Physics is the science that describes the behavior of the physical world. It is the most basic of all sciences and as such is responsible for the interpretation of fundamental physical processes which support many other disciplines. Currently physicists conduct research into basic laws of nature also make use of these ideas to design and develop new technologies. Thus, training in physics offers a variety of career opportunities in industrial and governmental research laboratories, academic teaching capacities, financial institutions, computer companies, medical professions, and a host of other areas.
Please see general information about our undergraduate and graduate physics programs.
Undergraduate
The Bachelor of Science program offers several options. Each option is designed to meet the needs of particular group of students although each is flexible enough to avoid to avoid limiting the student to a particular future program.
The general physics option is primarily for students who intend to go on to graduate study in physics. It also satisfies the requirements of industrial and government employers who demand a traditional education in physics.
The applied physics option is intended to provide the diverse kinds of training which are required for a variety of applied fields and still provide the essential understanding of the physical foundations of those fields. It combines a thorough training in fundamental physics with sufficient sufficient flexibility for the student to take courses in other areas such as biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, and mathematics.
The pre-medical physics option is specifically designed for students who wish to go on to medical school. It provides a background enabling the physician to use the full potential of modern medical instrumentation.
Students take a logically-developed sequence of physics courses on a broad range of topics. The introductory sequence uses calculus, and later courses investigate single areas in greater depth, using more advanced mathematics. In advanced laboratory courses the physics student uses sophisticated equipment. Students are also encouraged to join a research team to gain further insight to the world of physics.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers full programs of graduate study leading to M.S.,M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in physics, and is located in a very well equipped modern building with faculty members who take a personal interest in the education and professional development of their students.
These degree programs are designed to provide the student with the broad knowledge and problem solving skills that are needed in order to be a productive physicist in an academic, government, or industrial environment. The programs can accommodate students with varying undergraduate backgrounds and are designed to provide maximum flexibility for individual students. At the doctoral level, specializations are offered in the areas of nuclear physics, high energy physics, condensed matter physics, atomic physics, material science, optics, mathematical physics, quantum field theory, and applied physics.
Faculty members are committed to excellence in research and teaching, and work in open and informal amosphere which allows effective communication between students and advisors. The faculty hold national and international reputations in their areas of specializtion. They organize and participate in conferences, publish extensively, and receive numerous outside grants, contracts, and fellowships. In addition, they engage in many collaborations with scientists in both foreign and American universities and national laboratories.
