Chemists Lucy Grace Todd and Carolyn Gregory, ©UWinnipeg
After an intense application process, UWinnipeg’s chemistry Bachelor of Science degree programs have been accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC). This accreditation recognizes that UWinnipeg’s undergraduate programs meet national standards, providing high quality student experiences and portability of degree credentials.
UWinnipeg’s chemistry department is renowned for its high quality instruction and small class sizes. It also offers great opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in cutting-edge faculty-led research programs, normally reserved for graduate students at other institutions.
The degree programs that are nationally recognized are the 4-year BSc Chemistry, BSc Chemistry (Honours) and BSc Chemistry (joint program in applied chemistry, UWinnipeg and Red River College). Chemistry students graduating from the above programs will receive a formal accreditation certificate from the CSC.
“This accreditation certifies that we have modern and well-maintained infrastructure and a comprehensive chemistry curriculum for the training of future scientists in the area of chemistry,” said Dr. Athar Ata, Chair. “It also illustrates that our program is competitive and that our students will be well-prepared for careers in academia, industry and all government sectors.”
Carolyn Gregory recently graduated with her Bachelor of Science, Honours in chemistry, with a double major in 3-year math. Gregory describes the chemistry program as amazing, and says much of that has to do with her professors. The faculty are dedicated in their field and this translates into their teaching.
“They’ve always been encouraging us students to explore research and further opportunities in chemistry,” said Gregory. “This accreditation is an example that gives our program a wider recognition. It also serves to confirm what we already knew – that our education, our professors and our fellow students are nothing short of excellent.”
Fellow chemist and student, Lucy Todd agrees. She is currently in her last year of pursuing a Bachelor of Science, Honours in Chemistry, and says her professors have prepared her for her future academic pursuits.
“I’ve learnt so much and have built so many incredible friendships. I’m especially grateful to the professors, who care about their students. They are always willing to answer any questions, (no matter how ridiculous) and to encourage students to really understand new concepts!”
The achievement follows a concentrated effort by the Department of Chemistry involving a site visit with interviews of students, staff, faculty, and administrators, as well as an evaluation of teaching and research facilities. “I would like to acknowledge the faculty and staff in the chemistry department for this important accomplishment.” said Faculty of Science Dean, Dr. Doug Goltz, also a chemist.
Currently in Canada, there are over 40 Universities that have achieved accreditation of their chemistry and biochemistry programs through the CSC. The CSC is a non-profit association with thousands of members, representing a diverse group of chemists in academia, industry and government.
The CSC is recognized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) as the technical organization for Canadian chemists. The Federation of Canadian Professional Chemists (FCPC) and its provincial Associations formally recognize the CSC as being responsible for the accreditation of university academic programs in chemistry.
