The program in physics is designed to enable a major to
graduate with a sound and thorough preparation in fundamental physics. The
student is prepared for subsequent graduate study in physics and for employment
in physics or an allied field at a level commensurate with a good undergraduate
physics background.In the basic courses the student will learn to apply logical
reasoning to better understand physical phenomena in the world around them.
Students will learn to quantitatively relate hypothesis 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 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 in
upper-level courses will enable our students to actively participate in and
contribute to a 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.
On a competitive basis, interested and qualified students
will have the opportunity to participate in ongoing research within the
department and in undergraduate research programs organized or sponsored by the
American Institute of Physics and the National Science Foundation.
The physics major will prepare for undergraduate programs or
selected coursework in the areas of premedicine, prebusiness, and prelaw. It
will provide excellent credentials and background for entrance into
professional programs in these fields. Students in the field of education will
be able to obtain a certification for high school teaching in the area of
physical science.
