Majors and More
Chemistry, Physics, and Geology Programs
ACS Approved Chemistry and Biochemistry Program
Students major in chemistry to pursue industrial or graduate
opportunities in medicine, environmental science, computational molecular modeling, forensics, plastics, chemistry, textiles,
health sciences, materials science, energy production, biotechnology, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences,
ceramics, environmental engineering, or toxicology. Chemists represent the largest group of industrial scientists in
the United States; approximately 50% of all research and development positions in this country are filled by professionals
with chemistry or chemical engineering backgrounds.
Students majoring in chemistry can select one of seven degree
tracks to tailor their curricula to meet their long-term professional objectives. Two degree tracks meet
American Chemical Society (ACS) requirements for a professional certification
in chemistry upon graduation:
- ACS Biochemistry
- ACS Chemistry
- Chemistry-Business
- Engineering-Physics
- Forensic Chemistry
The chemistry degree track is designed for maximum flexibility to
meet a broad array of student interests or needs; the biochemistry degree track is designed to meet the needs
of students interested in those health professions that do not require undergraduate research. The ACS Biochemistry track
was the nation’s first American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)-Accredited
program.
Minor in Applied Physics
The minor in applied physics consists of 17 semester hours of PHYS:
- PHYS 201 (4) General Physics I
and
- PHYS 202 (4) General Physics II
OR
- PHYS 211 (4) Physics with Calculus I
and
- PHYS 212 (4) Physics with Calculus II
9 hours from
- PHYS 301 (3) Modern Physics
- PHYS 315 (3) Circuit Analysis
- PHYS 350 (3) Thermodynamics
- PHYS 331 (3) Engineering Mechanics: Statics
- PHYS 321 (3) Materials Science
or PHYS 332 (3) Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics
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
- GEOL 110 (3) Physical Geology
- GEOL 113 (1) Physical Geology Laboratory
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
- PHYS 201 (4) General Physics I
- PHYS 202 (4) General Physics II
OR
- PHYS 211 (4) Physics with Calculus I
- PHYS 212 (4) Physics with Calculus II
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.