Engineering and Physics

Jess Dowdy, Chair
ACU Box 27963
Abilene, Texas 79699-7963
Foster Science Building, Room 353

Phone: 325-674-2165
Fax: 325-674-2146
Email: jtd10al@acu.edu
Web: http://www.acu.edu/engineering-physics

Faculty

Robert Brown, Assistant Professor
James Cutbirth, Adjunct Professor
Michael Daugherity, Associate Professor
Jess Dowdy, Professor and Department Chair
Tim Head, Associate Professor and Executive Director of Physics
J. Darby Hewitt, Assistant Professor and Executive Co-Director of Engineering
Lori Houghtalen, Assistant Professor
Donald Isenhower, Professor
Larry Isenhower, Assistant Professor
Rich Jinkerson, Associate Professor
Tim Kennedy, Assistant Professor and Executive Co-Director of Engineering
Paul Edwin Morris, Professor
Michael Ervin Sadler, Professor
Ray Smith, Engineering Lab Supervisor
Matthew Steele, Assistant Professor
Rusty Towell, Professor
Joshua Willis, Associate Professor

The Department of Engineering and Physics offers two different Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) degree. The BS degrees are awarded for majors in Physics and Physics and Math Teaching. The Physics major has five tracks: Physics (PHYS), Engineering Science Technology (PHYA), Engineering Physics (PHYN), Medical Physics (PHYM) and Computational Physics (PHYC). The BSE degree is awarded for the Engineering major. The engineering program 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 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. These courses will satisfy university general education requirements.

Study Abroad Expectations

All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad program. 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

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Engineering, BSE (ENGR)

Minor

Courses

Philosophy

Engineering

Physics