The program in physics is designed to enable a major to graduate with a sound and thorough preparation in fundamental physics. The student will be well prepared for employment in a variety of careers, professional school admission, and for subsequent graduate study in physics or an allied field.

In the basic courses, the student will learn to apply scientific abilities to develop understandings of physical phenomena in the world around them. Students will learn to quantitatively relate hypotheses to measurement and reality and to successfully employ reduction, abstraction, and induction to analyze complex phenomena and problems. They will learn the basic techniques of the scientific method and become familiar with methods to rigorously develop and test scientific ideas experimentally. Students will discover the conceptual usefulness of quantitative theories in collecting, relating, and explaining knowledge and begin to appreciate their predictive power.

Students will learn to apply mathematical methods in physical theory to analyze and become proficient at solving quantitative physical problems.

Students will learn and become familiar with the ideas and methods of Newtonian mechanics and of classical electromagnetism in introductory courses.

They will learn to abstract from an understanding of their surroundings to a less intuitive understanding of the atomic, subatomic, and cosmic. The study of thermodynamic, relativistic, and quantum phenomena will enable our students to actively participate in and contribute to the modern high-tech world. They will acquire the skills required to succeed as engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

Associated laboratory experiences are designed to teach the student to design quantitative experiments and interpret the measured outcomes. Students will learn to understand, measure, and control for statistical and systematic experimental errors. They will learn the basic skills required in any quantitative investigation.

Students will be supported in applying to ongoing research within the department and undergraduate research programs organized or sponsored by the American Institute of Physics and the National Science Foundation.

The physics major is good preparation for premedicine, prebusiness, and prelaw programs. It will provide excellent credentials and background for entrance into professional programs in these fields. Students interested in education will be well prepared to obtain a certification for high school teaching in physics.