Engineering and Physics

Tim Head, Chair
ACU Box 27963
Abilene, Texas 79699-7963
Onstead Science Center, Room 113

Phone: 325-674-6539
Fax: 325-674-2146
Email: tim.head@acu.edu
Web: http://www.acu.edu/engineering-physics

Tim Kennedy, Executive Director of Engineering
ACU Box 27963
Abilene, Texas 79699-7963
Onstead Science Center, Room 137D

Larry Isenhower, Director of Physics
ACU Box 27963
Abilene, Texas 79699-7963
Onstead Science Center, Room 123E

Faculty

Robert Brown, Associate Professor
Michael Daugherity, Professor
Jess Dowdy, Professor
Tim Doty, College Assistant Professor
Jim Drachenberg, Professor
Tim Head, Professor, Department Chair, and NEXT Lab Assistant Director
J. Darby Hewitt, Professor
Sam Hurley, P.E., College Assistant Professor
Donald Isenhower, Professor
Larry Isenhower, Professor
Tim Kennedy, P.E., Associate Professor and Executive Director of Engineering
Ryan Kutayiah, College Assistant Professor
Joseph Makarewicz, P.E., College Associate Professor
Monique Marquardt, Associate Professor of Practice and Director of Corporate Engagement
Scott Marshall, Assistant Professor
Rusty Towell, Professor and NEXT Lab Director

The Department of Engineering and Physics offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with majors in Physics, Physics and Math Teaching, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and General Engineering. The Physics major has five tracks:

Physics (PHYS)
Engineering Science Technology (PHYA)
Engineering Physics (PHYN)
Medical Physics (PHYM)
Computational Physics (PHYC)

The BS degree in Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.The department works with the Department of Teacher Education and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to offer teacher certification in physical and composite science (see the Chemistry and Biochemistry section of this catalog). A minor in engineering science or physics may be added to other majors.

Introduction

In the Abilene Christian University Department of Engineering and Physics, students share in an intellectual atmosphere that promotes the growth of individual abilities. The faculty and students in engineering and physics do not confine learning to the classroom, but rather join in a broad spectrum of activities that includes doing basic research, completing engineering internships, partnering with industry and national labs in capstone experiences, teaching in the laboratory, and participating in national student organizations.

Many of our graduates have gone into graduate programs with fellowships and assistantships at excellent universities in physics, engineering physics, medicine, medical physics, computer science, astronomy, and many fields of engineering throughout the country while others have gone directly into industry positions. Our graduates agree that their undergraduate training at ACU was particularly well suited for their endeavors.

Applied Physics M.S. Program at Texas Tech University

Under an articulation agreement, ACU students are guaranteed acceptance into Texas Tech University’s MS degree program in physics after completing a BS degree at ACU in physics with the following stipulations:

Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and GPA of 3.25 in advanced physics courses;
Receive at least a “B” in PHYS 491 , PHYS 472 , and PHYS 342 ; and
Meet all of the requirements of the Texas Tech Graduate School.

Special Offerings for Non-Majors

Physics can help students explore the universe with a telescope, consider the stewardship of creation, think about the influence which science has had on the world, and think about the relationship between science and religion. The Department of Engineering and Physics has courses for non-majors, which explore each of these areas. PHYS 101 - Astronomy , uses telescopes to look at the universe. PHYS 378 - History and Philosophy of Science , and PHYS 379 - Philosophy, Religion and Science , both explore the relationship between science, religion, literature, social science and the arts. PHYS 203 - Physical Science for Teachers is specifically designed to help preservice teachers prepare for a career in education. These courses will satisfy university general education requirements.

Engineering

Abilene Christian University offers a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Engineering which is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (www.abet.org). ACU also offers BS degrees in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

General Departmental Requirements

Engineering majors must develop mathematical skills as well as design, experimental, and computational abilities. If the student does not qualify to take Precalculus II (MATH 124) when the student enters ACU, his or her graduation may be delayed.

Program Educational Objectives

Each of the ACU engineering programs (BS in Engineering, BS in Civil Engineering, BS in Electrical Engineering, and BS in Mechanical Engineering) strongly support the university’s mission of educating students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. In support of the university mission and in response to the needs of program constituents, the Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) for each program are that within a few years of graduation:

Alumni are succeeding in engineering practice or other diverse fields that value analytical problem solving and professional practice skills.
Alumni are engaging in life-long learning that builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired in their undergraduate education through graduate study, career-specific training, or other professional training.
Alumni are glorifying God through thoughtful integration of work and life, facilitating service to others through their profession.

Student Outcomes

In each of the engineering programs, the following student outcomes will prepare ACU engineering students to attain the program educational objectives:

an ability to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics
an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors
an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts
an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives
an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Study Abroad Expectations

All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad program. The department offers study abroad experiences for Engineering and Physics students in Leipzig, Germany and Honduras. Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site. Academic advisors from Central Advising can assist students in planning ahead for their Study Abroad experience and should be consulted during the freshman year.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Minor

Courses

Physics

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