Physcurriculum

PHYSICISTS set about to understand the universe at a fundamental level, from the subatomic to the cosmic. Einstein's belief that "the most incomprehensible thing about the universe is that it can be comprehended" is one shared especially by those physicists who recognize the Creator's artistry in the universe's origins and sustenance. At Union University, a Christian institution of higher learning, we stress a holistic approach to the training of physicists by extolling the Creator God as well as the creation itself, and we mentor students who tackle our challenging curriculum.

Physics is also a practical discipline. Physics aids aircraft designers, allows MRI imagers to peer inside a body, assists meteorologists in weather prediction, and affords computer scientists the abilities to design powerful computers. Physics forms the foundation for engineering and is vital to non-physics disciplines like medicine, archaeology, environmental studies, and even economics and music.

As part of Union University's Physics Program, you will master an excellent physics curriculum. You will also become one of society's problem-solvers, an effective communicator, and a creative thinker. As a liberal-arts institution, Union University educates the whole person, so you will become conversant in such areas as business, social sciences, humanities, and theology. You will enjoy small classes and personal assistance as you pursue a physics degree. Whether you desire a career in research, teaching, industry, or government, Union will get you there.

According to the American Institute of Physics, you'll earn an median starting salary of $40,000 in industry once you obtain a B.S. degree in physics. The median salary for physicists with BS degrees (average age 47) is $60,000. And about half of the nation's physics graduates continue their education in graduate school.

The physics degree is a rigorous curriculum that requires advanced mathematics skills. As an incoming physics major, you will generally begin your math education with calculus, so you should have completed math up through trigonometry by the time you graduate from high school. Your courses will relate to each other in a logical, progressive manner and will increase in mathematical complexity as you advance. The Department of Physics designs the curriculum so that students who have obtained the baccalaureate degree will be competitive to enter the graduate or professional program of their choice or be successfully employed in industry.

In general you should plan to complete your curriculum in four years. As an incoming physics major, you will be assigned a physics advisor who will prepare a detailed schedule of courses for you. We view physics advising as more than course scheduling, and you can expect your advisor to serve as a mentor as you plan your future education and profession. Below is a synopsis of what you should expect as you begin the physics curriculum at Union University.

The following sequence of courses is intended only as a sample physics program at Union University. As every student is unique, courses are chosen and scheduled in consultation with an academic advisor. Also, please note that Union offers a Winter Term each January that provides an opportunity for additional courses to be taken. This option is helpful when a student wishes to pursue extra minors or perhaps a double major.

Freshman Year
Fall Semester			Spring Semester
BIO 112	Principles of Biology	4	PHY 231	University Physics with Calculus I	5
CHR 111	Old Testament Survey	3	CHR 112	New Testament Survey	3
ENG 111	Written Composition I	3	ENG 112	Written Composition II	3
MAT 211	Calculus and Analytical Geometry I	4	MAT 212	Calculus and Analytical Geometry II	4
CLU 195	College Life at Union	2	PEWS 100	Fitness for Health	1
	TOTAL HOURS	16		TOTAL HOURS	16
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester			Spring Semester
CHE 111	General Chemistry I	4	CHE 112	General Chemistry II	4
ENG 201	World Literature I	3	ENG 202	World Literature	3
MAT 213	Calculus and Analytical Geometry III	4	MAT 314	Differential Equations	3
PHY 232	University Physics with Calculus II	5	PHY 311	University Physics: Modern Physics	4
PEWS___	Physical Activity Course	1	CSC111	Computer Science I	3
	TOTAL HOURS	17		TOTAL HOURS	17
Junior Year
Fall Semester			Spring Semester
PHY 317	Introductory Electronics	4	COM 112	Public Communication	3
HIS101	World Civ. to the 18th Century	3	HIS 102	World Civ. to Present	3
PHY 313	Intermediate Mechanics	3	PHY 314	Intermediate Electricity and Magn.	3
PHY 325	Thermodynamics and Stat. Mech.	3	PHY 420	Quantum Mechanics	3
ART 210	The Arts in Western Civilization	3	_____	Electives	6
	TOTAL HOURS	16		TOTAL HOURS	18
Senior Year
Fall Semester			Spring Semester
PHY 430	Experimental Physics Laboratory	3	PHY 424	Physics Research	1-3
ECF 211	Principles of Macroeconomics	3	ECF 212	Principles of Microeconomics	3
PHY 395	Special Studies in Physics	3	PHY 495	Independent Study	1
____	Electives	6	PHY 498	Physics Seminar	1-3
			____	Electives	6-10
	TOTAL HOURS	15		TOTAL HOURS	16

