Department of Physical Sciences
Pam Bryant, Ph.D. - Head
FACULTY: Gerry Clarkson, Ph.D.; Derek Smith, D.Chem.; Gary Succaw, Ph.D.
Purpose
1. To enable students, science majors and non-majors alike, to develop a scientific literacy, through:
(1) appreciation of the contributions of science to modern life; (2) development of an awareness of measuresnecessary for personal safety and ecological responsibility in this scientific era; and (3) developmentof a background of information in the physical science discipline studied.
2. The department of physical sciences offers a curriculum such that graduates with a major in Chemistry will 1) understand, effectively communicate, and practice the basic theories of Chemistry, 2) obtain positions as scientist, educators, and/or obtain admission to a graduate or professional school of their choice, 3) will be prepared to compete in their chosen field.
3. The Department of Physical Sciences offers a curriculum such that graduates with a major in Forensic Science will 1) understand, communicate effectively and engage thoughtfully in the practice of forensic science; 2) obtain positions as laboratory scientists or investigators or procure admission to a graduate program and 3) compete ably in either of these avenues.
All students seeking middle school (4-8) and/or high school (8-12) teacher certification in the physical sciences should consult the requirements listed in the School of Education in this catalog. In addition, students must be advised by the physical sciences faculty and the faculty of the School of Education.
All prerequisites must carry a grade of “C” or better, or consent of instructor.
Chemistry
Students majoring in chemistry must complete 30 to 36 hours in chemistry chosen in consultation with the head of the physical science department and may choose between a standard chemistry degree and a chemistry with a biochemistry concentration as outlined below.
Standard Chemistry Major: CHE 1479, 1489, 2331, 2139, 2341, 2149, 3311, 3119, 3321, 3129, 3469, 4111, and two of the following: 4381, 4439, 4449, or 4469. This major is highly recommended as a preparation for further related studies in graduate school, professional schools and work in industry. Students planning to teach may substitute electives for CHE 4381, 4439, 4449, or 4469 as approved by the head of the physical sciences department.
Chemistry Major with Biochemistry Concentration: In addition to the 36 hours listed above, students must take a minor in biology including BIO 1459, 1469, 3419, 3429, 4439, and 4372 or 4429. Approved by the American Society of Biological Chemists, this curriculum is an excellent preparation for medical and dental schools, as well as for biomedically oriented research and graduate studies in biochemistry.
Chemistry majors should take ENG 3306, MAT 2351 and 2361, SCI 3318, SCI 4109, SCI 4209, and eight hours of general or university physics as part of their general education and/or electives.
Chemistry/Academy of Freedom Double Major: Students interested in executive positions in sciencerelated governmental agencies or industries are advised to consider this program, detailed further in the catalog’s Academy of Freedom section.
A minor in chemistry shall consist of 18-24 semester hours of chemistry approved by the head of the physical sciences department. The minor must include two of the following courses: CHE 3311, 3321, 3469, 4381, 4439, 4449, or 4469. CHE 1429 will not count toward a minor.
CHEMISTRY 1101–4609. SPECIAL STUDIES.
Special courses not a part of the regular schedule, offered on an irregular schedule.
Prerequisite: None.
One to six semester hours
CHEMISTRY 1105. CHEMICAL CALCULATIONS I.
Problem-solving techniques for CHE 1479 General Chemistry I. One-hour lecture per week. Fall.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in CHE 1479 or consent of department head.
One semester hour
CHEMISTRY 1106. CHEMICAL CALCULATIONS II.
Problem-solving techniques for CHE 1489 General Chemistry II. One-hour lecture per week. Spring.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in CHE 1489 or consent of department head.
One semester hour
CHEMISTRY 1429. FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY.
A beginning chemistry course for students in applied sciences who need only one semester of general chemistry. The course includes the structure, properties and changes in matter, quantitative relationships in reactions, solutions, equilibrium, pH, buffers and nuclear chemistry. Not recommended for science majors or preprofessional students in health related fields. Does not meet prerequisite for CHE 1489 or 2331. Two hours of laboratory per week. Fall.
Prerequisite: None.
