Chemistry, Physics, and Geology Programs
ACS Approved Chemistry and Biochemistry Program
The pursuit and dissemination of national-caliber undergraduate research is the central focus of Winthrop's American Chemical Society (ACS) approved professional undergraduate program in chemistry and biochemistry. This research-centered, engaged-learning experience provides students with a nationally recognized professional certification designed to prepare them for industrial and graduate opportunities in fields such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental engineering, education, forensics, patent law, energy production, dentistry, polymers, business, chemicals, bioengineering, materials, chemical engineering, health sciences, cosmetics, ceramics, national defense, foods and flavors, and biomedical research. Chemists represent the nation's largest group of industrial scientists.
Winthrop's chemistry and biochemistry program centers on these fundamental values:
- A dynamic learning environment enriched by diverse cultural and intellectual perspectives
- Effective student-faculty and student-student interactions
- Dedicated students and colleagues who are excited about learning
- Academically rigorous coursework throughout the curriculum
- Ethical behavior & best practices for human health, sustainability, & chemical hygiene
- Intellectual development in all five disciplines of chemistry
- Strategic partnerships with contacts in academia, industry and government
- On-campus collaborations and collegiality with contemporaries from all disciplines
- Balanced lifestyles, engagement in meaningful activities, and informed citizen service
- Faculty as recognized experts in their fields.
Winthrop offers a professional certification in chemistry with an American Chemical Society (ACS) approved chemistry program considered by many to be the gold standard for science education. Students become professionally-certified ACS chemistry graduates by completing one of five ACS degree tracks:
- ACS Biochemistry
- ACS Chemistry
- ACS Chemistry-Business
- ACS Engineering-Physics
- ACS Forensic Chemistry
A multidisciplinary chemistry degree program of study is also available and designed for maximum flexibility to meet a broad array of students interests or needs.
Minor in Applied Physics
The minor in applied physics consists of 17 semester hours of PHYS:
9 hours from
Students with majors in biology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics may count physics courses required by the major (PHYS 211-212 or 201-202) toward the physics minor.
Minor in Chemistry
The minor in chemistry consists of 18 semester hours of CHEM (excluding 104) to include at least 6 hours in courses numbered above 299. Chemistry courses required for other majors can also be counted for the chemistry minor.
Minor in Geology
The minor in geology consists of 18 semester hours in GEOL, including
And at least 6 hours in GEOL courses numbered above 299.
Minor in General Science
The minor in general science consists of at least 18 semester hours of coursework selected from BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, or PHYS, to include
Courses included in a major may not be counted in the general science minor. At least 6 hours must be in courses numbered above 299.
Pre-Professional Programs
Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental and Pre-Pharmacy Programs
Students who wish to prepare for application to medical, dental, or pharmacy school should acquire a broad foundation in the natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, and the social sciences. Chemistry is a popular major for such students since it allows them to complete the pre-professional requirements without taking a large number of courses outside the major. In addition, professional schools accept a higher percentage of chemistry applicants than most other majors. These schools generally require two semesters of each of the following courses: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics (preferably calculus), and English Composition and Literature. Biochemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Genetics, and Microbiology are also strongly recommended. All of these courses can be used to fulfill requirements necessary for a major in chemistry.
Pre-Engineering Program
Engineering programs require students to complete fundamental math and science courses to include Calculus I, II, & III, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, General Chemistry I & II, Calculus-based Physics I & II, computer science, and several engineering science courses during their first several years of college. The Pre-Engineering program at Winthrop provides an opportunity to take these courses in a setting characterized by small classes, individual faculty attention, and access to modern instrumentation. Former Winthrop students in this program have successfully transferred into engineering programs at Clemson, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Florida State and North Carolina State.