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Department of Physical Sciences
James Willcutt, Head
McEver Hall, Room 12
(479) 9680361
James.Willcutt@mail.atu.edu
Fax: (479) 964-0837
Professors: Allen, Cohoon, Hemmati
Associate Professors: Baker, Robertson, Willcutt
Assistant Professors: Bhuiyan, Gonzalez-Espada, Graham, Hardcastle, Sadoski, Trantham
Instructors: Gann, FulmerThe Department of Physical Sciences offers majors in chemistry, engineering physics, geology, and physical science. Students interested in teaching science in secondary schools should follow the curriculum in science set forth in this catalog under the teacher licensure curricula, School of Education.
The statements and curricula for each of the various degrees are listed below.
Chemistry
The primary purpose of the chemistry program is to educate students in an area of science which is rapidly expanding. The chemists of today are involved in the development of a multitude of new materials such as plastics, drugs, and agricultural products. Research chemists are conducting studies of the fundamental nature of matter which lead to expanded knowledge in medicine and biology. Each course in chemistry stresses laws, theories, and applications in the lecture portion and offers students the opportunity to have "handson" experience in well equipped laboratories.
Chemistry is one of the highly recommended courses of study for students interested in pursuing careers in a variety of professional endeavors such as the health sciences: medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and paramedical fields.
Chemistry offers three curricula. The "General Option" is specifically designed with a minimum of required courses so that students, in cooperation with their faculty academic advisors, can exercise a maximum degree of flexibility in tailoring programs to meet their individual aspirations. By judiciously choosing electives, individuals can enrich these minimum requirements to prepare for futures in law, technical marketing, environmental science, computer science, technical writing, toxicology, education, technical illustration, engineering, health sciences, and biochemistry.
Chemistry also offers an option in environmental studies. The objective of this curriculum is to bring together the disciplines of chemistry, biology, and geology as applied to the environment. Emphasis will be on interdisciplinary approaches to environmental studies.
The program is certified by the American Chemical Society and also offers an "A.C.S. Certified Option." This option is especially recommended for students who plan to pursue graduate studies in chemically related fields or those persons wishing to seek employment as industrial chemists.
Chemistry majors must earn a grade of "C" or better in all chemistry courses (including transfer credits) in order to satisfy graduation requirements.
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
2Depending on previous preparation, student should recognize that prerequisite mathematics courses may be required before enrolling in MATH 2914.
3Science elective must be a BIOL, GEOL, PHYS, or PHSC course excluding PHSC 1013, PHSC1021, and BIOL 1014.
4Semesters of German, Statistics, and Technical Communications are especially encouraged. (Electives must include sufficient upper-level courses to result in a total of 40 hours at the 3000-4000 level.)
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
2Depending on previous preparation, student should recognize that prerequisites may be required before enrolling in BIOL 1134.
3On preparation, student should recognize that prerequisite mathematics courses may be required before enrolling in MATH 2243.
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
2Depending on previous preparation, student should recognize that prerequisite mathematics courses may be required before enrolling in MATH 2914.
3Two semesters of German, Statistics, and Technical Communications are especially encouraged. (Electives must include sufficient upper-level courses to result in a total of 40 hours at the 3000-4000 level.)
Geology
The science of geology seeks to develop an understanding of the Earth's physical and chemical processes, environmental systems, and natural resources. Geologists work in a variety of areas, discovering new sources of fossil fuels, minerals, and economically important rocks. Volcanoes, earthquakes, landforms, surface and subsurface water, earth history, and fossils are all subjects for study. Also, geologists may work as members of an interdisciplinary team in planning construction projects, sanitary landfills, mine land reclamation, and other environmentally-oriented projects. Employment opportunities for geologists exist in private industry, state and federal government agencies, and teaching at all levels.
Geology students may follow programs designed to prepare them for entry into graduate school, employment in the geotechnical field, or secondary school earth science teaching. The best opportunities exist for students who continue their education and complete the master's or doctor's degree in geology. Major oil and gas companies generally require the master's degree for an entry-level position. Also, excellent employment opportunities are available in the environmental geotechnical field.
The geology major will study for a bachelor of science degree. This degree requires a minimum of 124 semester hours with a minimum of 43 semester hours in geology (professional option), or a minimum of 36 semester hours in geology (environmental option). Students interested in teaching as a profession should follow the Earth Science curriculum listed under teacher licensure curricula, School of Education. Additional departmental courses and related courses may be specified for geology majors following particular emphasis programs; and for some emphasis programs, substitutions of the above list may be required. Strongly recommended are MATH 2914 and 2924, or 2163 and 3153.
The geology program is fully interdisciplinary and the student and his/her advisor can "build" an academic program through selection of appropriate electives to suit the special needs and interests of the student.
Introduction to Computer Based Systems (COMS 1003), FORTRAN Programming (COMS 1103), Calculus I (MATH 2914) or Introduction to Statistical Methods (MATH 2163)
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
Physical Science - General Option
The baccalaureate degree in physical science offers a program of study in which the student can elect a major emphasis in the physical sciences department. The curriculum is designed with enough flexibility so that students may prepare for a number of professions. Additionally, a broad scientific background can be provided in this curriculum for students anticipating the teaching of science in the secondary schools. The physical science degree curriculum is ideally suited for students planning a military career as it affords a desirable general scientific background.
