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 requirements for general education 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). Physics majors take a variety of nationally recognized assessment tests such as the Force Concept Inventory (FCI), the Conceptual Survey in Electricity and Magnetism (CSEM), as well as other instruments that cover additional topics in physics.
The chemistry major at Longwood provides fundamental training in general, analytical, organic, physical, and inorganic chemistry so that graduates may pursue graduate study or careers in research, industry, teaching, or a health-related profession. All students majoring in chemistry are required to complete courses in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Those students wishing to prepare for dental, medical, or pharmacy school complete additional courses to satisfy pre-professional requirements. Students are encouraged to enroll in research courses in chemistry in order to increase their competency in working in the laboratory. The program in chemistry is rigorous, but it is flexible enough for students to take a second major.
Students majoring in other areas may elect to minor in chemistry. The chemistry minor requires 23-24 semester hours: general chemistry (8 hours), organic chemistry (8 hours), quantitative analysis (4 hours), and a chemistry elective (3-4 hours). No grade below C- in chemistry courses is accepted for the graduation requirements for the major or minor in chemistry.
Students may take a maximum of four credits total in Internship (CHEM 392 , CHEM 492 ) and Research (Chemistry) courses for quality points (A, B, C, and D grades). Beyond four credits, such courses must be taken on a Pass/Fail basis.
A student may seek a secondary teaching endorsement in chemistry. This program consists of courses required for a chemistry major and additional courses in BIOL, EASC, EDUC, SCED, and SPED. Interested students should meet with the Secondary Science Education Program Coordinator for advising on preparation for secondary science teaching.
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