Main Office: Fred F. Loock Engineering Center, S-236
Phone: (414) 277-7349
Fax: (414) 277-2878

The Physics and Chemistry Department contributes to the mission of MSOE in two distinctly different ways. The department offers a bachelor of science degree in the dynamic field of chemical and biomolecular engineering, and minors in physics and chemistry. In addition, the department meets the basic science education needs at MSOE by offering all required courses in physics, chemistry, and biology.

The full range of up-to-date experimental facilities in the Physics and Chemistry Department produce a well-rounded laboratory experience for all students. Faculty challenge the curiosity and intellect of students by offering a variety of elective courses. The department strives to become a hub for the development and application of novel molecular and nano-engineering tools, including regulatory pathways and new materials and approaches that are the focus of applied and basic research in industry, academia, and medicine.

Furthermore, the department provides education and expertise in the following areas:

• General and applied physics: focused on preparation for graduate school or personal enrichment by offering a variety of elective courses leading to a Minor in Physics.
• General, organic and biochemistry: focused on preparation for graduate work in science or medicine and leading to a Minor in Chemistry.
• Materials science: complements any engineering education through an in-depth study of new materials and how microscopic properties define macroscopic properties of materials.
• Optics and photonics: optical communication and the extension of electronics to the optical realm. This sequence has a special emphasis option in the Minor in Physics.

Faculty

Chairperson:

Dr. Matey G. Kaltchev

Professors:

Dr. Matey G. Kaltchev, Dr. Nazieh Masoud, Dr. Steven P. Mayer, Dr. Richard R. Mett, Dr. Anne-Marie Nickel, Dr. Robert Olsson, Dr. Serdar Ozturk, Dr. Faisal Shaikh, Dr. Wujie Zhang

Associate Professors:

Dr. Amandeep Arora, Dr. Jung Lee, Dr. Eryn Hassemer, Dr. Vipin Paliwal, Dr. Zachary Simmons, Dr. Adam Wright

Assistant Professors:

Dr. Bailee Barrett, Dr. Margaret Elmer-Dixon, Dr. Lisa Jurgens

Instructors:

Dr. Mitchell Colton, Dr. Heather Eggleston, Ruth A. Schwartz

Adjunct Associate Professor:

Dr. Usha Raut

Adjunct Assistant Professors:

Dr. Michael Navin

Lecturers:

Steve Augustine, Thomas Baker, Gabrielle Grimes

Professors Emeriti:

Dr. Gul Afshan, Dr. James W. Dieball, Dr. Carol B. Diggelman, Dr. Ronald A. Kobiske, Jeffery Korn, Janina Levy, Dr. A. James Mallmann, Dr. Anders H. Schenstrom

Instructor Emerita:

Joyce M. Solochek

Staff

Department Administrative Assistant:

Rebecca McKeown

Technical Support Staff:

De’Jorra Valentin, Dr. Michael Navin, Richard A. Wolter

Physics and Chemistry Department Electives

The department offers a variety of elective courses. The specific courses and number of courses offered in any given term vary depending on enrollment and student interest. A tentative list is provided below.

2025-26

Fall
CHM 2310  - Biochemistry - 4 credits

CHM 3510  - Advanced Analytical Chemistry - 3 credits

PHY 3530  - Quantum and Modern Physics - 3 credits

PHY 3810  - Introduction to Biophysics - 3 credits

Spring

CHM 2220  - Organic Chemistry II - 3 credits

CHM 2225  - Organic Chemistry II Laboratory - 2 credits

CHM 3710  - Polymer Chemistry - 3 credits

PHY 3600  - Lasers and Applications - 3 credits

SCI 2000  - Sound and Light - 3 credits

SCI 3750  - Nanoscience and Nanotechnology - 3 credits

2026-27

Fall

CHM 2310  - Biochemistry - 4 credits

CHM 3510  - Advanced Analytical Chemistry - 3 credits

PHY 3810  - Introduction to Biophysics - 3 credits

PHY 3910  - Astronomy and Astrophysics - 3 credits

Spring

CHM 2220  - Organic Chemistry II - 3 credits

CHM 2225  - Organic Chemistry II Laboratory - 2 credits

CHM 3710  - Polymer Chemistry - 3 credits

CHM 3850  - Food Chemistry - 3 credits

PHY 2600  - Introduction to Optics and Photonics - 3 credits

PHY 3570  - Introduction to Quantum Computing - 3 credits

SCI 3750  - Nanoscience and Nanotechnology - 3 credits

Programs

• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, B.S.

• Chemistry Minor
• Physics Minor