Studying chemistry puts you in an excellent position to choose from a wide variety of rewarding careers. A chemistry degree also serves as an excellent foundation for advanced study in the health sciences a number of related areas (medicine, dentistry or pharmacy). Careers may range from forensic scientist to brew master, medical or cosmetic product developer, chemical engineering technologist to textile chemist, environmental policy-maker to bacteriologist.
York’s Career Centre provides information about careers with a Chemistry degree. You may also want to check out professional associations for their information on careers in Chemistry: Chemical Institute of Canada, American Chemical Society, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers; and the Canadian Medical Association to name a few.
Program Details
Offered By
Faculty of Science
Degrees Offered
BSc
Fall Entry
Yes (first and upper year)
Winter Entry
Yes (first and upper year)
Summer Entry
Yes (first and upper year)
Ways to Study
Full-Time, Part-Time
Sample Schedule (First-year)
- Chemistry
- Physics and/or Biology
- Calculus
- Computer Use
- Non-Science Requirement
Possible Career Paths
- pharmacological chemist
- air-quality specialist
- polymer materials specialist
Viewbooks
Undergraduate
View Viewbook (PDF)
Transfer & Mature
View Viewbook (PDF)
Indigenous
View Viewbook (PDF)
International
View Viewbook (PDF)
Admission Requirements
I am a high-school student I have completed at least one year of full-time study at college or university I have been away from high-school for at least two years I have never studied in a formal academic high-school environment Returning / Reactivating student (previously York) Visiting StudentsFaculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Math 31
- Physics 30
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Calculus 12
- Physics 12
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Baccalauréat Français
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Bachillerato
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
- Some programs require a higher GPA.
- Senior-level physics
CAPE
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- A minimum overall average of 3 out of 7 is required. Higher grades required for certain programs.
- 2-unit physics
- CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Calculus 1
- Physics 1 and 2
- Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Chinese High School
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Grade 12 physics
Turkish High School
- Some programs require higher. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 4.0 or 70%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Senior-level physics
GCE
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- A-level physics
- GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum average of C is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of C.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Hong Kong
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Twelfth Year physics
International Baccalaureate
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level
- Analysis and Approaches higher-level
- Analysis and Approaches standard-level
- Applications and Interpretations higher-level
- Standard or higher-level physics
- Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 28 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 28.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Indian High School
- Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 55%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
- Indian School Certificate (ISC)
- Intermediate Examination Certificate
- Pre-University Examination Certificate
- Grade XII physics
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Physics 40S
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Advanced Math with Intro Calculus 120 or Pre-Calc 12B
- Physics 121 or 122
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Math 3207 or Calculus 3208
- Physics 3204
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Calculus 12
- Physics 12
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Math 31
- Physics 30
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Math 31
- Physics 30
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- MCV4U
- SPH4U
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
OUAC code YSC
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Science
BSc
To be considered a mature student, you must:
be at least 20 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University;
have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years; and
have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited college or university.
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Math 611B
- Physics 621
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Grade 12 Calculus
- Grade 12 Physics
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Calculus 30
- Physics 30
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Tawjihyah
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Senior-level physics
United States High School
- Grade 12 graduation with a minimum overall average of "B" on Grade 11 and Grade 12 academic courses is required to be considered for most programs. Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- SAT or ACT scores are not required for students studying in a recognized accredited US curriculum outside the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam.
- SATs/ACTs are considered in combination with high school grades.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
For Fall (September) 2021 and Winter (January) 2022 entry, York University will deem the SAT/ACT as optional for students studying in a recognized accredited US curriculum high school in the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam. However, students who have completed a standardized test are encouraged to submit their test scores as it may support your application for competitive programs. SAT/ACT scores must be sent electronically from the College Board directly to York. Please browse the section below for pre-requisites and detailed admission requirements.
Note: An SAT/ACT test will be required from students who are not enrolled in a recognized accredited US curriculum high school in the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam or have not studied in a formal academic high-school environment.
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Senior-level calculus
- Senior-level physics
- AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO) - minimum 6 academic courses
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Senior-level physics
Faculty of Science
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Calculus 12
- Physics 12
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
You are required to provide official evidence of academic achievement in secondary education. This can be demonstrated through:
- Final grades under the Ontario curriculum (obtained through correspondence, night school or through TVO)
- Credentials through other curricula, such as results from Advanced Placement (AP) or Advanced-level courses in the General Certificate of Education (GCE). (Students may register to sit for the AP and GCE examinations as private candidates.)
In the absence of final grades in courses:
- You must submit the results of standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with a minimum combined total of 1170 on the Critical Reading and Math components or a composite American College Testing (ACT) score of 24.
- Your application will be reviewed by an admissions sub-committee. If admitted, you will not be eligible for entrance scholarships. You will be considered for continuing student scholarships at the end of your first year of study, if you satisfy those criteria.
You may also be required to provide proof of language proficiency. You will be considered for entrance scholarships on the basis of your overall averages in the six 4U/4M (Ontario curriculum) or equivalent courses.