ACADEMIC CATALOG - Purdue University Calumet

Department of Chemistry and Physics
H. W. Pinnick, Head. Faculty: J. Bularzik; A. Katti; M. O. Longas; J. Pan; N. Parashar; L. S. W. Pelter;
M. W. Pelter; C. Rastovski; A. Rengstorf; K. L. Rowberg; S. Slavin; G. Wolf
Emeritus Faculty: J. R. Albright; A. H. Carlson; R. R. Fryer; L. C. Gibson; P. D. Gupta; S. K. Gupta;
H. R. Heydegger; G. R. Mitchell; . K. Nelson; J. R. Phillips; T. J. Phillips; F. Susienka; M. Svonavec; N. D. Yaney.
The DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS offers degree programs in Chemistry and in Physics.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree — Premedical and Chemistry options. The latter degree option is accredited
by the American Chemical Society. Graduation with this degree meets the eligibility requirements for membership in
the American Chemical Society. This program provides a thorough training in the fundamental principles and basic
experimental techniques of chemistry. The Chemistry option is recommended for students who will continue to study
or work in chemistry or the natural sciences. The Premedical Option is appropriate for those who will pursue professional
study in health-related areas like medicine or pharmacy.
Bachelor of Science degree, Chemistry Teaching, Physics Teaching, or Physical Science Teaching. These programs
are offered in cooperation with the School of Education, intended for those wishing certification to teach the physical
sciences at the secondary level in Indiana. These programs provide students with a good background in chemistry and
physics as well as those education courses which meet the standards mandated by the Indiana Professional Standards Board.
Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, with Options in Physics, Engineering Physics and Computational Physics. These
degree options provide strong preparation for those intending to pursue professional careers in physics and related areas.
All the options provide a strong background in physics. The General Physics option provides students with a minor
emphasis in other sciences; the Engineering Physics option augments students' physics training with a minor in Electrical
Engineering; the Computational Physics option provides students with a minor in Computer Science in addition to their
physics education.
Research Opportunities in Chemistry
In addition to the Cooperative education described below, students may get experience in laboratory procedures and
scientific research by working on research projects directed by the chemistry faculty. Areas of research include the
biochemistry of complex carbohydrates of the skin, nanotechnology, environmental studies, molecular electronics,
organometallics, analytical chemistry, materials science, polymer chemistry, drug design, physical biochemistry, synthetic
and theoretical organic chemistry. Chemistry students are encouraged to talk with faculty about research opportunities.
Student projects can often be funded with the help of the University’s Undergraduate Research Program.
The Department sponsors a Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society, which hosts seminars, lectures,
and other special events. Cooperative education, often in the form of internships sponsored by regional industrial companies,
is also available for qualified students. In this program, students have the opportunity to combine learning with
on-the-job training.
Research Opportunities in Physics
Many physics students participate in research projects directed by physics faculty including both experimental and theoretical
topics. Several students have continued their research at national research labs, such as Argonne and Fermilab in nearby
Illinois. The physics faculty has research interests in high energy physics, astronomy, astrophysics, and several areas of
theoretical physics. Physics students are encouraged to talk with faculty about research opportunities. Student projects
can often be funded with the help of the University’s Undergraduate Research Program.
The Department sponsors a Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society, which hosts seminars, lectures,
and other special events. Cooperative education, often in the form of internships sponsored by regional industrial companies,
is also available for qualified students. In this program, students have the opportunity to combine learning with
on-the-job training.
The Society of Physics Students has an active student chapter sponsored by the Department. A physics seminar provides
students with a window on current research in physics and physics applications. Cooperative education options are
available for qualified students, alternating classroom learning with on-the-job experience.
Departments / Schools
Programs
Minor in Physics (18 credits)
Minor in Astrophysics (18 credits)
Minor in Chemistry (24 credits)
Bachelor of Science, Physics, with options in Physics, Engineering Physics, and Computational Physics (124 credits)
Bachelor of Science, Physical Science Teaching Option (128 credits)
Bachelor of Science, Physics Teaching Option (128 credits)
Bachelor of Science, Chemistry Teaching Option (128 credits)
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Chemistry Option (124 credits)
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Premedical Option (124 credits)
Departments and Schools
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