Physics and Natural Science Department
The Physics and Natural Science Department offers degrees in Physics and Engineering Physics, both of which cover the broad areas of physics: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, special relativity, quantum mechanics, optics, solid state, and thermal physics. It also offers a degree in Natural Science, which combines coursework in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Bachelor of Science Degrees
The Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science requires a combination of courses from the three natural sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics). It is a good degree for those who know what courses they need to pursue their career goals. It is also a good degree to prepare for a teaching career.
View Physics CoursesDual Degree Option
The Physics and Natural Science Department, in conjunction with the Department of Education, has introduced a new degree path for teaching licensure in the sciences at the middle and high school level. The BS in Natural Science Education degree allows students to earn a degree in Natural Science and receive teaching licensure in biology, chemistry, or physics in four years. Previously, students seeking teaching licensure in the sciences earned a B.S. degree and then transitioned into the Master of Arts in Teaching program to take additional education courses. While that path is still open to those students seeking Master’s degree, the new degree paradigm allows students to complete both the science and education content in four years. The degree requires 124 credit hours, only two credit hours more than the usual 122 hours for most other degrees at CBU.
View the B.S. in Natural Science Education ProgramAdditional Information
As an Engineering Physics and Physics major you can participate in the activities of the Society of Physics Students, the National Student Association of the American Institute of Physics. Natural Science majors can participate in the activities of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Society, the Student Affiliate of the American Chemical Society, and the Society of Physics Students chapter of the American Institute of Physics.
The Physics and Natural Science Department uses a combination of in-class instruction, in-class demonstrations, regular collected homework, computer-assisted homework and laboratory experiments to educate students in the workings of Nature. In addition to the courses in the Physics and Natural Science Department, you also have easy access to courses in the Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science Departments of the School of Sciences and to courses in the School of Engineering.
