Faculty

Hollis Williams, Associate Professor of Physics (Program Chair) 
Lee Chiang, Assistant Professor of Mathematics 
Sita Ramamurti, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Tasha Inniss, Clare Booth Luce Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Laurie Johnson, Clare Booth Luce Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Description

The physical science major is offered jointly by the Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics Programs. The program is designed primarily for the students who are participating in the Engineering Dual Degree Program (the 3/2 Program), in which students receive a B.A. in physical science from Trinity College and a B.S. in engineering from the George Washington University or the University of Maryland. The physical science major is also an excellent preparation for a career in secondary-school science education through the B.A./M.A.T. Program.

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Major Requirements

Required Courses (36 credits)

ALL of the following courses: 

CHE 105 Foundations of Chemistry I
CHE 106 Foundations of Chemistry II
MAT 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
MAT 126 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
MAT 141 Introduction to Programming 
PHY 115 General Physics I
PHY 116 General Physics II
PHY 117 General Physics III
PHY 420 Modern Physics 

Engineering Dual Degree Specialization (7 credits)*

BOTH of the following mathematics courses: 

MAT 227 Multi-Variable Calculus 
MAT 335 Mathematical Probability and Statistics 

Required course work in engineering is taken at the George Washington University or the University of Maryland. 
* Does not include engineering course work.

Teaching Specialization (23 credits)

ONE biology course chosen from between:

BIO 151 General Biology I
BIO 152 General Biology II

ALL of the following chemistry courses:

CHE 231 Organic Chemistry I
CHE 232 Organic Chemistry II
CHE 233 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
CHE 234 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

ONE additional elective in chemistry (recommended: CHE 315 Environmental Chemistry) 

ONE additional elective in physics (recommended: PHY 220 Astronomy)

ONE senior seminar:

NSM 491 Divisional Seminar

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Program Policies

Advanced Placement: As an interdisciplinary program, the Physical Science Program follows the Advanced Placement guidelines of its component disciplines. 

CLEP Policy: As an interdisciplinary program, the Physical Science Program follows the CLEP guidelines of its component disciplines. 

Grades in Major Courses: Students are required to earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major. 

Pass/No Pass: Courses fulfilling the major requirements may not be taken pass/no pass. 

Senior Assessment: Seniors pursuing the engineering dual degree will complete a senior project in engineering at the George Washington University or the University of Maryland. For students pursing the teaching track, NSM 491 serves as the Senior Assessment. 

TELL Policy: TELL credits are not applicable. 

Transfer Credits: Transfer credits toward the major will be accepted with the approval of the Program Chair.

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Course Descriptions

Course descriptions appear in the Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Mathematics (Interdisciplinary Courses), and Physics sections of this catalog. 

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