Chemical and Physical Sciences
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
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About Chemical and Physical Sciences
What is Chemical and Physical Sciences?
The Chemical and Physical Sciences involve the study of matter, energy and their transformations. Students who major in Chemical and Physical Sciences seek answers to these fundamental questions: What are matter and energy? How can matter and energy be transformed? How do scientists study and measure matter and energy in complex systems?
Why Choose This Program?
If you enjoy learning about the impact of science on our everyday lives, this program is for you.
During your studies, you will encounter a mixture of technical and theoretical learning in both the classroom and laboratory to unravel how the universe is put together. Combining the study of chemistry and physics, this program helps you develop practical skills essential for entering the workforce or graduate and professional programs.
Major Map
View what studying in this program could look like each year, from courses to experiential learning to career development.
Program Information
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Major
Chemical and Physical Sciences
Specializations
- Chemistry
- Physics
Minors (Optional)
- Management
- Music
Students in this program are eligible for 150+ Augustana awards (totalling over $495,000)
Low 70s program admission-average range
Modern lab facilities equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, where you can instruct a first-year chemistry lab
High-powered observatory in a dark sky preserve
Program Objectives
In this program, you will:
- Use modern laboratory instrumentation and analyze real world data.
- Accurately measure physical quantities and analyze experimental uncertainties using appropriate instruments and techniques.
- Work effectively as part of a diverse team to propose and evaluate solutions to complex problems rooted in the fields of chemistry and physics.
Learning Outcomes
You will leave this program with the ability to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental physical laws and the principles responsible for chemical and physical transformations, and apply this knowledge to analyze real-world phenomena.
- Identify risks and hazards for laboratory procedures to facilitate safe and efficient work in a laboratory setting.
- Communicate clearly and effectively about technical information through verbal and written materials for a variety of audiences, using appropriate sources and technologies.
Careers
An undergraduate degree in chemical and physical sciences is great for entry into the workforce or graduate and professional programs. Potential career options include:
Course Highlights
Theoretical and practical aspects of chemical analysis. Topics include titrimetry, separations, acid-base equilibria, chromatography, and spectrophotometry. Examples emphasize the utility and limitations of analytical techniques.
Electric fields, Gauss's law, magnetic fields, Ampere's law, Faraday's law, induction, direct and alternating currents.
An introduction to inorganic chemistry with particular emphasis on the bonding, reactivity and characterization of transition metal complexes. Topics include: Donor-acceptor chemistry, ligand substitution, photochemical reactions, electronic spectra, and an introduction to inorganic material synthesis.
An introduction to observational astronomy utilizing the Hejse Observatory to image and measure objects such as the Moon, planets, stars, star clusters and nebulae. Topics include: telescopes; observatory operation; CCD cameras; astrophotography; image processing; photometry; spectroscopy; data reduction and Interpretation.
Study of the mechanism of different classes of enzymes along with experimental techniques used in enzymology.
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