Four semester hours
CHEMISTRY 1479, 1489. GENERAL CHEMISTRY I, II. (CHEM 1411, 1412)
A study of the fundamentals of chemistry with emphasis on atomic structure, chemical bonding, the periodic system, descriptive inorganic chemistry, equilibria and elementary thermodynamics of chemical systems. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. CHE 1479, Fall, Spring; CHE 1489, Spring. Concurrent enrollment in CHE 1105 and CHE 1106 respectively is highly recommended.
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in MAT 1351.
CHE 1479 is prerequisite to 1489, or consent of department head.
Four semester hours each
CHEMISTRY 2331, 2341. ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I, II. (CHEM 2323, 2325)
A study of organic chemistry emphasizing nomenclature, bonding, structural relationships to reactions; reaction types and mechanisms and synthetic methods. CHE 2331, Fall; CHE 2341, Spring.
Prerequisite: CHE 1489, 2331 is prerequisite to 2341.
Three semester hours each
CHEMISTRY 2139, 2149. ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I, II. (CHEM 2123, 2125)
A two-semester study of the laboratory techniques and methods used in modern organic chemistry. Must be taken concurrently with CHE 2331 or 2341. Four hours of laboratory per week. CHE 2139, Fall; CHE 2149, Spring.
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in CHE 2331 or 2341.
One semester hour each
CHEMISTRY 3001. LABORATORY ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP.
Students will gain experience in preparing, conducting, and evaluating laboratory studies.
Prerequisite: Consent of department head.
No credit
CHEMISTRY 3311, 3321. PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I, II.
A two-semester study of the physical properties and structure of matter together with chemical interactions from the perspectives of thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, chemical kinetics and symmetry. Three hours lecture per week. CHE 3311, Fall, even years; CHE 3321, Spring, odd years.
Prerequisite: CHE 1489, MAT 2351, PHY 1419.
Three semester hours each
CHEMISTRY 3119, 3129. PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I, II.
An introduction to the equipment, methods and laboratory skills needed in modern physical chemistry. Must be taken concurrently with CHE 3311 or 3321. Four hours of laboratory per week. CHE 3119, Fall, even years; CHE 3129, Spring, odd years.
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in CHE 3311 or 3321.
One semester hour each
CHEMISTRY 3469. QUANTITATIVE CHEMISTRY.
The theory and practice relating to the major analytical techniques in chemistry will be studied. These include gravimetric, volumetric, electrochemical and colorimetric methods of analysis. Two hours of lecture and eight hours of laboratory weekly. Fall, odd years.
Prerequisite: CHE 1489.
Four semester hours
CHEMISTRY 4000. TExES REVIEW FOR SECONDARY TEACHERS.
This course is designed to help students pass the chemistry section of the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES). Free of charge; pass/fail.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in EDU 4000.
No semester hours
CHEMISTRY 4111. SEMINAR.
Discussion and presentation of current topics in chemistry. Spring.
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in SCI 4209 or consent of department head.
One semester hour
CHEMISTRY 4381. ADVANCED INORGANIC CHEMISTRY.
A study of the chemistry of the main group elements including bonding, symmetry, periodic properties, and the chemistry of the transition elements. Three hours of lecture weekly.
Prerequisite: CHE 2331.
Three semester hours
CHEMISTRY 4391. POLYMER CHEMISTRY.
Basic chemistry and synthesis reactions of polymers. Effect of polymer structure and composition on mechanical properties. Viscoelastic behavior of amorphous polymers and response of crystalline polymers to stress. Electrical and optical properties.
Prerequisite: CHE 2341.
Three semester hours
CHEMISTRY 4439, 4449. BIOCHEMISTRY I, II.
Chemical studies of biological processes emphasizing conformation, metabolism, biosynthesis, genetic information and molecular physiology. Three hours lecture and four hours laboratory per week. CHE 4439, Fall, even years; CHE 4449, Spring, odd years.
Prerequisite: CHE 2341.
Four semester hours each
CHEMISTRY 4469. INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS.
The study of the principles upon which instrumentation is based along with the practical application of spectral interpretation. Two hours of lecture and six hours of laboratory per week. Spring, even years.
Prerequisite: CHE 3469.
