Department of Chemistry and Physics
Hands-on experience with state-of-art equipment.
The Department of Chemistry and Physics offers a complete and diverse curriculum, which provides students with the tools to understand and utilize the chemical and physical nature of the world around them.
Introductory courses provide both science majors and liberal arts students with the basic knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to become informed citizens and, with further study, good scientists. More advanced courses provide students with a firm foundation in chemical and physical principles necessary for advanced study or employment in fields related to the major.
The courses available in the department allow students the flexibility to shape their course choices to reflect their interests. Project-based labs, undergraduate research projects, and seminar classes give students a firsthand appreciation of chemistry and physics as experimental sciences. The department supports an active research program involving students and encourages participation.
The Department of Chemistry and Physics offers majors in chemistry, biochemistry, biochemistry/forensics, physics, and physics—engineering. In addition, the department offers minors in chemistry, physics, and forensic science and coordinates the dual-degree engineering program. Students may, with the department’s permission, test out of any course, with or without credit.
Physics
Several program options are available to students interested in Physics and Engineering: a traditional Physics major, a Physics-Engineering major for dual-degree engineering students on a 3-2 transfer schedule, and a physics minor.
A strong mathematical foundation is essential for physics and engineering. Therefore, students majoring in physics should begin the calculus sequence (starting with MATH 151 ) as soon as possible, preferably during their first semester at Simpson. Introductory physics courses are available at appropriate levels for students majoring in the sciences or for liberal arts students.
