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Robert N. Eisenson, Chair eisensonr@wcsu.edu Science Building 277, Midtown Campus (203) 837-8989 (203) 837-8320 (fax)
James P. Boyle, Associate Chair boylej@wcsu.edu Science Building 273, Midtown Campus (203) 837-8856 (203) 837-8320 (fax)
Merisa Williams, Department Secretary williamsm@wcsu.edu Science Building 324, Midtown Campus (203) 837-8669 (203) 837-8320 (fax)
Full-Time Faculty/Staff R. Eisenson, Chair J. Boyle, Associate Chair D. Dawson G. Lessor A. Owino
Part-Time Faculty M. Coleman P. Garbarino A. Eidelson A. Rodriguez
Overview The goal of the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Meteorology is to provide students the opportunity to understand the physical laws governing the universe. The fundamental relationships between energy and matter are studied, from the age of the ancient scientists through the eras of Newton and Einstein and up to the present day. Applications are made to the fields of astronomy, earth and planetary sciences, electronics, engineering, meteorology and to the many branches of physics, from classical mechanics to quantum nuclear physics. In addition to experiencing practical applications of the laws of nature, students develop an understanding of the role of science and technology in contemporary society.
Mission Consistent with the university’s mission to serve as an accessible, responsive, and creative intellectual resource for the people and institutions of Connecticut, the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Meteorology endeavors to provide a complete and current education in the principles and applications of physics, astronomy, earth and planetary sciences and meteorology, in ways that accommodate the students’ backgrounds and career objectives.
Objectives To accomplish this mission, the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Meteorology:
Programs in Physics, Astronomy and Meteorology
Major Degree Programs
Bachelor of Arts Earth and Planetary Sciences
Bachelor of Science Meteorology
Minor Programs
Astronomy Earth and Planetary Sciences Meteorology Physics
Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Planetary Sciences (B.A.)
The earth and planetary sciences degree gives the student both a broad and detailed working knowledge in the major areas (astronomy, geology, meteorology, oceanography) of the earth and planetary sciences. This is accomplished through experiential and inquiry-driven learning, exposure to current research topics, the use of modern equipment and guidance in experimental techniques by experienced faculty. Emphasis is on well-defined and frequently assessed performance goals such as critical thinking and mastery of concepts, and on the development of marketable skills including: project design and reporting, and the use of modern programming languages and software, instrumentation and methods of data analysis. Research experiences are available through student-faculty collaborations and internships in astronomy, meteorology, oceanography and planetary sciences.
Requirements
Students must complete all university general education requirements, the courses and credits listed below and additional free electives to total a minimum of 120 semester hours, including exercise science and foreign language. To fulfill the natural sciences, mathematics and computer science requirements for the B.A. Earth and Planetary Sciences degree, students must take General Chemistry 110/111 (8 SH) and MAT 171 or 181 (Calculus I) in addition to the major requirements listed below.
Major Core Courses (46-47 SH))
ES 110 Physical Geology AST 150 General Astronomy MTR 150 Meteorology PHY 110, 111 General Physics I & II MAT 182 Calculus II CS 140 Introduction to Programming or CS 143 Visual Basic ES 210 Introduction to Physical Oceanography AST 231 Introduction to Planetary Sciences EPS 331 Practicum in Earth and Planetary Sciences Research AST 405 Planetary Physics EPS 450 Senior Research in Earth and Planetary Sciences Major Elective Courses (12 SH minimum) PHY/ENV 136 Energy CS 170 Computer Science: Language I CS 205 or higher course (CS 166 or CS 200 with approval) EPS 220/221 Seminar in Earth and Planetary Sciences (may be taken twice in different semesters) MTR 440 Atmospheric Physics and Remote Sensing EPS 490 Advanced Topics in Earth and Planetary Sciences Sample Four-Year Sequence Earth and Planetary Sciences Major Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year
Course Restrictions
For a complete list of prerequisites, co-requisites and other restrictions for all courses, please consult the Course Description section of this catalog.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of their studies in Earth and Planetary Sciences:
Bachelor of Science in Meteorology (B.S.)
The meteorology degree provides its students with a broad background of fundamental skills in meteorology, mathematics, computer science, earth science, physics and chemistry and allows them to enter professional employment in both public and private sectors. A student completing the B. S. Meteorology degree will have the necessary expertise and have met requirements to seek employment with the National Weather Service or other government agencies, apply for graduate school in the physical and environmental sciences, and get jobs with a wide range of private sector employers who value students with a solid, quantitative science degree. The B.S. Meteorology degree can also be an excellent background for students choosing to further their education in business or other professional graduate schools. Students who choose the Broadcast Meteorology option will also get media experience producing and performing on-camera television weathercasts in our department TV studio or on the local cable television system as a member of The WestConn Weather Team, our student broadcast meteorologists. We have an impressive record of placing graduating students in on-camera meteorologist positions. Paid undergraduate research assistantships are available for qualified students with our faculty. Practical experience is available to students through paid employment or volunteering in the Meteorological Studies and Weather Center. Requirements
Students must complete all general education requirements, core courses in mathematics and computer science, physics, astronomy, earth/planetary sciences and meteorology to total a minimum of 120 semester hours. Students may choose an additional option in broadcast meteorology.
For a complete list of prerequisites, corequisites and other restrictions for all courses, please consult the Course Description section of this catalog.
Meteorology program students may obtain a minor in mathematics with substitution of MAT 222 Introductory Statistics for MAT 120 Elementary Statistics, acceptable grades in MAT courses and approval from the MAT department. MAT 222 is an acceptable substitution for MAT 120 for graduation and for prerequisite requirements.
Sample Four-Year Sequence Meteorology Major
Freshman Year
Learning Outcomes At the completion of their studies in meteorology:
Minor in Astronomy Nineteen semester hours of astronomy or physics courses. Advisement must be through the department Chairperson.
Minor in Earth and Planetary Sciences Twenty semester hours of courses noted as earth science or earth and planetary sciences. Advisement must be through the department Chairperson.
Minor in Meteorology Twenty-one or 22 semester hours of meteorology courses. Advisement must be through the department Chairperson.
Minor in Physics Twenty semester hours of physics are required, including PHY 110, 111, General Physics (Calculus) I & II and 12 semester hours by departmental advisement. In most cases these 12 credits additional credits include PHY 136 and PHY 170.
Program in Engineering Technology at Central Connecticut State University Students are advised of an accredited engineering and engineering technology program leading to a bachelor’s degree at Central Connecticut State University. For further information, review the CCSU catalog.
