Department of Chemistry and Physics

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Timothy Holmstrom, Chair
Linda Overstreet, Fiscal Manager

The Department offers majors and minors in chemistry and physics. A student may major or minor in more than one area with the appropriate selection of courses. The department also offers degrees in cooperation with institutions in dual-degree engineering; pre-professional health programs prepare students for professional schools in a number of health-oriented professions. Students may elect to pursue a secondary teaching endorsement with successful completion of additional science, education, science education, and special education courses. The Department of Chemistry and Physics offers courses that satisfy the science reasoning requirements for the Civitae Core Curriculum in all degree programs of Longwood.

The aim of study in the Department of Chemistry & Physics is to develop an interest in the natural world and to acquire the scientific habit of problem-solving through experimentation, accurate observation, independent thought, and cooperative learning. To achieve these goals, the department instills in students theoretical and methodological proficiencies, critical thinking skills, and strong written and oral communication skills. Application of knowledge and skills to practical experiences is incorporated throughout the curriculum through experiential and technological learning.

ASSESSMENT: The Department of Chemistry and Physics requires chemistry majors to take standardized exams distributed by the American Chemical Society in all areas of study (i.e., general, organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry). 

Chemistry Program

Faculty

Sarah G. Porter, PhD, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Melissa C. Rhoten, PhD, Professor of Chemistry
Benjamin Topham, PhD, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Andrew Yeagley, PhD, Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Physics Program

Faculty

Suzanne Donnelly, PhD, Associate Professor of Science Education
Timothy Holmstrom, PhD, Associate Professor of Physics
Michelle Parry, PhD, Associate Professor of Physics and Program Coordinator of Physics
Kenneth Pestka II, PhD, Assistant Professor of Physics
Charles D. Ross, PhD, Professor of Physics

Programs

• Physics, BA or BS

• Chemistry, BS

• Chemistry Minor
• Physics Minor

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