Chemistry Department

Associate Professor Magers; Chair
Associate Professor Kelley

Modern chemistry is an interdisciplinary subject with applications to medicine, industry, and technology. Known as the “central science,” chemistry has either roots or application to every branch of science. This department emphasizes the fundamental principles of chemistry, biochemistry and chemical physics while developing experimental, analytical and problem-solving skills. All of the courses in the Chemistry Department are grounded in a foundation of Christian ethics and stewardship for the development of sustainable modern communities.

A major in chemistry prepares the student for graduate studies, for industry, and for entry into the health professions. The mastery of analytical and problem-solving techniques also provides an excellent basis for a wide range of service, management, and leadership roles in society. Students will work hands-on with chemical instrumentation in our modern laboratories and may elect to increase the breadth and depth of their studies by choosing a concentration in either Biochemistry or Chemical Physics.

All Chemistry majors will be required to take the American Chemical Society standardized tests in General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry areas during their graduating semester at a time to be determined by the departmental chairman. Students electing for concentrations in Biochemistry or Chemical Physics (see below) will take an additional test in their subject area.

Those students who desire to attend a graduate school in chemistry should plan to take 36-38 hours of chemistry as well as additional courses in biology, physics, and mathematics depending upon the chosen area of specialization.

Physics (PHY)

Associate Professor Magers; Chair

Physics is the most fundamental physical science. Its primary concern is with the basic principles of our physical environment. Physics has been successful at predicting how nature will behave based on the experimental data obtained in other situations. The ideas studied in physics have proven to be so fundamental that they are required for nearly every technical field including science, technology, engineering, and medicine. The department of physics seeks to offer its students a comprehensive understanding of the physical world. The laboratory focuses on data analysis, operating modern lab equipment, problem solving, and exploring fundamental relationships between different variables. Students will take classes related to motion, dynamics, forces, mechanics, sound, waves, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, electrodynamics, astronomy, energy, and more.