Four semester hours
Forensic Science
Students majoring in Forensic Science must complete 36 semester hours in Chemistry, Forensic Science and Criminal Justice courses as specified below. Forensic Science majors may also choose to add a concentration in Chemistry or Criminal Justice.
Standard Forensic Science major: CHE 1479, 1489, 3469, 4469; FRS 2479, 2489, 3479, 4279, CRJ 1310 and 1320.
Additional suggested courses for Forensic Science majors considering post-baccalaureate study as part of their general education requirements and/or electives:
SCI 3318, MAT 2342 or CRJ 2351 (choose one)
BIO 1459, ENG 3306, CRJ 3301, MAT 2351, MAT 2361
Eight hours of general or university physics
Additional concentration in Chemistry or Criminal Justice
Concentrations available with the Forensic Science major:
In addition to the 36 hours listed above for the major, students wishing to add a concentration must also take the following courses in their chosen concentration:
Criminal Justice concentration: CRJ 3301, CRJ 4361 and six (6) additional hours chosen in consultation with the criminal justice faculty.
Chemistry concentration: CHE 2331, 2139, 2341, 2149, and either (CHE 4439, and 4449) or (CHE 3311, 3119, 3321, and 3129).
A minor in Forensic Science requires 24 semester hours, consisting of CHE 1479, 1489 and 3469; FRS 2479, 2489, and 3479.
Forensic Science-Academy of Freedom double major: Students interested in executive positions in law enforcement agencies are advised to consider this program, detailed further in the catalog's Academy of Freedom section.
FORENSIC SCIENCE 2479. INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE.
This course provides an overview of forensic science field training for the science and non-science major alike. The scientific method is applied to forensics with an emphasis on evidence and crime scene reconstruction. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with field samples, such as print and spatter analysis. Cross-credited with CRJ 2479. Only four credit hours will be awarded for CRJ 2479 and FRS 2479. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. Fall, odd years.
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in MAT 1351.
Four semester hours
FORENSIC SCIENCE 2489. SCIENTIFIC CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION.
This course focuses on the techniques, abilities and limitations of the modern crime laboratory and emphasizes current scientific technologies, techniques, practices and procedures employed in criminal investigation. Cross-credited with CRJ 2489. Only four credit hours will be awarded for CRJ 2489 and FRS 2489. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Spring, even years.
Prerequisite: FRS 2479, CRJ 1310 and CRJ 1320.
Four semester hours
FORENSIC SCIENCE 3479. CRIME SCENE ANALYSIS.
This course continues the analytical study of the latest methods of crime scene investigation and analysis and specifically addresses how to, when to and in what order to collect forensic data. Students will investigate old case studies of crime scenes and devise viable alternatives for the investigations using scientific reasoning and current methodologies. Cross-credited with CRJ 3479. Only four credit hours will be awarded for CRJ 3479 and FRS 3479. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Fall, even years.
Prerequisite: FRS 2489.
Four semester hours
FORENSIC SCIENCE 4279 FORENSIC FILES ANALYSIS.
This course is designed as a multi-disciplinary capstone to the forensic science curriculum. Students will study unsolved or hypothetical criminal cases and propose suitable procedures and techniques for scientifically investigating these cases. They will present their data in a mock trial with cross-examination before a judge and jury of faculty members and students. Cross-credited with CRJ 4279. Only two credit hours will be awarded for CRJ 4279 and FRS 4279. One hour lecture and two hours laboratory per week. Spring, odd years.
Prerequisite: FRS 2489. CHE 3469.
Two semester hours
Geology
GEOLOGY 1419. PHYSICAL GEOLOGY. (GEOL 1403)
The study of the materials of the earth’s crust. The physical processes by which the crust is formed and the resulting landscape. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. Spring, odd years.
Prerequisite: None.
Four semester hours
GEOLOGY 1429. HISTORICAL GEOLOGY. (GEOL 1404)
The history of the earth’s surface and of the various life forms which inhabit it. Three hours of lecture and one two hour laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: None.
Four semester hours
GEOLOGY 1449. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY.
