Department of Science, Engineering and Mathematics
ADMINISTRATORS
ALFRED B. CAWTHORNE, Chair, Department of Science, Engineering and Mathematics
MARTHA BUCKNER, Director, Nursing Program
ELLEN MUSICK, Coordinator, Nursing Program
JACOB THOMAS, Advisor, Pre-Nursing Program; Lab Manager
FACULTY
RICKEY D. BADLEY, Professor of Chemistry, 2011—
BS, Southwestern Oklahoma State University; PhD, Oklahoma State University.
ALFRED B. CAWTHORNE, III, Professor of Physics and Engineering, 2006—
BS, Eastern Nazarene College; PhD, University of Maryland.
STEPHANIE CAWTHORNE, Professor of Mathematics, 2006—
BS, Eastern Nazarene College; PhD, University of Maryland.
MATTHEW HUDDLESTON, Associate Professor of Physics, 2008—
BA, Greenville College; MSc, Rice University; PhD, Vanderbilt University.
BENJAMIN S. JORGE, Assistant Professor of Biology, 2016—
BA, Rhodes College; PhD, Vanderbilt University.
EWA A. KOWAL, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, 2016—
BS, MS, Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland; PhD, Vanderbilt University.
J. MICHAEL PIGG, Assistant Professor of Mathematics & Director of Developmental Mathematics, 2022—
BS, Lipscomb University; MS, University of Tennessee-Knoxville; MEd, Carson-Newman University; EdD, Lipscomb University.
NYKOLAUS REED, Associate Professor of Biology, 2013—
BS, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University; PhD, Meharry Medical College.
ALISHA J. RUSSELL, Associate Professor of Biology, 2009—
BS, Baker University; PhD, Vanderbilt University.
STEPHEN E. SILLIMAN, Professor of Engineering and Natural Sciences, 2021—
BSE, Princeton University; MS, University of Arizona; PhD, University of Arizona.
SAMUEL K. STUECKLE, Professor of Mathematics, 1996—
BS, Northwest Nazarene University; PhD, Clemson University.
DAVID M. WU, Professor of Engineering, 2018—
BS, National Taiwan Normal University; MS, New York University; PhD, New York University.
Department of Science, Engineering and Mathematics General Information
The following majors are offered by the Department of Science, Engineering and Mathematics: Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Biology, Biology Education, Chemistry, Chemistry Education, General Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Mathematics Education, Nursing, Physics, and Physics Education. This department offers minors in Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics, General Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mathematics. The courses offered are designed to provide a foundation allowing the student to pursue a technical profession, graduate school, or teaching.
The teaching majors are approved by the Tennessee Board of Education and are part of the unit accredited by NCATE.
Biology Major
Mission Statement
The biology major seeks to prepare graduates who have a broad-based understanding of biology, including experimental and analytical laboratory techniques, that will prepare them to succeed professionally and in graduate/professional programs.
Chemistry Major
Mission Statement
The chemistry major strives to develop graduates through a broad-based curriculum that forms an understanding of chemistry from historical, experimental, and theoretical perspectives. Graduates are prepared to assume roles as leaders in the chemical industry or to further their studies in graduate/professional programs.
Physics and Applied Physics Majors
Mission Statement
The physics and applied physics majors seek to prepare students with a foundational knowledge of analytical thinking, data collection and analysis, and experimental skills. This knowledge is coupled with acquiring understanding of the fundamental laws of the physical universe in a nurturing Christian environment. Development of the whole person for leadership and/or service roles is emphasized.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates with Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Applied Physics Majors will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts and principles in the major.
- Apply knowledge and skills in experimental and analytical techniques including health and safety precautions for laboratory procedures.
- Clearly communicate scientific information both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in use of computers and related technology for applications in collecting, analyzing, and reporting data and in making presentations.
- Apply analytical and critical thinking to solving problems related to the major and to promote lifelong learning.
- Apply Christian principles to ethical and moral issues related to their major.
General Science Major
Mission Statement
The general science major seeks to prepare graduates who have a breadth of basic knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics including laboratory techniques.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a General Science major will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts and principles in biology, chemistry, and physics according to the levels of courses completed in each subject area.
- Apply knowledge and skills in experimental and analytical techniques including health and safety precautions for laboratory procedures.
- Clearly communicate scientific information both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in use of computers and related technology for applications in collecting, analyzing, and reporting data and in making presentations.
- Apply analytical and critical thinking to solving problems related to at least two of the areas of biology, chemistry, and physics and to promote lifelong learning.
- Apply Christian principles to ethical and moral issues related to biology, chemistry, and/or physics.
Electrical and Computer Engineering Major
Mission Statement
The electrical and computer engineering major seeks to prepare graduates with a total learning experience by exposing the student to the entire spectrum of electrical and computer engineering within a caring Christian environment. To prepare students with a strong technical foundation for entering the global workforce, seeking advance education, and serving within their communities, motivated by Christian ideas.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates with an Electrical and Computer Engineering major will be able to:
- Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- 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
- 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
- Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Applied Mathematics Major
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates with an Applied Mathematics major will be able to:
- Understand and construct mathematical proofs.
- Solve significant problems in a field integral to both the scientific and mathematical foundations appropriate to their major using contemporary mathematical methods and appropriate technology.
- Clearly express mathematical ideas in writing.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive view of mathematics.
Mathematics Major
Mission Statement
The mathematics major seeks to prepare graduates who are competent in reasoning and problem solving skills that will prepare them for success in technical professions and in graduate studies.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a Mathematics major will be able to:
- Understand and construct mathematical proofs.
- Solve significant problems using mathematical methods and appropriate technology.
- Clearly express mathematical ideas, both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive view of mathematics.
Mission statements and student learning outcomes for Biology Education, Chemistry Education, Mathematics Education, and Physics Education are in the Teacher Education Programs section of the Catalog.