Physical Science

Jobs related to scientific research and laboratory work are increasingly requiring their employees to have a multi-disciplinary background. The physical science degree at Thomas More University is catered toward such careers, exposing students to a varied background in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer programming.

Courses in this program will involve personalized interaction with professors from multiple departments and hands-on experience with a variety of scientific equipment. Additionally, students are required to complete an individualized research project in physics and/or chemistry as part of the program.

A physical science degree prepares students for employment in technical fields that require a background in a diverse array of sciences and experimental work. Research and development departments of many corporations need workers with a physical science background to advance the quality of their products. Materials scientists study the chemical and physical properties of natural and synthetic products. Environmental scientists examine the effect of chemicals, pollution, or other phenomenon on the landscape and its impact on the organisms that inhabit that space, including humans. A physical science major is also well prepared for a career as a middle or high school science teacher.

During the first two years of the program, the student will be gaining an introductory background in chemistry and physics to serve as a springboard for advanced courses and research in their junior and senior years. In addition to these core physical sciences, students will gain computational skills through courses like Introductory Statistics and Elements of Calculus as well as an introduction to computer programming and the Python programming language. Later courses will focus on application of physics and chemistry in the laboratory and research settings through courses like Instrumental Analysis, Advanced Experimental Physics, and Electronics.

Under Thomas More’s new core curriculum, it is also possible for a physical science major to pursue a minor or second major in a related scientific field (like astronomy) or a complementary discipline that benefits their future career (business, sociology, psychology, etc).

Courses in the program are taught by full-time Ph.D. chemists, physicists, and mathematicians. These faculty possess specializations in the areas of particle physics, astronomy, data science, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, and physical chemistry.

Physical science majors are required to earn four credit hours of independent research experience by performing collaborative research with faculty from the Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics Departments. Additionally, students are encouraged to build their professional resume by presenting the results of their research at local, regional, or national conferences in chemistry, mathematics, or physics.