An introduction to geology and its role in shaping the environment. Topics covered include natural hazards: earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, erosion; water, soil, mineral and energy resources; waste disposal and pollution as well as environmental law; land use planning and engineering. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week. Fall.
Prerequisite: None.
Four semester hours
Physical Science
These courses do not count toward a major in any of the sciences.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1409. PRINCIPLES OF ASTRONOMY.
An introduction to the basic concepts and principles from astronomy and physics with emphasis on the way scientific laws and theories are developed. A foundation for understanding the importance of science and technology in the world. Designed for non-science majors. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: None.
Four semester hours
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1419. PHYSICAL SCIENCE FOR ELEMENTARY EDUCATION.
An introduction to the basic concepts and principles of physics and astronomy with an emphasis on the way scientific theories are developed. This course is activity based and is designed for elementary education majors only. Topics discussed address some of the key subject matter in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for physical science.
Prerequisite: MAT 1321 or above.
Four semester hours
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1429. EARTH SCIENCE, CHEMISTRY AND THE WEATHER.
An introduction to the basic concepts and principles from meteorology, earth science and chemistry with emphasis on the way scientific laws and theories are developed. A foundation for understanding the importance of science and technology in the world. Designed for non-science majors and required for 4-8 Middle School Science certification. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: None.
Four semester hours
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1439. THE SCIENCE OF MUSIC.
An introduction to classical mechanics, oscillating systems and acoustics. The course will emphasize physical principles which provide a firm foundation in acoustical phenomena, room acoustics and the physics of musical instruments. This course will be especially useful to the music student. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: None.
Four semester hours
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1449. METEOROLOGY: WEATHER AND CLIMATE.
An introduction to the basic concepts and principles of the weather and climate with emphasis on the way scientific laws and theories are developed. A foundation for understanding the importance of science and technology in the world. Designed for non-science majors. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: None.
Four semester hours
Physics
PHYSICS 1101-4609. SPECIAL STUDIES.
Special courses not a part of the regular schedule, offered on an irregular schedule.
Prerequisite: None.
One to six semester hours
PHYSICS 1105. GENERAL PHYSICS CALCULATIONS I.
A problem-oriented course designed to assist students in mastering calculations for general physics.
Co-requisite: PHY 1419.
One semester hour
PHYSICS 1106. GENERAL PHYSICS CALCULATIONS II.
A problem-oriented course designed to assist students in mastering calculations for general physics.
Co-requisite: PHY 1429.
One semester hour
PHYSICS 1419. GENERAL PHYSICS I. (PHYS 1401)
The first semester of a two-semester, algebra-based sequence in classical physics, covering topics in mechanics, heat, and fluid flow. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory period per week. Fall, even years.
Prerequisite: MAT 1351 and high school trigonometry.
Four semester hours
PHYSICS 1429. GENERAL PHYSICS II. (PHYS 1402)
Continuation of PHY 1419, covering topics in electricity and magnetism, wave motion, and physical and geometric optics. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory period per week. Spring, odd years.
Prerequisite: PHY 1419.
Four semester hours
PHYSICS 2105. UNIVERSITY PHYSICS CALCULATIONS I.
A problem-oriented course designed to assist students in mastering calculations for university physics.
Co-requisite: PHY 2439.
One semester hour
PHYSICS 2106. UNIVERSITY PHYSICS CALCULATIONS II.
A problem-oriented course designed to assist students in mastering calculations for university physics.
Co-requisite: PHY 2449.
One semester hour
PHYSICS 2439. UNIVERSITY PHYSICS I. (PHYS 2425)
The first semester of a two-semester, calculus-based sequence in classical physics for mathematics, physical science, or pre-engineering students. Topics include vector mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics. PHY 1419 and 2439 may not both be counted. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory period per week. Fall, odd years.
Co-requisite: MAT 2351.
Four semester hours
PHYSICS 2449. UNIVERSITY PHYSICS II. (PHYS 2426)
Continuation of PHY 2439, with emphasis on a calculus-based treatment of electricity and magnetism, Maxwell’s equations, acoustics, and physical and geometric optics. PHY 1429 and 2449 may not both be counted. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory period per week. Spring, even years.
Prerequisites: PHY 2439 and MAT 2351.
Four semester hours