Welcome to the webpage of the Department of Physical Sciences. Our department offers courses in chemistry and physics taught by instructors who are dedicated to student success. I welcome you to explore our virtual home and also hope that you will visit us in person in Livingston.
     Our department offers programs in chemistry, chemical education, chemistry/pre pharmacy, and chemistry/pre medicine. (Links will take you to a brief description of our program and degree requirements) Our graduates have an excellent record of admission to graduate, medical, and professional programs after finishing their studies at UWA. If further education is not in your future, our graduates are sought after by local, regional, and national companies.
     What makes our program unique and special is the close personal attention students receive from faculty. All chemistry classes are taught by faculty who have earned their Ph.D. Junior and senior level classes have less than 12 students per class. This encourages student/professor interaction. Students learn essential laboratory skills ranging from the basic laboratory measurements to operating complex analytical equipment (see this link for our equipment list).
      All students are encouraged to enroll in a research class and work with a faculty member on a research project. The research project may be developed by the faculty or by the student. Students may start as early as their sophomore year or wait until the summer before their senior year. We encourage the student to take at least three semesters of research; this will ensure a completion of his/her project. In addition, each faculty member has strong collaborations with various institutions across the southeast, where our students can spend a summer working with our collaborators. These partnerships include: Dr. Bailey – University of Tennessee and University of Alabama; Dr. Curry – University of Alabama; Dr. Kim – University of Arkansas.
     But it’s not all work for students in our program. We have many student athletes who are both talented in the classroom and their sport. Also, many of our students work on and off campus, such as a lab technician or resident assistant in the dorms. Many are highly active in intramurals and have participated in local plays and choirs. Finally, the department houses the student chapter of the American Chemical Society which sponsors many student activities throughout the year. Granted, you will be working hard in our program, but we encourage you to have fun as well.
     We invite you to visit our department and facilities along with your family, friends, or teachers. For eligible students the university has a variety of scholarships available, along with other financial aid options. Additionally, the department offers a limited number of scholarships specifically reserved for chemistry majors. I look forward to seeing you on campus.

Cheers
Dave Bailey