Physical Science

Faculty
Description
Major Requirements
Program Policies
Course Descriptions

Faculty

Hollis Williams, Associate Professor of Physics (Program Chair) 
Lee Chiang, Associate Professor of Mathematics 
Sita Ramamurti, Associate Professor of Mathematics
Iliana Restrepo, Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Chemistry

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.S. in physical science from Trinity and a B.S. in engineering from the George Washington University. 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: 

CHEM 111 Foundations of Chemistry I
CHEM 112 Foundations of Chemistry II
CMSC 111 Introduction to Programming 
MATH 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
MATH 225 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
PHYS 111 General Physics I
PHYS 112 General Physics II
PHYS 211 General Physics III
PHYS 321 Modern Physics 

Engineering Dual Degree Specialization (7 credits)*

BOTH of the following mathematics courses: 

MATH 325 Multivariable Calculus 
MATH 315 Mathematical Probability and Statistics 

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

Teaching Specialization (23 credits)

ONE of the following biology courses:

BIOL 111 General Biology I
BIOL 112 General Biology II

ALL of the following chemistry courses:

CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 223 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 224 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

ONE additional elective in chemistry (recommended: CHEM 331 Environmental Chemistry) 

ONE additional elective in physics (recommended: PHYS 105 Astronomy)

ONE senior seminar:

NSCM 499 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. For students pursing the teaching track, NSM 499 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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