Bachelor of Science in Physics

Department Chair: Dr. Eddie Red

Faculty: Dr. John Howard (Assistant Professor NTT); Dr. Dwayne Joseph (Assistant Professor); Dr. Emmanuel Karikari (Assistant Professor); Dr. Eddie Red (Associate Professor), Dr. Wesley Sims (Assistant Professor)

Program overview:

The mission of the Department of Physics at Morehouse College is to enhance our students’ intellectual skills through the study of physics. Toward this end, the department offers a spectrum of courses that reflects both the integral character of physics in the liberal arts curriculum and its essential role in engineering and technology.

The goals of the Department of Physics are to:

1. Prepare physics majors for graduate study in physics and other professional careers
2.  Prepare Dual Degree Engineering Program (DDEP) majors for matriculation at engineering schools
3. Support the preparation of students majoring in biology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics
4. Assist other majors in satisfying the College’s general education requirements in science.

Although the department plays a multipurpose role in the curriculum of the College, its primary objective is to prepare students for graduate study and ultimately successful careers in physics. The department also recognizes and accepts its responsibility to address the under-representation of African Americans in science and engineering. Historically, this has been and remains a foremost responsibility in our department. In this light, the department fosters in its students the ideals of ethical behavior and civic engagement, which are necessary for them to become leaders in the realm of science and engineering. The Department of Physics, as well as the College at large, fosters high expectations and habits in its students, resulting in the making of Morehouse Men.

Student learning outcomes:

Students matriculating in one of the Department’s programs or courses are expected to:

• Identify and understand the fundamental principles of classical and modern physics
• Acquire the analytical and conceptual skills needed to apply these principles to the solution of problems of practical interest
• Develop an awareness of the implications of the role that scientific and technological advances play in contemporary society.

Department policies and/or General Education modifications:

• A minimum grade of C is required for all Physics courses that apply towards the major or minor.
• Students who enroll in HPHY or HEGR courses without meeting their prerequisites are subject to disenrollment by the department regardless of performance or time elapsed.
• A student is required to make a first attempt at introductory physics courses at Morehouse. If the student receives a final grade below (C), then they may take the course at any other AUC institution that offers the course in-person (not online). This policy applies only if they fail the class, not if they withdraw.
• A student is required to make a first attempt at core- and upper-level physics courses at Morehouse. If the student receives a final grade below (C), then they may take the course at Georgia Institute of Technology in-person (not online). This policy applies only if they fail the class, not if they withdraw.
• All Physics majors are required to take 3 upper-level elective courses. In addition to their traditional electives, students have the option with their electives to concentrate in one (1) of the seven (7) areas; the courses that will fulfill/meet each concentration. A student seeking to pursue one of various concentrations would choose three (3) upper-level courses appropriate for his desired concentration. In choosing these three courses, the student would draw from the courses of relevant disciplines, whether physics or otherwise. The concentration in Interdisciplinary Science may be pursued via the routes of accelerator physics, applied optics, biomedical physics, chemical physics, health sciences, or materials science. The concentration in Applications to Society may be pursued via the routes of business & economics, law & politics, mass media, music, or sociology. The list of elective courses will expand eventually to accommodate all these routes. Note that suitable courses not listed under electives may be approved as electives according to the discretion of the Department Chair.