"I entered the Navy to teach at the Naval Nuclear Engineering School. The background in physics and chemistry I received at Union was fundamental in my success. Although I was humbled by the other instructors-in-training, all selected from the top 5% of colleges in the U.S., I found I was able to comprehend and communicate even the most difficult material as well as or better than most."

"Union University offers a unique blend of the highest-quality classroom education and a caring, nurturing campus life. I have found the training I received at Union to be of the highest caliber. It was that training, along with contacts made through Union's Physics department, that helped me earn a Department of Energy fellowship enabling me to attend graduate school. I now work at a DOE national laboratory thanks in no small part to the training and guidance I received at Union. However, perhaps the greatest benefit of attending Union is that it offers the distinct advantage of learning in a Christian environment with faculty who are genuinely concerned for both the educational and spiritual development of each student."

Union University's physics department did an excellent job of preparing me to work with the fusion energy physicists at the Fusion Research Center at Oak Ridge National Lab. Even though the physics problems we solved were often difficult, I have many good memories of the small classes and teachers. The faculty are outstanding scientists, teachers, and Christian role models."

"Since I left Union, I have been challenged with many science and health science related problems. Union provided me with the foundation needed to address all of these, as well as the many other situations I have regularly encountered."

Location: Jackson, Tennessee. A city of 55,000, located 80 miles east of Memphis and 120 miles west of Nashville.

Emphasis: A private, four-year, coeducational liberal arts university. Founded in 1823. Affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention.

Degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Education.

Campus: Academic facilities include the 225,000 square foot Penick Academic Complex and the 30,000 square foot Blasingame Academic Complex. Residential/student facilities include men's and women's apartment villages, commons buildings, and a 52,000 square foot student union building. Athletic facilities include a 2,200-seat field house, baseball and softball parks, olympic swimming pool, and tennis courts.

On February 5, 2008, an EF-4 tornado damaged or destroyed 80% of the student dormitory space on campus. No lives were lost, despite the massive destruction. Fourteen new two-story apartment style dormitories (with 1st-floor safe rooms) are being built, with most of them being available September 2008.

Faculty: Of our faculty 60% hold earned doctorates or the highest degree in their fields.

Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, National League for Nursing accrediting commission, National Association of Schools of Music, and the Teachers Education Program, Tennessee State Department of Education.

ACT/SAT scores, academic transcript, and Union Application for Admission is required. A 20 Enhanced ACT composite score or 950 SAT I score is required of applicants. Students making below these scores must have high school transcripts evaluated for possible acceptance. Transfer students must submit transcripts of all colleges attended.

We are committed to creating financial aid packages that bring the cost of Union within reach of every student accepted to the University. Financial aid includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus work. Of our students, 80% receive financial aid.

You can visit our campus anytime--just call 1-800-33UNION to schedule your visit. To meet with faculty or visit a class, it's best to come during our office hours--Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. While you're here, you can tour the campus, meet with a professor in your major, meet with one of our financial aid counselors, and even eat in the cafeteria. You tell us what you would like to do!

Address: Union University, Office of Admissions, 1050 Union University Drive, Jackson, TN 38305-3697