SERMACS 2002
General Information

Charleston International Airport provides commercial air service to the entire trident region. Delta, Continental, USAir and Midway are the primary carriers. Amtrak provides daily rail service. Two interstate highways (1-26 and I-526), four major U.S. Highways, and seven major state highways serve the area. Interstate 526 (the Mark Clark Expressway) is a new freeway which forms a semi-circle across the region - from US 17S to US 17N.

As in other coastal cities, recreation in Charleston centers around water. Tennis and golf are popular, too and the mild climate makes them year-round sports. The City operates a municipal golf course and 40 tennis courts. The City's numerous parks and scenic, tree-lined streets provide ample space and a beautiful backdrop for walking, jogging and cycling.

Charleston is the second largest city in South Carolina with an estimated 1998 population of 100,122. Between 1980 and 1990 Charleston grew 15 percent while the nation as a whole grew 9.8 percent. The Charleston Metropolitan Statistical Area encompasses three counties: Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester. In 1990, the population of this tri-county region was 506,875.

Founded in 1770 and chartered in 1785, the College of Charleston is the oldest institution of higher education in the state of South Carolina and the thirteenth oldest in the United States. In 1836 the College of Charleston became the, nation's first municipal college when the city of Charleston assumed responsibility for its support and mandated that the College be "a Popular institution, intended for the great body of the people." From approximately 400 students in 1970, it now has a total student body of over 11,000. It is now a public, a state assisted, liberal arts and sciences comprehensive university. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has received commendations for excellence from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and offers ACS certified programs in chemisrty, biochemistry, and environmental chemistry.

sc aquariumThe South Carolina Aquarium showcases aquatic life from the five major regions found in South Carolina: Mountain Forest, Piedmont, Coastal Plain, Coast, and the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors journey from the mountains to the sea exploring plants, animals and habitats and their interdependence on one another. Along with habitat re-creations, many exhibits include text and graphics panels, video presentations, interactive displays and toddler exhibits. The Aquarium's structure extends 200 feet out over Charleston Harbor.

SERMACS 2002