USask chemistry programs earn national accreditation
Canadian Society for Chemistry accreditation confirms undergraduate students receive a high-quality education
By Chris Putnam
Two undergraduate chemistry programs at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have received accreditation from the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC).
The four-year Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science (Honours) programs from USask’s Department of Chemistry have had their accreditation renewed by the CSC—the national technical organization for Canadian chemists—for the years 2023–31.
“Accreditation assures our undergraduate students that the programs they take are high-quality, nationally recognized and provide an education that will enable them to compete for jobs in the modern workforce,” said Dr. Matthew Paige (PhD), Thorvaldson professor and head of the Department of Chemistry.
The chemistry department in the College of Arts and Science was first accredited 25 years ago by the CSC. Achieving accreditation requires meeting rigorous standards for both in-class instruction and laboratory experimental work. Students who complete an accredited degree have the basic training needed to register as professional chemists in provinces that offer that designation.
A CSC accreditation team spent time with students, staff and faculty to assess the USask programs.
“The accreditation not only ensures we are offering a complete and modern curriculum, but that the department is providing the environment and supports that ensure our students’ success and wellbeing,” said Dr. David Palmer (PhD), a USask professor of chemistry who led the accreditation review process.
Accreditation is an acknowledgement of the world-class education USask offers in chemistry, said Paige.
“While our faculty, teaching staff and facilities are excellent, what also sets us apart are research opportunities for senior undergraduate students that are unique in Canada. Our students have access to research facilities like the Canadian Light Source and the Saskatchewan Centre for Cyclotron Sciences, and can experience cutting-edge, impactful research even during their undergraduate degrees.”
Learn more about undergraduate chemistry programs on the USask admissions website.
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