History of the Department
Prior to 1973 the Physical Science Department existed to provide service courses for general education and specific courses for biology and nursing majors. Under the leadership of Peter Kurtz and Jim Rynd, in 1973, a physical science major was established, which offered interdisciplinary studies between physics and chemistry.
The major offered excellent preparation for students interested in teaching physical science in junior and senior high schools. Its courses included analytical chemistry, thermodynamics, quantum physics and circuits and instrumentation. It also prepared students for working in technical vocations in industry and government.
The department continued to grow, and in 1991 the engineering program was added in cooperation with the University of Southern California dual degree program.
Today, the Physical Science major offers three emphases: chemistry, physics, and engineering. By next year, it plans to formally add an emphasis in science teaching for those planning to obtain a secondary teaching credential. The department continues to integrate scientific knowledge and theories with the Christian faith. With faith at its center, its future only looks brighter.
Current Faculty
James Rynd, Ph.D. (Chair); teaches Organic Chemistry I and II.
John Bloom, Ph.D., Ph.D., M.A.; teaches General Physics I, Physical Science Seminar.
Brent Ridley, Ph.D.; teaches General Chemistry I and II, Analytical Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry.
Harvey Phillips, Ph.D.; teaches General Physics II and III.
John Silzel, Ph.D., teaches Circuits & Instrumentation, and Data Analysis & Presentation.
Curriculum
At the current time, the physical science department offers three major areas of study--a B.S. in physics, a B.S. in chemistry, and a 3 year pre-engineering program which requires Biola students to transfer to a full engineering program for 2 years in order to receive a B.S. in engineering (see below).
B.S. in physics
Physics
PHSC 124 - Data Analysis & Presentation
PHSC 132, 132L - General Physics I: Mechanics & Heat (lecture and lab)
PHSC 233, 233L - General Physics II: Electricity & Magnetism (lecture and lab)
PHSC 234, 234L - General Physics III: Waves, Optics & Modern Physics (lecture and lab)
PHSC 318 - Classical Mechanics
PHSC 321 - Circuits & Instrumentation
PHSC 460 - Physical Science Seminar
PHSC 480 - Advanced Physics Laboratory
Other requirements
CHEM 105, 106 - General Chemistry I and II
CHEM 105L, 106L - General Chemistry Lab I and II
MATH 105, 106, 205 - Calculus I, II and III
MATH 291 - Linear Algebra
Math 435 - Differential Equations
CSCS 105 - Intro to Computer Science
NOTE: A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required in the general courses (chemistry, calculus and general physics). 13 units of electives in Chemistry, Math, Physics are also required. Other Chemistry and Physics courses are not offered at Biola, therefore any student wishing to take more courses within these disciplines must transfer them from another institution. This is frequently done in collaboration with CSU Fullerton.
B.S. in chemistry
Chemistry
CHEM 105, 106 - General Chemistry I and II
CHEM 105L, 106L - General Chemistry Lab I and II
CHEM 301, 302 - Organic Chemistry I and II
CHEM 311, 312 - Organic Chemistry Lab I and II
CHEM 350, 350L - Analytical Chemistry (lecture and lab)
CHEM 402 - Physical Chemistry
Physics
PHSC 124 - Data Analysis & Presentation
PHSC 132, 132L - General Physics I: Mechanics & Heat (lecture and lab)
PHSC 233, 233L - General Physics II: Electricity & Magnetism (lecture and lab)
PHSC 234, 234L - General Physics III: Waves, Optics & Modern Physics (lecture and lab)
PHSC 460 - Physical Science Seminar
Other requirements
MATH 105, 106 - Calculus I and II
14 units of electives in Chemistry, Math, Physics or Computer Science are also required. Other Chemistry and Physics courses are not offered at Biola, therefore any student wishing to take more courses within these disciplines must transfer them from another institution. This is frequently done in collaboration with CSU Fullerton.
B.S. in Engineering Physics
This dual degree program requires completion of 50 pre-engineering courses at Biola as well as all of the general education and Bible requirements, as well as matriculation to an accredited engineering program at cooperating schools like USC and UCSD. For more information, go to the Engineering Physics page.