About the Major
Physics is known as the most fundamental of all sciences:
it encompasses both the life sciences and the physical sciences. Physics
is to the present what natural philosophy is to the past: it is at
the root of every field of science. Physics is a study of matter and
energy which underlies the study of all natural phenomena from subnuclear
particles, atoms, and molecules, to stars and galaxies. Its principles
and concepts are embodied not only in other sciences such as biology,
chemistry, astronomy, and geology, but find practical applications
in engineering, medicine, and all areas of modern technology. Physics
today offers an unlimited scope of study and career opportunities
in such areas as electronics, atomic, nuclear, and sub-nuclear physics,
solid-state and low-temperature physics, optics, acoustics, relativity,
quantum electronics, astrophysics, biophysics, and chemical physics,
as well as a whole range of applied technology fields.
The Physics major is designed to offer students a broad theoretical
and practical background providing a pivotal point for its graduates
either to enter graduate school for further study and research or
to pursue a professional career in private industry, government, or
teaching.
Advanced course offerings provide experience in electronics; mechanics,
thermodynamics, electromagnetic theory and optics; relativity, atomic,
and quantum theory; nuclear, sub-nuclear, and solid state physics;
and computer science.
The faculty encourages and supports independent undergraduate research
projects in computer studies, electronics, alternate energy sources
and technologies, and optics. Facilities include well-equipped laboratories
in electronics, advanced physics, computer science, instrumentation,
optics, and a machine shop.
Majors in Physics are encouraged to take more than the minimum Requirements
of the Major and to consider additional courses in microprocessors,
computer modeling, energy system design, and mathematics, depending
on their particular interests. There are also opportunities through
cooperative education for students to gain credit and work experience
in local industrial and research laboratories.
The major is offered by the School of Theoretical and Applied Science
and leads to a B.S. degree. |
