Department of Chemistry and Physics

Mission Statement for Chemistry

Recognizing the increasing importance of chemistry both as an area of liberal arts education and as a professional field, the Department of Chemistry offers courses to serve two types of students: 1) those who want some fundamental knowledge of chemistry as a part of their general education; and 2) those who need specific training in chemistry in preparation for professional careers in health, engineering, secondary education and chemistry. Chemistry graduates are expected to be acquainted with the basic principles of inorganic, organic, analytical, physical and biological chemistry, and to be able to apply these concepts using analytical reasoning and experimental methodology to the formulation and solution of a variety of problems.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate an understanding of major concepts, theoretical principles, and experimental findings in chemistry. They will be able to employ critical thinking and efficient problem-solving skills in the four basic areas of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical). The Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Tougaloo College will train students to work effectively in diverse teams in both classroom and laboratory, to effectively write and communicate, to conduct experiments using modern instrumentation for chemical analysis and separation, analyze data, and interpret results, while observing responsible and ethical scientific conduct. This will enable students to gain entry into professional schools, graduate programs, or the job market.

Mission Statement for Physics

Recognizing the diversified needs and applications of Physics in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence etc., the Physics program offers a diversified curriculum:

B.S. degree in Physics
B.S. degree in Physics Education
3+2 Dual Degree in Physics and Engineering
Minor in Physics
Associate of Arts in Physics
Associate of Arts in Pre-Engineering

The department also offers active undergraduate research training and in-house research opportunities in Bio engineering, Geographical Information System, and Nanotechnology. Students can also avail research opportunities at partner institutions in Astrophysics, Aerospace Engineering, and Materials Engineering.

Special Requirements

Students who wish to major in Physics or have an interest in a 3+2 dual degree Physics & Engineering program should consult the Department Chair as early as possible and must complete an advisor/advisee registry. Physics majors are reminded that courses taken in Physics can be used to fulfill the requirements for the major only if the student receives a grade of “C” or higher. Students who want to receive an Associate of Arts degree in Physics, Pre-Engineering, or Physics & Pre-Engineering should also consult the Department Chair as early as possible.

Expected Student Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of core Physics concepts in classical physics, Electricity & Magnetism, and Modern Physics.
Students will demonstrate analytical problem formulation and aligning such problems to mathematical tools.
Students should demonstrate complex problem-solving skills, including the use of mathematical tools such as vectors, calculus, and numerical methods to solve physics problems.
Students will be able to conduct experiments to demonstrate an understanding of scientific methods and processes. Students will also be able to analyze the data of such experiments and draw scientific conclusions based on the experimental results.
Students will demonstrate proficiency in collecting data using scientific lab instruments.
Students will demonstrate familiarity with modeling of physical processes or phenomenon and use analytical/numerical methods to solve such models.
Students will demonstrate career readiness in Physics and Physics related fields.
Students will demonstrate the impact of Physics in an industrialized modern world.