Department of Chemistry and Physics

Rachel Rigsby (chair), Kimberlee Entsminger, Davon Ferrara, Danielle Garrett, Duane Hatch, Scott Hawley, Robert Magruder (professor emeritus), Krista McBride, Hua Mei, Alison Moore-Parker, Stephen Robinson, Justin Stace, and Matt Zeh.

Vision:

The vision of the Chemistry and Physics Department is to provide our students with the skills and knowledge to engage in a life-long inquiry into physical phenomena. Such an experience includes preparation for additional formal study, for career opportunities, and for a reflective and meaningful life.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Chemistry and Physics Department is to provide students with a variety of academically challenging educational experiences that enhance their understanding of the physical world and their relation to it.

Goals:

The curriculum of the Chemistry and Physics Department has the following objectives:

To prepare students for graduate study and/or professional studies.
To prepare students for employment in positions related to their major fields of study.
To prepare students for teaching positions at the middle school and secondary school levels.
To enhance the understanding and appreciation that students have of the impact that science has on their daily lives.

The Department of Chemistry and Physics offers programs of study leading to the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Bachelor of Science or Arts in Physics, Bachelor of Science or Arts in Engineering Physics, Bachelor of Science or Arts in Biophysics, and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Studies.

The Department offers three programs in Physics. Each program offers a balanced presentation of theory and application. A Physics Major is designed for students whose career plans include attending graduate school, seek employment in industry or teach physics at the secondary level. An Engineering Physics Major is for students interested in the area of applied physics and/or who plan to attend graduate school in engineering. A biophysics program prepares students for graduate work and a career in biophysics. Minors are not required for Engineering Physics or Biophysics programs.

Belmont University offers a major in Chemistry with various emphases, allowing students to tailor a program of study in chemistry to fit their needs. Depending on your personal interests and career ambitions, you will find that one of our emphases can help you attain your goals. Areas of emphasis include:

Advanced Chemistry is designed for students considering careers in chemical research. Providing a rigorous foundation in organic, analytical, and physical chemistry as well as undergraduate research opportunities, it is ideal for students interested in pursuing graduate study in chemistry.
Pre-health Chemistry includes chemistry courses required for admission to medical, dental, pharmacy, and other health-related professional schools, emphasizing organic, biochemistry and biophysical chemistry. Other chemistry courses provide a strong core for later success in health-related fields. Successful completion of this program of study provides students with an excellent background for satisfying medical school admission requirements as well as preparation for standardized tests.
Applied Chemistry concentrates on more technical aspects of chemistry. Courses in analysis & instrumentation as well as internship opportunities position students for success in quality assurance or control labs, environmental monitoring, forensics, or scientific equipment sales.
Chemistry Education is designed for students wanting to pursue teaching in chemistry or a related area at the secondary-education level. Students in this emphasis may minor in education and apply for admission to Belmont’s accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching program. This specialized ‘4+1’ program allows students to complete a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, then earn a master’s degree in education and be eligible for teaching licensure in the fifth (+1) year.

Major available through the Biology department:

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S.

Physics Majors and Minors

All students who major in Physics, Engineering Physics, or Biophysics will need to complete an introductory physics sequence, calculus I and II, the physics core and research sequences, and additional requirements based on the major. Some of these requirements will count towards the general education curriculum. Detailed descriptions are below. Although they are not required, students are strongly urged to take MTH 2210 Calculus III , and MTH 2240 Differential Equations , during the year following the introductory sequence.

Students are strongly encouraged to take the calculus-based introductory physics sequence (Option 1 below). However, with advisor approval, Options 2 or 3 may be chosen based on an individual student’s academic needs:

Option 1: PHY 1610 , PHY 1620 (preferred), MTH 1210 Calculus I , and MTH 1220 Calculus II , are co-requisites); Option 2: PHY 1110 /PHY 1115 , PHY 1120 /PHY 1125 (pre-calculus is a prerequisite); Option 3: PHY 1140 /PHY 1145 , PHY 2010 , and PHY 2250 (pre-calculus is a prerequisite). If students take Option 3, then PHY 2250 replaces an elective.

The physics core consists of the following courses for a total of 14 credit hours and designed to provide a solid foundation in physics for all students in the major:

PHY 2230 Introduction to Modern Physics (4 hours) PHY 3110 Analytical Mechanics (3) PHY 3120 Electricity and Magnetism (4) PHY 4210 Quantum Mechanics I (3)

The physics research sequence consists of the following courses for a total of 6 hours: PHY 4010 Advanced Laboratory (2) PHY 3700 Research in Physics I (1) PHY 4700 Research in Physics II (2) PHY 4050 Physics Senior Seminar (1)

Physics 4700 may be replaced by two semesters of research in the form of an independent study.