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Welcome to the Vancouver Island University Chemistry home page. The department of Chemistry offers a full compliment of first and second year of courses introducing students to four chemistry sub-disciplines; Analytical, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry. These courses provide a good survey of important Chemistry topics as well as emphasize the role of chemistry in the world around us. Each course has a laboratory component, which provides students with the opportunity to experience the tools and process of doing chemistry as well as develop good lab skills.

We have restructured and renumbered our first year courses for Fall 2011. Chem 140 is the only course offered in the fall. In the spring, there are two courses availalble.If you have Chem 12 as a pre-requisite you should take Chem 142. If you have only Chem 11 as a pre-requisite, you should take Chem 141 which covers the same material but with an extra hour of lecture. Any questions please contact Sandra.Patrick@viu.ca

Climate change inspires chemistry students

Student Research in
Applied Environmental Research Lab at VIU

The department has a strong commitment to conceptual learning with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. The first two years of Chemistry at VIU can be transferred to complete a Major in Chemistry at UVic, UBC or SFU.


The department also offers a range of upper level (third and fourth year) courses that offer greater depth in each of the sub-disciplines. Many of these have an emphasis on Environmental Chemistry that integrate closely with the state-of-the-art Applied Environmental Research Lab. In addition to those pursuing a Chemistry degree, these courses are popular electives for students in Biology, Fisheries & Aquaculture, Mathematics and Education. A Minor in Chemistry can be obtained with the completion of any six upper level CHEM courses. Lab Photo The Chemistry Minor can be combined with another science Minor for a General B.Sc. degree or the concurrent B.Sc./B.Ed. degree. The Chemistry Minor can also be combined with a B.Sc. Major in Biology, although students wishing to complete this combination should seek out departmental advisors for assistance with course planning.

For more information contact the department Chair.

Duane Friesen, Chair
Chemistry Department,
Vancouver Island University,
900 - Fifth Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5 Canada
Telephone: 250-753-3245 (local 2305)
Fax: 250-740-6482
Email: Duane.Friesen@viu.ca