Undergraduate Degree Programs
Overview of Undergraduate Program in Chemistry and Physics
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of the composition and interaction of all substances. Areas of study range from chemical and instrumental analysis of mixtures to synthesis and characterization of polymers to molecular modeling to the chemistry of the human body and to computational chemistry. The degree program in chemistry at Southeastern is designed to offer the student comprehensive training in modern chemical principles in preparation for a career in industry or the health professions or for graduate study in chemistry or related fields. The study of chemistry is also important for fostering the scientific literacy of students in other disciplines, such as environmental science, law, education, and business.
A Major in Chemistry will be granted upon satisfactory completion of 36-51 credit hours of chemistry.
A Minor in Chemistry will be granted upon satisfactory completion of 21-22 semester hours of chemistry consisting of the following courses: Chemistry 121-123, Chemistry 122-124, Chemistry 251-254 or Chemistry 481-482, Chemistry 265-267, and Chemistry 266- 68.
Bachelor of Science in Physics
The notion that all matter from subatomic particles to galactic
clusters obeys a small set of principles that can be modeled
mathematically is the fundamental premise of physics. The
degree program in physics offers comprehensive training in all four
major fields of physics: mechanics, electricity and magnetism,
thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. When combined with the
numerous opportunities for undergraduate research in physics, the
degree produces students who are well prepared for a career in
industry or for graduate study in physics or engineering.
A major in physics in the College of Arts and Sciences will be given upon satisfactory completion of 45 semester hours of physics.
A minor in physics will be granted upon satisfactory completion of 20 semester hours in physics at the 200 level or above, eight hours of which must be Physics 221-223, and Physics 222-224.
Students must be physics or chemistry majors. Students
should plan to complete 90 hours at Southeastern including 28 hours
of physics courses at the 200 level or above chosen from those
required of physics majors or 20 hours of chemistry courses at the
200 level or above chosen from those required of chemistry majors
(but which must include CHEM 395/CLAB 391). Upon completion
of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering, students will also
receive the Bachelor of Science in Physics or Bachelor of Science
in Chemistry from Southeastern, provided that the detailed
requirements listed under “Department of Chemistry and
Physics” in the General Catalogue are met. Students
should be aware that they must meet the transfer admissions
requirements of the school of engineering at which they plan to
complete the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree.
NOTE: High school preparation should include as much algebra,
trigonometry, and advanced mathematics as possible as well as
courses in chemistry and physics.
Students who major in Science in the College of Education and Human Development will designate as their Primary Teaching Area one of the three science fields of Biology, Chemistry or Physics. In addition to the Primary Teaching Area, students will have a Secondary Teaching Area in a second science field of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics. Eight semester hours in a third science field, or a second science field if the Secondary Teaching Area is in Mathematics, are also required. Completion of the curriculum will meet teaching certification requirements for the Primary and Secondary Teaching Areas.