The physics curriculum, which is not a major, provides introductory physics courses for students in science majors, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Pre-Veterinary and pre-professional programs in health-related careers. An astronomy course and physical geology are also offered for general interests and to meet the science requirement.

In all physics courses, except those offered to meet the science requirement, a large amount of lecture time is spent to teach students how to think critically and independently toward physics problems so they are able to proceed with the solution.  The emphasis is more on the development of conceptual reasoning rather than merely the mathematical manipulations.  This leads students to a greater degree of confidence and a true mastery of the subject.

Laboratory work allows students to investigate physics concepts through hands-on experiments, which result in a better understanding of the concepts. Laboratory courses also provide students with an opportunity to work as a team.

The supporting physics courses for the Health Professions programs/majors are designed not only to meet the standards of an introductory physics course, but also to provide students with applications of particular physics concepts to human body. Since these courses are sufficiently challenging, they also serve as a part of the 'selecting procedure' for acceptance into the Health Professions programs.

The calculus-based physics courses explore physics concepts with more depth and rigor than those in the algebra-based. In addition, employing calculus allows students to solve a wider range of variety of physics problems.
In the last few years, SHU does not offer the calculus-based physics courses anymore, due to very low enrollments.

Since Summer 2011, Physics program joined the Chemistry Department, which is housed in the Academic Building, Room SC117.

Any questions related to PY courses lower than PY 100, such as PY 090, PY 055, PY 045, including PYCC 103, should be directed to the corresponding instructor, or to the Chemistry Department:
Tel: 203-371-7793
Fax: 203-371-7888
Email: chemistry@sacredheart.edu

Any questions related to PY courses higher than or equal to PY 100, such as PY 100, PY 105, PY 106, PY 111, PY 112, PY 113, PY 114, but excluding PYCC 103, should be directed to the corresponding instructor, or to:
Marlina Slamet, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Physics
Academic Building, Room SC 101 C
Tel: 203-371-7787
Fax: 203-371-7888
Email: slametm@sacredheart.edu, or physics@sacredheart.edu