Life and Physical
Academic Department
Life and Physical Sciences
Welcome to the multidisciplinary Department of Life and Physical Sciences. Because we recognize that paradigm-shifting discoveries occur at the interface of traditional disciplines in the academy.
Fisk has integrated our natural science departments to provide students with an environment that fosters interdisciplinary thinking. Our department enjoys the diversity of faculty in Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and many of these faculty also work with colleagues across departments and across schools. Our undergraduate students work with creative investigators as well as committed teachers to foster critical thinking and their own independent work. Fisk also hosts MS and MA programs in biology, chemistry, and physics and is a founding co-partner with Vanderbilt University in the nationally recognized Fisk-Vanderbilt MS-PhD Bridge Program.
Welcome Statement
Welcome to the Department of Life and Physical Sciences, the home for Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, and Physics majors. Our department is interdisciplinary and our faculty are teacher-scholars that engage students using the latest pedagogical methods, conduct cutting edge research, and are committed to the development of students in both the classroom and laboratory. Feel free to explore our web pages to learn more. You can contact me or any of the discipline coordinators with any questions you may have. Fisk Forever.
Academic Disciplines
Our disciplines are a part of your transition into higher education which involves being aware that each discipline is a distinct discourse community with specific vocabularies, styles, and modes of communication.
Biology
As the basis for many science-based careers from medicine to lab research, Biology provides students with curricular options that range from the generalized to the specialized, and that prepare them for a wide variety of post-baccalaureate goals.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major provides students with a strong foundation in biology and chemistry followed by the opportunity to focus on particular aspects of these disciplines through electives and undergraduate research
Chemistry
The Chemistry major is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in the physical sciences, and the course work focuses on fundamental chemical and physical systems along with advanced course work in the sub-disciplines of Chemistry.
Physics
At Fisk University, you will develop an understanding of the fundamental laws that govern the universe, and a strong foundation of mathematical, analytical, laboratory, and written communication skills. Specifically, you'll gain a thorough quantitative and conceptual understanding of the core areas of physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and statistical physics.