USC Aiken Chemistry and Physics

The Department of Chemistry and Physics strives to offer curricula of high academic quality, to foster an environment supportive of scholarly activity, to provide service courses for the general education of undergraduate students, and to serve as a resource for the community. To this end, the department offers a B.S. Degree with a major in Chemistry, a minor in Chemistry, and courses that may be used to satisfy the chemistry and physics requirements that are stipulated by other degrees, or to satisfy the General Education Requirements in science.

Students pursuing a major in chemistry will be exposed to all major areas of chemistry: Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical. As a result of recent action by the American Chemical Society's Committee of Professional Training, biochemistry is being integrated into the curriculum in core courses and as a free-standing course. In addition to traditional coursework, a senior research project is required, which involves the student working closely with one of the faculty over a one year period. The end result of the program is a prepared student that is familiar with all areas of chemistry, able to work both independently and within groups, and able to communicate effectively.

The career paths chosen by our alumni testify to the excellent preparation. Our former students have chosen careers in medicine, industry, and environmental science. Several of our graduates have continued their education by attending graduate school in chemistry and/or the environmental sciences. In fact, our graduates have enjoyed a 100% success rate in finding employment or entering the graduate program of their choice within 90 days of graduation.