Chemistry and Physics Department
Department of Chemistry and Physics
Robert Magruder (chair), W. David Driskill (professor emeritus), Kimberlee Entsminger, Davon Ferrara, Danielle Garrett, Duane Hatch, Scott Hawley, Krista McBride, Julia Miller*, Ahad Nasab*, Alison Moore-Parker, Rachel Rigsby, Stephen Robinson, Justin Stace.
*Part-time
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:
1. To prepare students for graduate study and/or professional studies.
2. To prepare students for employment in positions related to their major fields of study.
3. To prepare students for teaching positions at the middle school and secondary school levels.
4. 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 Arts in Chemistry, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Bachelor of Science in Physics, Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics, Bachelor of Science in Medical Physics, 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. The Medical Physics Major is designed for students interested in pursuing a physics-related career in the health sciences. The program is interdisciplinary, offering a diverse curriculum combining courses from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Computer Science areas. Medical Physics is designed particularly to prepare students who want to pursue graduate careers in nuclear medicine, radiation oncology and diagnostic radiology. This program requires no minor.
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.