Vancouver is a dream city for students. Home to world class universities like The University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser, and surrounded by nature and gorgeous coastal and mountain scenery, Vancouver is one of the best Canadian cities to live and study. You will find fantastic restaurants, endless trails for biking and roller blading, and a laid back west coast vibe unique to the country. If you can picture yourself leaving class to hike a gorgeous oceanside trail, hanging out in a bustling craft brewery overlooking the Pacific, or eating ramen or dim sum at one of the city's many incredible Asian eateries, Vancouver may just be the perfect place for you to pursue a diploma or degree in the sciences. While it is widely known that it is also one of the most expensive cities to live in, if you can make it work financially you will have a truly unforgettable student experience.
Why is chemistry such a popular subject to study? First of all, it is one of the most important branches of science that touches so many aspects of modern life. Having a background in chemistry can enable you to work in a range of fields, such as manufacturing, pharmacy, medicine, nursing, dentistry, food science, education, engineering and so much more. Chemistry is also an incredibly hands-on subject, perfect for those who prefer experimenting in the lab over writing a 20 page essay. As a chemist, you may play an important role innovating the world, whether you are part of a team developing new vaccines, creating new materials, or even formulating a new craft beer.
Calgary is a fantastic city with so much to offer students of chemistry. Learn everything you need to know about studying the sciences in Alberta’s most exciting city!
Are Secondary Chemistry Courses Difficult?
Many students considering chemistry as a university program will probably be wondering if they will be successful, or if they are even too hard.
Compared to high school, your university chemistry courses will certainly feel like more of a challenge. But keep in mind that you will be increasing your capacity to grasp new learning and develop better study skills as you get older, so you will certainly be able to participate and be successful when you are in them. You may need the help of a chemistry tutor, or longer nights of studying, but if you stay on top of your work load and attend class regularly it is likely that you will get the results you strive for.
First year university courses are usually large classes of students who are also looking to fulfill program requirements or start a chemistry major pathway. Make sure you use this year to keep up with the readings and build a network of peers with similar goals and pathways. By second and third year, you will notice that the class sizes get much smaller and focused on specific topics. This is because many students will change programs, leave school, or transfer schools. If you feel like you are unhappy in your program, or that it is not for you, you may even take similar actions yourself.
In university, courses can feel competitive as many students look to achieve the best grades they can to get into graduate programs. If you see graduate school in your future, make sure you build relationships with professors so you can get strong letters of reference, and make sure you are always attending class and displaying positive learning behaviours.
Here is a list of some undergraduate university courses you can find at schools like the University of British Columbia:
- Introductory Chemistry Laboratory
- Structure and Bonding in Chemistry
- Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Organic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry for the Biological Sciences
- Projects in Experimental Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Once you get accepted into a chemistry or science program, you will want to identify which course pathways will lead to the degree or major you want. For example, you may want to combine some chemistry courses with biology, or take classes that will lead to career options in medicine. To get the right course recommendations, make sure you talk to the right people: guidance counsellors, admissions officers, professors, teachers, or friends and family that have graduated from similar programs are all great sources of information. The university you are attending may even have an evening for prospective students, which will enable you to ask any questions you may have.
You might be surprised to learn that Windsor is a top choice for university students today. If you are thinking of doing a chemistry degree, you’ll want to learn all about this wonderful town!
Why Take Chemistry Courses Online?
Once you have a sense of what your academic goals are, you will want to think about more practical aspects: how will you pay for your education? Will you commute to school? Take courses online?
If chemistry seems like the kind of program you may need to be in class for, you are not wrong. There are areas of chemistry learning that must take place in a lab - you will have experiments that require you to be on site in order to participate. For this reason, you will probably not be able to take all of your chemistry classes online. However, not all of your learning may take place in a lab and you may be able to find virtual options.
Choosing to take courses online has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look.
Advantages of Online Learning
Online learning has become increasingly popular in recent years as the COVID-19 pandemic forced many students to learn safely from home. Tech companies and schools have responded, developing much better virtual learning environments and streaming platforms that actually make distance learning fun, interactive, and rewarding.
Learning online means you can have more time to yourself: without a lengthy commute or transition times to worry about, you can focus on doing things like exercising, preparing a good breakfast, or simply sleeping in. With an online course, you can also be wherever you want to be. So if you are taking a semester of virtual courses, you can choose to live in another province, spend time at home with your family if they live far from the school you are attending, or even live abroad if you can handle the time difference.
Online learning is also perfect if you have a part time job or family responsibilities you must attend to. While you will likely have some live virtual sessions, because you can login from any remote site you may find it easier to incorporate class time into your busy schedule.
Disadvantages of Online Learning
Online learning also has some disadvantages you may want to consider. First of all, if you like the social aspect of learning and want to meet new friends and network, you may find online learning to be a much more challenging environment. You will not have as many organic opportunities to interact with others and build relationships with your instructor. Another disadvantage of online learning is that it does not suit every learner's style. It can require a lot of listening, staring at a screen, and submitting work using digital tools. If you prefer being in a room with learners and having the context of body language and live interaction, online learning may not be for you.
For those who want to study Chemistry in a vibrant, European-like city, look no further than Montreal!
How Can I Prepare for SAT Subject Tests Chemistry?
If you are considering applying for American schools, you may have come across assessments like the SAT. The SAT is an admissions test designed for college and university entry in the United States, and covers broad subjects like chemistry. To prepare for this test, you will certainly want to prepare ahead of time to ensure you can get a good score that makes you a strong applicant for different American schools.
Take note that Canadian universities typically will not consider SAT scores in their admissions process. They will typically look at your high school or secondary school transcripts and other factors like extracurricular involvement and recommendation letters. Make sure you find out what the program requirements are of the schools you are applying to so you can have the best possible application package.
If you do decide to take an SAT test, you can find plenty of study guides online that you can use independently, or seek the help of a tutor that can help you prepare.
Toronto remains a top choice for international students and locals who prefer the amenities of an urban metropolis with multiple universities and lots of multicultural flair.
Is it Easy to Find Chemistry Tutors Online?
Chemistry tutors are easy to find online thanks to Superprof Canada. Superprof Canada helps Canadian students connect with tutors fast: you can use the site to find dozens of chemistry tutors near you. Superprof tutors can work with students at all different levels of their learning, whether you are taking high school chemistry or are in a third year university course. Simply use the search tool on the site to browse the profiles of chemistry tutors, and message them directly to see if they will be a good fit.
Chemistry tutoring is an excellent and cost efficient way to support your success and learning in school. A tutor can help you review new concepts, plan assignments, provide feedback on your work, or prepare for exams. You can work with a tutor for as much or as little as you need to, amping up sessions for a big test or scaling down when you simply need someone to help you review.
It's easy to organize a meeting session with a Superprof tutor. Simply use the messaging system on the site and set up an initial meeting. Find you chemistry tutor on Superprof today!
Canada is known around the world for its incredible natural landscapes, strong economy, and world class university system. Find out the best cities for studying chemistry in Canada!
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