Welcome to the Department of Physical Sciences at Perimeter College, where students explore the complex and fascinating worlds of chemistry, physics and other science streams. As a Physical Science student, you will build a strong foundation for further study in high-demand fields ranging from health care and medicine to engineering and computer science.
Members of our faculty partner with faculty in other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields to bring STEM initiatives to our students. Through these initiatives, you can develop the skills and tools needed to succeed in critical and prominent studies and careers. Among the opportunities available are undergraduate research experiences, scientific competitions and student support offerings.
Pathways
The Department of Physical Sciences is passionate about opening the minds of students to the discoveries, exploration and dramatic potential of the world of science. You will learn how physics and chemistry affect everyday living and present possibilities for the future.
Faculty of the Physical Sciences Department, many of whom have won awards for teaching excellence, work closely with you to enhance learning and help you achieve your best.
The department offers two academic pathways: Physics and Chemistry.
Chemistry is the pathway to exciting careers in medical research, biological sciences, nanotechnology, earth and atmospheric sciences, energy, pharmacy, new materials discovery and forensics. Students concentrating on Chemistry may pursue further study and careers in fields ranging from dentistry, food and drug safety and oil and petroleum chemistry to perfume development, pharmaceuticals or soil science.
Physicists design and perform experiments and seek to discover and to explain laws describing the forces of nature. Some physicists study theoretical areas, such as the nature of time and the origin of the universe; others focus on practical areas, such as the development of advanced materials, energy production and use, electronic and optical devices and medical equipment. Students of physics can pursue further study and careers in fields ranging from atomic and molecular physicists medical physicists to stellar astronomers.
Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Perimeter College prides itself on the role it plays in expanding the STEM pipeline by increasing the number of students prepared for and enrolled in STEM studies and by improving student success in those high-demand fields. Our faculty successfully pursue grants to fund innovative initiatives that enhance student learning
MESA: Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) provides support for educationally disadvantaged students so they excel in math and science and graduate with baccalaureate degrees in science, engineering, computer science, and other math-based fields. Through the Perimeter College MESA program, students benefit from academic excellence workshops, academic advising and counseling, assistance with the transfer process to a four-year institution, career advising; summer research and internship opportunities, and connections with student and professional organizations.
Peach State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Scholars Program (PSLSAMP)
Georgia State University’s Perimeter College is one of six institutions in the Peach State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (PSLSAMP). Our goal is to increase the number of underrepresented minority students who complete undergraduate degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The collaborative program includes recruitment and retention initiatives that ease the transition into and through college. The promotion of undergraduate research is a key component of the strategies implemented.
Dunwoody Observatory
Students interested in astronomy can take advantage of the Dunwoody Observatory, a working scientific facility for students. The dome and its telescope, each equipped with powerful motors, rotate as you look at different regions of the sky. The observatory offers telescope viewing by appointment, and the outdoor pad around the observatory dome is available for viewers any time. The observatory also schedules open houses and other events open to the public.
Message from the Department Chair
Welcome to the Department of Physical Sciences at Georgia State University Perimeter College. We are eager to share with you the intriguing lure of science and are committed to excellence in teaching and to serving the Atlanta area. Our department includes more than 40 full-time faculty members and talented adjunct instructors. As a student in the Department of Physical Sciences, you will appreciate the individual attention you receive from our dedicated faculty.
Sincerely,
Dr. Solomon Fesseha
Chair, Department of Physical Sciences
Georgia State University Perimeter College
Campus Contacts
Alpharetta
Dr. Solomon Fesseha
Department Chair of Physical Sciences
Alpharetta Campus
678-212-7523
[email protected]
Leah Beylouni
Admin Coordinator (LES and PS)
[email protected]
770-274-5608
Clarkston
Dr. Michael Nelson
Associate Chair
Clarkston Campus
678-891-3782
[email protected]
Shamin Shah
Administrative Assisstant
Clarkston Campus
678-891-3789
[email protected]
Decatur
Dr. Joann Joyner
Associate Chair for LES ans PS
Decatur Campus
678-891-2641
678 891-2600
[email protected]
Dunwoody
Dr. Glenn Nomura
Associate Chair
Dunwoody Campus
770-274-5062
[email protected]
Ms. Connie Fickenscher
Administrative Secretary
Dunwoody Campus
770-274-5071
[email protected]
Newton
Dr. Michael Sakuta
Associate Department Chair
Newton Campus
770-278-1268
[email protected]
Jill Heft
Administrative Assistant
Newton Campus
770-278-1263
[email protected]
Online
Science (LES and PS) Department
[email protected]
678-212-7577
Online Science Associate Department Chair
Dr. Deniz Ballero
[email protected]
678-212-7567
Testimonials
“I didn’t think it was possible to have a career in science, but the faculty and staff at Perimeter College helped me find my dream career and the path to make it come true. Thanks, Perimeter! I couldn’t have gotten here without you!”
Alexandra Brosius
Perimeter College Alumnas
Doctoral Student and Research Assistant
Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science
Pennsylvania State University
“My high-school chemistry curriculum really didn’t do the subject justice. When I got to Perimeter and started taking chemistry I was worried I’d hate it. Quite the opposite happened. I found the lectures and labs very interesting and engaging, and chemistry became one of the classes I looked forward to each week.”
Joshua Dierberger
Perimeter College Student
Clarkston Campus