Union University

Department of Physics

Department of Physics

The programs in physics at Union University seek to effectively serve all students within the institution, recognizing that each student’s needs may be different, with different career goals. The curriculum is designed to provide basic content for students classified as physics majors/minors, non-science majors, engineers, pre-professionals, and those preparing for a teaching career in secondary school. The physics faculty seek to help students understand the physical world (the universe) by examining the laws which govern all things, the methods by which the cosmos can be studied, and physics’ relationships to other aspects of human experience. The faculty endeavor to create an atmosphere in which students are challenged to acquire problem-solving skills using advanced mathematics and modern methods in science. Students are encouraged to develop in-depth analytical skills and an inquiring attitude toward scientific inquiry while maintaining a Christian worldview. The physics curriculum provides the liberal arts students with a working knowledge of science and meets the needs of students who wish to:

Faculty

Programs of Study

Please see the Academic Catalogue description for more detail. Some minors do not appear here.

Student Organizations

Past News

Recent Photos

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5/6/11 - Jay Bernheisel, associate professor of engineering, Fonsie Guilaran, associate professor of physics, Jennifer Gruenke, associate professor of biology, and Geoffrey Poore, assistant professor of physics, have a discussion outside of Barefoots Joe on a nice day.  - Kristi McMurry
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Jay Bernheisel, associate professor of engineering, Fonsie Guilaran, associate professor of physics, Jennifer Gruenke, associate professor of biology, and Geoffrey Poore, assistant professor of physics, have a discussion outside of Barefoots Joe on a nice day. - Kristi McMurry

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3/14/11 - Physics students pass out cupcakes laden with the digits of pi in honor of Pi Day and Einstein's Birthday, March 14. - Victoria Stargel
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Physics students pass out cupcakes laden with the digits of pi in honor of Pi Day and Einstein's Birthday, March 14. - Victoria Stargel

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3/10/11 - Union University hosts the West Tennessee Science Fair. Professors from the surrounding region judge the projects presented by students from area schools.  - Victoria Stargel
3/10/11 - 16866
Union University hosts the West Tennessee Science Fair. Professors from the surrounding region judge the projects presented by students from area schools. - Victoria Stargel

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3/4/11 - Bill Nettles, professor of physics and department chair, helps students with their work in the new physics lab. - Kristi McMurry
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Bill Nettles, professor of physics and department chair, helps students with their work in the new physics lab. - Kristi McMurry

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Contact Information
Course Schedules
Undergraduate Catalogues (.pdf)
Undergraduate Areas of Study
  • Engineering Physics, Physics
  • Physical Science, Physics
  • Physics*
  • Physics-Engineering Physics
  • Physics-Physical Science

  • * Teacher Licensure Available
  • ** Secondary School Licensure is built around the student's majoring in the teaching field, such as Mathematics, PE, English, etc.
  • *** Indicates area of study available as a minor concentration; all others are available as a major concentration