To qualify for a baccalaureate degree in physical science (general option), the student must complete the following minimum number of semester hours; eight hours in biology, eight hours in chemistry, eleven hours in physics, four hours in geology (eleven hours in secondary education majors), and eleven hours in mathematics. The student must also complete an additional 29 semester hours in four of the following subject areas: chemistry, engineering, geology, mathematics, physics, and physical science (BIOL 1014 and PHSC 1013, 1021 may not be counted in these hours).
Physical Principles (PHYS 2014, 2024) or General Physics (PHYS 2114, 2124)
Physical Sciences or Mathematics Electives (30004000 level)2
Physical Sciences or Mathematics Electives (30004000 level)2
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
2MATH 3033, Methods of Teaching Elementary Mathematics.
3Select course appropriate to student's knowledge of computers.
Physical Science - Physics Option
It is the physicist's task to relate the abstract domain of mathematics to the real world. The ability to apply the laws of logic to the reasoning process is the student physicist's prime mental asset. Imagination and vision are also important to the physicist. Vast amounts of information are assimilated into a few fundamental laws or theories in such diversified fields as optics, mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics.
The physics curriculum is designed to serve the needs of students in the fields of engineering, medicine, and other sciences. The junior and senior courses are tailored for students who desire a concentration in physics for a bachelor of science degree in physical science and/or wish to pursue graduate study in areas such as physics and/or astronomy.
To qualify for a bachelor of science degree in the physical science (physics option) program area, the student must take eight hours in chemistry, three hours in computer science, 27 hours in mathematics, and a minimum of 30 hours in physics. Twenty-two semester hours in these courses must be at the 3000 or 4000 level. A minimum of 38 hours must be taken in the Department of Physical Science.
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
2Seven hours of electives must be in physics, chemistry, geology, biology, engineering, or computer science.
3MATH 3033, MATH 3123, and MATH 4113 may not be included in these electives.
Physical Science - Nuclear Physics Option
The nuclear physics curriculum is designed to provide a baccalaureate degree program for persons employed or those interested in employment in the nuclear power industry. The program provides a combination of courses which will form a firm theoretical foundation for those presently employed as nuclear power plant operators. Students without nuclear power industry experience or training will, in addition to the theoretical education provided through the program, receive sufficient training to enter nuclear power plant specific training. Graduates will also be prepared to enter a graduate school in nuclear physics or nuclear engineering.
Specific course requirements for the degree are listed in the curriculum which follows.
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
Engineering Physics
Students graduating with an engineering physics degree will be well qualified for jobs requiring highly technical skills and theoretical knowledge. Also, the degree program will prepare students for graduate studies in the fields of physics and engineering. However, those interested in employment immediately after graduation will have numerous alternatives for career choices. Job opportunities for an engineering physics graduate could include employment in industries such as: McDonnell Douglas/Boeing, Texas Instruments, Honeywell, Microsoft, Polaroid, Union Carbide, National Institute of Standards & Technology, Entergy, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Dow Chemical. Also, government agencies such as NASA, National Bureau of Standards, Office of Naval Research, Department of Energy, etc., provide additional employment opportunities for engineering physics graduates.
To qualify for a baccalaureate degree in engineering physics, the student must complete eight hours in chemistry, three hours in computer science, 18 hours in mathematics, 33 hours in physics (including the core physics courses), and 26 hours in engineering. Specific course requirements for the degree are listed in the curriculum which follows.
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
2MATH 3033, MATH 3123, and MATH 4113 may not be included in these electives.
3For engineering physics majors PHYS 3023 and PHYS 4003 will satisfy the prerequisites for ENGR 3013 and ENGR 4403.
PreProfessional Programs
Arkansas Tech University offers complete pre-professional training programs in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. Statements and curricula for these programs are listed below.
PreMedical or PreDental
Dr. Robert Allen
Dr. Scott Kirkconnell, Coordinators
McEver Hall,
Rooms 20C & 13AStudents who plan to complete a bachelor of science degree before entering professional school may take their major in another area but must include as electives the specific courses required by the school of their choice.
It is recommended that students pursuing this course of study plan to graduate with a major in biology, chemistry, physical science or natural science even though the professional field requires only two or three years of college work for admission. Requirements are subject to change and most professional schools are already admitting only students with baccalaureate degrees.
PrePharmacy
Few professions can surpass pharmacy in abundance of opportunities. In addition to the very large demand for pharmacists to work in the local pharmacies, many professional pharmacists are medicalservice representatives, drug salesmen, executive officers of industry and government, and teachers and researchers in medical fields. Dr. Sadoski serves as the pre-pharmacy advisor.
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
2Electives in areas such as history, government, sociology, literature, and psychology.
PrePhysical Therapy
At the earliest convenience after the decision to study in the field, students should contact an institution of their choice and inquire about the prerequisite study program and other requirements for admission into the professional curriculum. Due to the rapidly changing availability of Physical Therapy degree programs and due to changes in entrance requirements, students should seek the most current information available. Searches on the World Wide Web are the best way to get the most current information. An advisor from the biology department can guide the student's registration at Tech when the student has secured a curriculum and entrance requirements for a Physical Therapy school that can meet his or her needs.
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