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Department of Physical Sciences

Zuzana Zajickova, Ph.D., Chair

Faculty: Boulos, Giannotti, Goehl, Hamilton, Tsesarskaia

Department Mission

The mission of the Department of Physical Sciences is congruent with the mission of the university. Derived from the liberal arts tradition, the study of physical sciences provides students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge in support of the intellectual life, through emphasis on life-long learning of chemistry and physics. The study of science provides students with the means to develop number sense, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking skills that would enable them to approach scientific problems in a systematic, logical and rational way. These acquired sets of skills foster the student’s personal growth and allow for both individual and collaborative work through the ethical use of data and responsible ways of waste disposal methods. The department provides hands-on experience with modern instrumentation through teaching and research, as well as exposure to most sub-disciplines of chemistry and physics. These opportunities broaden the scope of knowledge and educational interest, which would benefit both the students and society as a whole. Acquired knowledge of the basic sciences, upon graduation, prepares students for either the workforce or graduate study in chemistry/biochemistry or for admission to professional programs such as dental, medical, veterinary, and pharmacy schools. The department is committed to serving the local and global community through participation and involvement in outreach activities and through meaningful efforts to contribute to social justice.

Courses in the chemistry major are designed to fulfill the following learning goals. Students will:

  1. Formulate and carry out strategies for solving scientific problems;
  2. Master laboratory technical skills and knowledge, carry out scientific experiments, keep an accurate account of scientific data, gain research experience, be able to understand the basic principles and applications of modern instrumentation, computation, experimental design, and data analysis;
  3. Communicate chemistry and physics information both in written and oral forms, search the science literature, co-author research papers, and present research data at both regional and national conferences;
  4. Demonstrate awareness of the broader implications of chemical processes on society and their impact on the environment (e.g., technological advances/applications, laboratory safety, and waste disposal/ecological impact);
  5. Acquire substantive knowledge in the major areas of chemistry (inorganic, organic, physical, analytical, and biochemistry); and
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of the most relevant aspects of Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Electromagnetism, and to show ability to solve problems in these areas.