2022-2023 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG–FOR INFORMATION ONLY]
Department of Physical Science
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Overview of Programs
The Department of Physical Science at Southern Utah University offers undergraduate programs in chemistry and physics. Our dedicated and highly qualified faculty offer students an engaging experience in the classroom, laboratory, and through a wide variety of undergraduate research opportunities. A close working relationship between students and professors is maintained through a low student-to-faculty ratio, especially in upper-division classes. Undergraduate research is highly valued within the Department, offering our students an opportunity to participate in scientific discoveries and enhance their applications to gain admission to top graduate schools and professional programs.
Our laboratories are well-equipped, with students receiving training and hands-on experience with modern instrumentation including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, x-ray crystallography, scanning electron microscopy, a variety of mass spectrometers linked to other instrumentation (ICP-MS, GC-MS, LC-MS), and gas chromatography. The Department of Physical Science maintains a modern astronomical observatory and is a partner with the Great Basin Observatory.
The chemistry program is approved by the American Chemistry Society (ACS). Students completing a baccalaureate degree that meets the ACS Guidelines will receive an ‘ACS-certified degree.’ The chemistry program routinely ranks above the 90th percentile of the nation according to the Educational Testing Services major field exam given to all graduating chemistry majors.
Our physics program has a variety of offerings supplemented by a well-equipped and maintained laboratory and an astronomical observatory. Students may obtain a minor in physics and participate in undergraduate research that takes advantage of modern equipment, campus supercomputing facilities, and a world-class remotely operated observatory located in the Great Basin National Park.
Mission
The Department of Physical Science fosters an environment of academic excellence in the disciplines of chemistry and physics. Several specialized learning environments complement the classroom experience. These include a nationally certified environmental water laboratory, an astronomical observatory, the Edward & Shirley Stokes open chemistry lab, and a laser lab for cold molecule spectroscopy. We provide comprehensive classroom and experiential learning environments that accentuate critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication in the physical sciences. We also serve as the center of physical science knowledge and expertise for southern Utah.
Department/Program Learning Outcomes
The goal of the Department of Physical Science is to provide students with the tools necessary to solve problems and achieve their career aspirations. Our programs stress the development of a student’s ability to define problems, develop hypotheses, execute experiments, analyze data, and draw conclusions. Undergraduate students who complete one of the degree tracks offered through the Department of Physical Science will be able to demonstrate they:
- Understand and can utilize the scientific method.
- Have attained a firm foundation in the fundamentals and application of current scientific theories within their program area.
- Are able to carry out, record, and analyze the results of experiments within their program area.
- Are able to use instrumentation and classical techniques to carry out experiments, properly record results, and develop conclusions from these experiments.
- Are able to identify and solve problems within their respective fields within the physical sciences.
- Are able to use information searching and retrieval methods to obtain relevant information to a topic, technique, or issue related to their program area.
- Are able to effectively communicate information and scientific data to scientists and non-scientists.
- Are ready to pursue and excel in further education or employment opportunities.
Other Information
Graduate Program Opportunity
Master of Business Administration: An arrangement has been made with the School of Business so that it is possible for students to earn an M.B.A. while pursuing their degree in the Physical Sciences. Contact the Chair of the Department of Physical Science or the advisor in the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business, Miranda Gubler, at 435-586-5462.
Minimum Grade
- A grade of “C” (2.0 or above) must be earned in each course required for all majors and minors in the Department of Physical Sciences.
- All pre-requisite courses must be passed with a minimum grade of “C” (2.0 or above).
Special Learning Environments
Southern Utah University Environmental Water Laboratory
The SUU Water Laboratory is a student-staffed laboratory accredited by the state of Utah under the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAB). Serving southern Utah since 1972, this laboratory provides SUU students with an interest in chemistry a hands-on, chemical laboratory experience. The laboratory also provides students with employment opportunities.
The SUU Water Laboratory serves the tri-state area (Arizona, Nevada, and Utah) by providing a local source of chemical and bacteriological analysis of water and wastewater.
The Southern Utah University Ashcroft Observatory
The SUU Ashcroft Observatory offers college credit courses and weekly community astronomical viewing activities and is located near the SUU Valley Farm.
The Edward & Shirley Stokes Open Chemistry Lab
The Edward & Shirley Stokes Open Chemistry Lab is designed to support undergraduates pursuing a diverse selection of research opportunities. The laboratory space houses many modern instruments and facilities for a broad range of projects including research in organic chemistry. Additional research-specific laboratories are available and dedicated to biochemistry, physical, inorganic, and analytical chemistry research projects.
ProgramsBachelor’s DegreeMinor
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Department Chair
Administrative Assistant
