Middle Tennessee State University - Midlander Yearbook (Murfreesboro, TN)

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PHYSICS . Down here all mixed up with the Chemistry De- partment is the physics lab — and believe me, don ' t think I didn ' t sweat out many long hours in there! We learned — or at least were supposed to have learned — everything from how to measure the amount of heat that a ton of coal will give off when burned, to how to wire up a radio. And of course there was some simple stuff, like how the atom bomb works and how to measure the speed of light. Douglas Shields is our physics teacher. Not many students hang around for the second and third year courses, but those who do really know something about what makes this world of ours go ' round. Hundreds of dollars are tied up in such equipment as the bomb calori ' meter and the spectrophotometer, and all of it gets a thorough workout every year. In the freshman labs all the students work on the same experiments, but in the advanced courses, each student is assigned a different set of experiments at the beginning of the quarter and at the end he has to report to the rest of the class on the work he has done. HOME EC . Here ' s Home Economics. Both boys and girls enjoy this department, but the girls are the ones who write back after they leave MTSC and tell us what their home economics means to them in everyday life. From the teachers come word of the success they have had in putting on a fashion show and the progress of their students. Many of the graduates do extension work which is a job of rich and satisfying experiences. Some become nutritionists, food chemists, dieticians, or just plain housewives. The husband of the housewife probably appreciates the department more than anyone. You can ' t forget about sewing either, which comes in mighty handy when the boys need the stripes sewn on their ROTC uniforms. A B.S. degree is received at graduation time upon completing this major. The competent women who manage and teach this department are Mrs. Virginia Muncie, Miss Agnes Nelson, and Mrs. Mary Knapp. This beautiful lobby is a part of their careful planning and attention. By the way, in that class we just passed the girls were studying deep fat frying. Above are the instructors in the Home Ec department: Mrs. Mary G. Knapp, Miss Myrtle Agnes Nelson, and Miss Virginia Muncie.

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CHEMISTRY . . Let ' s take a quick excursion through the chemistry department, now housed in the basement. The im- portance of this department could be measured by the record of the graduates who have majored in chemistry. Many of those graduates in the past have received scholarships and fellowships to outstanding universities in the nation. Some have been employed in the labora- tories of Oak Ridge, DuPont, Tennessee Eastman, and other places. Here on your right is the chemistry faculty. The head of the department is Dr. J. E. Wiser (seated), and the assistant professor is C. F. Hull. Among the most important objectives of chemistry students are to pre- pare themselves for high school teachers, as chemists for industry, and to do graduate work in this field. Many others take chemistry as requirements for pre-dental, pre-med, pre-engineering, pre-nursing, and pre-pharmacy. In addition to the excellent physical plant, advanced students have access to the use of special equipment such as the Beckman Spectrophotometer, Photoelectric Calorimeter, and Able Refractometer. Down here in the corner are students at work in the Freshman lab. 4?o tke P u l lUa t6, BIOLOGY . . The third floor is occupied by the Biology Depart- ment, where every freshman is given something of his very own to love, cherish, and work on a frog. This department offers for the student some of the most interesting courses available. In biology a student learns by studying living material. For learning activities this department is well equipped for its work by providing adequate rooms for research, laboratory experiments, and rooms where individual study may be carried on. There are also complete offices for each instructor, and the department ' s museum, which contains various items that form a unique collection and contribute to the overall learning opportunity of the student. Both majors and minors may be secured m biology with the required hours being spent in general courses and specialized study in embryology, field zoology, and field botany. On your left are students at work in a biology lab and here, also, believe it or not, is the faculty at work. They are, left to right; Dr. Fred W. Emerson, Dr. Clifford J. Dennis, J. Gerald Parchment, and Dr. John A. Patten.

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iii Ql Aeltltetic 2 euelafxment . . . MUSIC Hear those vibrant strains of melody pouring forth from that alcove back there? Just listen. And they ' re ama- teurs too! It ' s a well known fact that our music depart- ment is one of the best and can hold its own among schools of comparable size anywhere. We always tease the music students about burying themselves in their own little wing, but we all know that in order to produce the finished per- formances that they give, many hours of practice are essen- tial. They ' re finally getting a break though, for the old cafeteria is being remodeled for their own private use. For once they ' ll not be squeezed in among horns and drums when they ' re trying to practice for their many excellent recitals. The renovated structure promises to be a haven for them, but it still won ' t be nearly large enough for their ever expanding enrollment. The department has really grown; in fact, it seems as if every student at one time or another takes some music course. Before a student earns his elementary certificate he must have an introductory course in the fundamentals of music. You ' d never guess it, but I, who know little if any- thing about music, beat a path to that auditorium every time one of the seniors gives his recital. Fine? It ' s nothing but the best! Under the direction of Mr. Neil Wright, who is as- sisted by seven other faculty members, students receive private lessons, class instruction, have band, an orchestra, and a chorus. Along with these organizations, there are the Harp Singers, the Trio, and the honorary society. Pi Mu Sigma. That ' s a pretty full schedule for any depart- ment and It really keeps the students and the instructors on their toes. Come to think of it, they also have a group of students who have their own dance band, the Towns- men, and how I do love to shake a leg to its haunting strains of music. Of course, I ' ve been carried away with myself and the many happy hours the music department has given me, so let me continue. A major is offered in music and the de- partment turns out a multitude of excellent music teachers and some outstanding professional musicians each year. One of the main products of the department is the magnificent 80-piece marching band, shown performing here at the Florence State football game. The faculty is shown above: First Row: Mary Dillon Scott, Helen Trivett, Margaret Wright. Second Row: Rubye Taylor Sanders, E. May Saunders. Third Row: Neil H. Wright, George Kuhnert, Philip Howard. jM.